There is a key issue that often gets overlooked when discussing Standing Rock or many simply are not aware of it. In fact, we didn't know this until we were at camp and everyone was discussing it, which is the fact that the pipeline was originally proposed to be put 10 miles north of Bismarck, but ultimately was scraped and redirected to where it is now. Why? One reason was stated that the proximity to municipal water supply and concern for contamination to the water supply was at risk. How can they cite this as a reason, yet put the pipeline directly under the Missouri River, which is Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's main water supply? The same concerns exists, do they not? Why is it okay to redirect the pipeline from a mostly white populated area to an area with Native Americans when the risk for contamination remains? This has not been answered by city leaders, by state leaders, nor by the company who owns the pipeline, but it needs to be addressed. With eyes on Standing Rock and Native Americans, I think it is ever important to realize that our indigenous brothers and sisters have been fighting for their rights, for the protection of the land, for the protection of their sacred sites for a long time. This is nothing new for them, the difference is the attention Standing Rock has gotten, which is crucial, but what happens when this is over? Will non-natives move on or will they continue to bring light to the many issues that face them, will the dialog continue? I certainly hope it does because there were many times while at camp, when I was spiritually moved by everyone there and it is something I will forever live with. I simply can't walk away and ignore what continues to happen. And I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to do that - I've reached out to different groups and organizations and hope to be a voice.
I've blogged about our experience a couple times, so I'm not going to repeat my story because this isn't about my story. This is about what is taking place as I type this and what I would like all those fighting this fight to know.
Dear Water Protectors,
There is a feeling at camp that overcomes you, it may come from the great spirit, the various people there united under a cause. You can feel the sense of pride that hovers over the camp, ready to be celebrated. You can feel the momentum of determination that is building and ready to burst open.
I know my words are not much when you are in the depths of this fight, but I want you all to know how courageous you truly are and that even though I'm not there yet, I'm on your side!
You are strong, you are brave and you are fighting a tough fight: corporate greed, and system that has proven to be corrupt. The major media is silent, our highest elected officials remain silent, which speaks volumes, yet your story is out. Although, they want you to feel like you are alone in this fight - with intimidation, with force, with brutality they want nothing more than for you to stop, but the world is watching and the world stands with you. I stand with you, my husband stands with you, my children are with you and we share our experience at Standing Rock, we share why everyone needs to be behind this cause.
On Thursday as the events were unfolding it was emotionally hard for me to watch all of it, I was thinking of the people we met while at camp, were they safe, were they arrested, were they okay? I simply can not comprehend what it must be like to experience it and live it. When we were at camp, the police had not massed to a militarized force. I think of our first night at camp, sitting by the fire talking with young native youths and families and sharing what drew us all to Standing Rock, how we laughed and shared stories of our fears and hopes with the outcome of all of this.
So many emotions overwhelmed me - anger at how this story is sometimes portrayed, how they want to vilify the camp, the water protectors, but I know the truth. It angers me how distorted the law enforcement is right now - they are blinded. How can they as human beings, do what they are doing and think it is okay? It makes me sick to my stomach, the complete disregard and lack of respect.
I fear for so many of you fighting the fight, protecting sacred land and water, the essence of life, but I admire your strength and spirit! You are warriors and through this fight, it has brought so many Native tribes and indigenous groups together - that in itself is something to be celebrated.
I know there are some who don't understand this fight, but I think that is also because many people have lost touch, they don't get the cultural significance of land, of water to indigenous people and the sacredness it holds. I clearly remember my grandfather telling me our ancestors (the Maori) are the guardians of the land and sea and therefore we must give it respect and honor. It is a spiritual bond, all connected.
So, as I was watching one of the live stream feeds, I could hear the chants and calls, but wasn't sure what was happening until the young man on the feed started yelling, "the buffalo nation is coming, the buffalo are coming to protect us" and you could faintly see the many buffalo running. I instantly started to cry - this was a sign and the significance is huge - we are connected.
I stopped watching after that because I knew that I needed to pray and give thanks to all of you water protectors. I went outside - faced Northwest in the direction of North Dakota and sat in prayer and meditation - I prayed for strength and courage for those in the midst of it all. And I prayed the law enforcement find empathy and compassion because it is so evident, they need it. There will come the day, when they will look back at this moment and come to realize how wrong their actions are, and they will ask for forgiveness because right now, they simply don't understand. Blinded by ignorance, blinded by greed and power, but they know in their hearts this is wrong.
I want to be at your side, fighting with you and I hope to return to Standing Rock soon, since I can't be there I've called all the numbers for the White House, the ND Governor's Office, and Morton County Sheriff's office, I've sent many twitter messages to @POTUS, I've been sharing all the posts and have sent donations. We are trying to figure out the details of our return to camp, but in the meantime, know that we are praying for your safety, we are praying for your strength and we are behind you.
"Ko au te wai, ko te wai ko au" I am the water, and the water is me.
Previous blogs
Of fact and fiction and the struggle to piece it all together and Water is Life
