Written by Peter Clay, who represents Citizens Climate Lobby in the Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition
On April 1st, following a more than twenty mile horseback ride from tribal headquarters in Fort Yates on the Standing Rock Reservation, members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, and other Northern Plains tribes established the Camp of the Sacred Stones at the confluence of the Cannonball and the Missouri Rivers.
The purpose of the Spirit Camp is to demonstrate the fierce resistance of the Lakota, Dakota, and allied tribes to the construction of the Dakota Access Bakken Pipeline, which the camp is meant to block.
The pipeline is planned to go underneath the two rivers not far above the water intake where the Standing Rock Sioux tribe draw their drinking water from the Missouri River. The pipeline is an existential threat to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and everyone living downstream.
Spirit Camp Pipeline Fighters Photo: Peter Clay
LaDonna Brave Bull Allard provided the site for the camp. LaDonna is the Section 106 Coordinator for the Standing Rock Tribal Historic Preservation Office. She showed me a map with many dozens, perhaps hundreds, of cultural, historic and sacred sites that are in harm’s way if this pipeline is built.
In a press release for the allied tribes on March 29th, media contact staffer Dakota Kidder wrote: “We ask that everyone stands with us against this threat to our health, our culture, and our sovereignty. We ask that everyone who lives on or near the Missouri River and its tributaries, everyone who farms or ranches in the local area, and everyone who cares about clean air and clean drinking water stand with us against the Dakota Access Pipeline!”
In response, Iowans who are joined together as the Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition (BPRC) were inspired to offer support for the Spirit Camp.
Joye Braun leading nonviolent direct action training in Des Moines on April 23rd Photo: Peter Clay
On April 24th, one day after Joye and Floyd Braun from Eagle Butte, South Dakota led a well attended and inspiring nonviolent direct action training in Des Moines, I began my journey to North Dakota. My car was filled with non-perishable food, a new chain saw (with extra chain and related supplies) as well as a wood maul and sundry other items that had been asked for. The BPRC, along with some of my friends, donated all of this. Driving for the first time across the vast and dramatic landscapes of what white people (wašícu in the Lakota language) call North and South Dakota, I was struck by the beauty of the land and haunted by what I know of its history.
The opportunity to contribute to the creation of the Spirit Camp community was a rich experience.
Tribal Elders Leading Ceremony Outside Grand River Casino Prior to Meeting with US Army Corps Col. Henderson Photo: Peter Clay
My arrival was warmly welcomed, the supplies were gratefully received and I enjoyed four days sojourning at the camp, despite cold and rainy weather. Listening respectfully to the Lakota people living at or visiting the Spirit Camp each day gave me a new respect for the First Nations of North America and for their values, cultures and deep reverence for the earth. I was changed and challenged in many ways and I continue to reflect upon my experience.
It was a privilege to represent Iowans standing in solidarity with the courageous Northern Plains tribes against the pipeline. My plan is to return again. Other Iowans are encouraged to visit too. We are much stronger together!
Please support the efforts of our friends at the Sacred Stone Camp.
Confluence of Cannonball and Missouri Rivers from Spirit Camp Photo: Peter Clay