Army denies Dakota pipeline permit, in victory for Native tribes

Record ID: 75926

  • Title: Army denies Dakota pipeline permit, in victory for Native tribes
  • Date: 5th December 2016
  • Summary: NEAR CANNON BALL, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES (DECEMBER 4, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF YOUNG PROTESTER CHEERING FROM ATOP CAR PROTESTER LOOKING DOWN ON CAMP (SOUNDBITE) (English) ADAN BEARCUB, NATIVE AMERICAN AND VETERAN, SAYING: "This lifted my heart. You know, we came down here from Washington State, to support these brave water protectors and we came in yesterday expecting the worst but this is the best news that I've heard forever - best news for Native people, native country, the whole United States - all the people. Water is so precious." (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANNUPA HANSKA LUGER, PROTESTER SAYING: "It's great! You know, we'll remain here, we'll stay vigilant until everything is guaranteed but we're in celebration today. That is for sure." PAN OF CAMP (SOUNDBITE) (English) RORY ERLER WAKEMUP, PROTESTER, SAYING: "Bottom line is the way the United States has screwed over the Native Americans in the past is the same way United States corporations are screwing over everyone now and we have to band together and keep these tar sands in the ground and live sustainably. This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the issues that are affecting our globe, our lives, and our future here . . . everyone's water. So, this is a statement here that we can do it that can spread out." TEEPEES AND CAMPFIRE (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANNUPA HANSKA LUGER, PROTESTER SAYING: "I think this sort of opportunity here, the thing that has happened here is that we've recognized that we have agency. We've given a lot of our power to other entities saying 'please help us; please save us'. But, when we come together as living things, as people, well then suddenly we recognize that we have power and that's what this country was supposed to be built around. That's what we were supposed to be promised from before. So, whoever's president, we're the people. We're the reason. We're the living things here, you know. And, hopefully that will move forward and can be shared. I mean look down the road here, there are lights as far as the eye can see. People have come to this place to recognize that we have agency, we have power and when we come together we recognize that it's easier to share [LUGER INTERRUPTED BY ANOTHER PROTESTER AND KISSED] . . . than to take away, you know? Sharing is so much easier. . . I just got a kiss by that guy. It was easy, I just stood here." CARS QUEUING TO ENTER AND LEAVE CAMP ELDERLY PROTESTER CRYING AS SHE LEAVES CAMP PAN TO LINE OF CARS ENTERING CAMP
  • Embargoed: 20th December 2016 03:03
  • Keywords: Dakota Access Pipeline protest camp
  • Location: NEAR CANNON BALL, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES
  • City: NEAR CANNON BALL, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVA0015BLVCXZ
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has turned down a permit for a controversial pipeline project running through North Dakota, in a victory for Native Americans and climate activists who have protested against the project for several months, according to a statement released on Sunday (December 4).
    The 1,172-mile (1,885-km) Dakota Access Pipeline, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP, had been complete except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River.
    "The Army will not grant an easement to cross Lake Oahe at the proposed location based on the current record," a statement from the U.S. Army said.
    The Standing Rock Sioux tribe, along with climate activists, have been protesting the $3.8 billion project, saying it could contaminate the water supply and damage sacred tribal lands. The protest has garnered support from thousands who have flocked to North Dakota to protest against the completion of the line.
    Protest organizers had for months argued that crossing the Missouri River adjacent to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation presented a danger to their water source. Protests grew over the months, with hundreds of veterans flocking to the camp in recent days to stand against what they say are aggressive tactics from law enforcement.
    News brought relief and rejoicing to the protesters at the Oceti Sakowin camp.
    "This lifted my heart. . . we came in yesterday expecting the worst but this is the best news that I've heard forever - best news for Native people," explained Adam Bearcub, a Native American veteran.
    "It's great! You know, we'll remain here, we'll stay vigilant until everything is guaranteed but we're in celebration today. That is for sure," added Cannupa Luger.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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