In what could be a huge blow to the effort to stop construction of the North Dakota Access Pipeline, The Army Corps of Engineers issued an eviction notice last Friday to thousands of protesters at the Oceti Sakowin Camp in Standing Rock, ND. In a bid to force DAPL opponents out of the area Col. John Henderson cites violent clashes with security, and the safety of protesters and law enforcement in the area as the reason for the notice.
Col. Henderson's notice reads: "This decision is necessary to protect the general public from the violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officials that have occurred in this area, and to prevent death, illness, or serious injury to inhabitants of encampments due to the harsh North Dakota winter conditions. The necessary emergency, medical, and fire response services, law enforcement, or sustainable facilities to protect people from these conditions on this property cannot be provided. I do not take this action lightly, but have decided that it is required due to the concern for public safety and the fact that much of this land is leased to private persons for grazing and/or haying purposes as part of the Corps’ land management practices.”
“The only violence happening at Standing Rock is coming from the police, national guard, and private security companies.” - Sierra Hudson
I was puzzled by Col. Henderson’s reasoning. While public safety, and the safety of law enforcement officials is obviously a priority, I have yet to see anything in the news about protesters instigating violence. Henderson also cites “the harsh North Dakota winter” as a reason for concern. Considering that people have lived in these kinds of conditions for many thousands of years, the cold, when properly prepared is of minor concern. The more pressing issue is hypothermia.
Now, it is not my intention to advocate for or against the pipeline, but I will always stand up for human rights. Frankly, Col. Henderson’s reasoning seems flawed; If public safety is the main issue, perhaps it would be more effective to express concern for those who are being sprayed with water in temperatures that could easily induce hypothermia? It would be fair to assume that Col. Henderson has little control over the actions of law enforcement in the area, but it still seems like a human rights issue is being overlooked by authorities. We’ve seen this kind of action before many times, none more prevalent than the civil rights marches that took place in the sixties.
“Your voice matters in this country, and when we unite in solidarity, we can make tremendous changes.” - Sierra Hudson
I spoke again with Ms. Hudson, this time about what she experienced during her time at Standing Rock to try to gain a better understanding of exactly what is happening there.
Matt Palmer: Colonel Henderson of the Army Corps of Engineers cites protection for the general public and law enforcement personnel due to violent confrontations as the reason for the eviction notice. Did you experience violence at Standing Rock?
Sierra Hudson: No. There were no water protectors physically engaging with law enforcement or security. The only violence happening at Standing Rock is coming from the police, National Guard, and private security companies. The main principle at Standing Rock is to stay peaceful. The only actions taking place on the front lines by water protectors are ceremonies of peaceful prayer.
MP: What about communication? Is that something that is happening between the two groups?
SH: There was minimal verbal communication, and from a distance. Law enforcement were spraying water protectors with hoses in freezing temperatures. They are also agitating the water protectors, laughing, spraying people with water, and using vulgar language.
MP: How cold is it there?
SH: It’s very cold. Freezing.
MP: How did you stay warm? How are people getting through the nights?
SH: You dress appropriately, wear lots of layers. It’s definitely very cold at night, especially in tents.
MP: What kind of resources are there for people at Standing Rock?
SH: There are many resources available, but it is asked that water protectors try to be self-sufficient. There are several kitchens serving meals at scheduled times, a medical center is available twenty-four hours a day. They provide physical and mental support. There is also a donation center open during the day if you need supplies like clothes, toiletries, or minimal camping supplies.
MP: What about personal hygiene, how are people taking care of themselves at Standing Rock?
SH: There are portable showers that people have brought. RV’s equipped with toilets, kitchens and showers, and there is a casino about a mile away that some people are using. Medics are also always close by, and there are hand warmers and space blankets available.
MP: How are people dealing with being cold and wet when they get sprayed with the hoses?
SH: Blankets are provided, and there are bonfires made with donated wood. The main priority with people in that situation is to get them warm and dry as soon as possible.
MP: What else did you see at Standing Rock? Is there anything that stands out that you’d like to talk about?
SH: What I witnessed was just a really beautiful coming together of people from all over the country, and the world. People are giving hugs all the time, everyone is very respectful and loving. And they’re hard at work, you know? There’s a set schedule. Everybody gets up at six-thirty and gets going with different tasks.
MP: For people who didn’t read the first article, how would you recommend people get involved?
SH: If you can go to Standing Rock, go! If you can’t, there are many ways to get involved. Participate in the bank exit. Pressure the many sheriff's departments sending deputies to Standing Rock to stop by calling or writing letters. Donating money is a big one. They always need money to take care of the legal support team and supplies for the camp. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take action and put yourself out there. Your voice matters in this country, and when we unite in solidarity, we can make tremendous changes.
Since the time of writing:
Two-thousand veterans are scheduled to arrive to support the peaceful protest this weekend. This seemingly couldn’t have come at a better time. Ms. Hudson expressed to me that the main need at Standing Rock right now is more people. Coast Guard veteran and spokeswoman for Veterans Stand for Standing Rock, Ashleigh Jennifer Parker stated, “We want to offer them a moment of peace and, if we can, take a little bit of pressure off.
With regard to the treatment of protesters at Standing Rock Parker stated, “They're spraying people, even old women, and other elders of the tribe with tear gas and pepper spray and all of this is just unconstitutional. I can't believe the media hasn't taken more of an interest in this.” Whatever your opinion of the pipeline may be, unethical treatment of individuals engaged in peaceful protest is an issue that should not be ignored. If you feel that you would like to get involved, follow the links at the bottom of this article to learn more about the many ways in which you can stand with Standing Rock.
Defund DAPL
Water Protector Legal Collective
Donate to the Oceti Sakowin Camp
Get in touch with Sierra Hudson
Call Obama to deny easement: (202) 456-1111
Photographs courtesy of Brandon Salimi and Sierra Hudson
*UPDATE: since the date of writing this article, progress on the pipeline has been halted. The Army Corps of Engineers denied easement and will likely re-route the pipeline. A huge victory for The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all who took part in opposing the project
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