An Update on the Dakota Access Pipeline Protest

An Update on the Dakota Access Pipeline Protest

Recently, the Chieftain Press, and much of the world, has been covering the newest developments in the struggle between Standing Rock Reservation and the big business interests affecting the Dakota Access Pipeline. The members of the Sioux Reservation, their supporters, and fellow tribes are protesting against the placement of oil pipeline on their tribal land. Not only is the pipeline located on the ancestral land, but it poses a threat to the main source of drinking water for the reservation.

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A view of the Oceti Sakowin camp, north of the Cannonball River, where people have gathered to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline.  David Goldman/AP

After a series of clashes between police enforcers and protesters – some even turning violent, a call from the Obama administration was made to halt construction. This was a beneficial new development for the tribes protesting the construction.

It was then reported that the Army Corps of Engineers denied the permit needed for the Dakota Access Pipeline to continue building along the area. This essentially prevents the 1,172 mile pipeline from continuing about a half mile south of the Sioux Reservation.

This comes as a relief to many protesters, who have been fighting for many months, as their voices have finally been heard.

While the struggle for Native-American rights to the land isn’t over yet, this certainly is a large step in the right direction. At the moment, the protesters in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation will be the victor in this long, and well-fought battle.