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DPP STANDING ROCK/ DAPL EVENT A BIG SUCCESS
Hayat wr
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In spite of a short organizing time-frame, and poor weather conditions, 126 people showed up at a solidarity event for the Standing Rock Resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) on February 16, 2017. And everyone left feeling enriched and uplifted because the speakers were pretty incredible! The situation at Standing Rock has reached a crisis point so the event was extremely timely, and people passionately wanted to hear the latest updates, especially from people who had been there.
The Reminder: The event started with a moving video update from Native leader from the Lakota Law Project, Chase Iron yes, reminding us that the struggle has only just begun. Much will depend now on challenges in the court system. They are counting on our backing and support. You can see theVIDEO here.
The Speakers: Wyze Love, urban Native activist, reminded us why we were all there, the importance of water, the contribution this movement by Native people is making for all Americans, and how they are providing a gift to all humanity.Jude Glaubman, member of Water Protector Legal Collective, explained the various legal needs they provide and what a wall of State oppression and legal barriers people onsite are facing, and will continue to face, with impending prison sentences. The Reverend Mariama White-Hammond spoke about the spiritual foundation of the Standing Rock movement and our moral, human responsibility to look after the earth, water and all its creatures. We 
have to start to think in a new way if we are to survive disastrous climate change, fostered by fossil fuels, of which the pipeline is an integral part. Dan Luker, gave a moving account of his journey as a Vietnam Veteran, joining thousands of other veterans, who, inspite of political differences, still hold to the truth that they are committed to protecting Americans from foreign and domestic enemies. Gunning down people with rubber bullets and hosing down women and children is not okay with them.Emmy Rainwalker, a member of Dorchester People for Peace, and a specialist in supporting people who have experienced trauma, spoke alongside her husband Dan Luker. She has been a stalwart support system for Dan, and others at Standing Rock, providing listening, counseling and resources.
have to start to think in a new way if we are to survive disastrous climate change, fostered by fossil fuels, of which the pipeline is an integral part. Dan Luker, gave a moving account of his journey as a Vietnam Veteran, joining thousands of other veterans, who, inspite of political differences, still hold to the truth that they are committed to protecting Americans from foreign and domestic enemies. Gunning down people with rubber bullets and hosing down women and children is not okay with them.Emmy Rainwalker, a member of Dorchester People for Peace, and a specialist in supporting people who have experienced trauma, spoke alongside her husband Dan Luker. She has been a stalwart support system for Dan, and others at Standing Rock, providing listening, counseling and resources.
NEXT STEPS: At the end of discussions, various ideas for action emerged:
· Defunding of DAPL
· Adopting a "Prisoner of conscience at Standing Rock"
· Working for an Indigenous Day instead of Columbus Day in Massachusetts (this could also combine with changing the Massachusetts Seal, which is pretty racist right now)
· Preparing to march on Washington on March 10
· Funding Veterans for Peace who are helping people who have sacrificed a lot to be at Standing Rock; we raised $800 from passing the hat.
· Next step for DPP could be to add our individual contributions so we can raise this amount to an even $1000! Those who didn't get a chance to contribute last night, please contact Emmy.
We will connect with those who have given us their emails on these ideas, and other ideas. Send yours in!
Please send us your ideas too!
If you want to donate to the Veterans Fund, please make out a check to:
Veterans for Peace (put Standing Rock in memo line)
c/o Emmy Rainwalker
8 Carruth St.
Dorchester, MA 02124
Resources and Actions:
Livestreams and videos:
Events
Indigenous People’s March in Washington DC, March 10
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How Will Native Tribes Fight the Dakota Access Pipeline in Court?
On Feb. 8 the US Army Corps of Engineers reversed course and issued an easement allowing the installation of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe in North Dakota. That decision followed a presidential memorandum indicating that construction and operation of the pipeline would be in the "national interest," and set the stage for a final showdown over the pipeline's fate. In response, two Indian tribes, the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux, filed new motions to halt the pipeline's construction and operation. After an initial hearing on those motions, the federal judge on the case allowed construction to proceed but will be considering the tribes' claims before oil will pass through the pipeline under Lake Oahe. That means, unlike the voices of thousands who joined the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in protest against the pipeline, the next chapter of this fight will be argued by a few lawyers in the pin drop silence of a federal courtroom.
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