#NoDaPL

I've long held the view that if America (the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America) are to advance democracy on the continent, the oppression of the Indigineous people will have to be addressed first. Their voices included, their rights respected, and their relationship to the land preserved. I just received an email, via Moveon.org, from Judith LeBlanc at the Native Organizers Alliance:


Last night, the Morton County Sheriff Department again violated the human rights of those who are standing together in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Law enforcement agencies injured at least 150 peaceful water protectors by firing water cannons in freezing temperatures and by assaulting protectors with concussion grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets.¹

We must ensure that the human rights of everyone standing against the pipeline are protected.

Can you call the following agencies and demand that law enforcement stop violating the human rights of water protectors on Highway 1806 immediately?

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple: 701-328-2200
Morton County Sheriff Department: 701-328-8118 and 701-667-3330
North Dakota National Guard: 701-333-2000

You can say, "I stand with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all water protectors opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline. There is no room in a democracy to use water cannons, tear gas, or rubber bullets against peaceful, unarmed water protectors."

Please, let us know how your call went so we know how many calls we've made together.

We have just weeks until the company overseeing the North Dakota Access Pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, plans to defy federal orders and begin drilling under the river.² The White House must order the Army Corps of Engineers to deny the easement and stop this destruction, and the presence of the water protectors is more important than ever.

It is a difficult time for all of us, but people power, principled alliances, and prayer have brought us this far, and they can lead to protecting the river as we go into the next stages of threats to Mother Earth.

Please, call the following agencies now:

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple: 701-328-2200
Morton County Sheriff Department: 701-328-8118 and 701-667-3330
North Dakota National Guard: 701-333-2000
You can say, "I stand with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all water protectors opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline. There is no room in a democracy to use water cannons, tear gas, or rubber bullets against peaceful, unarmed water protectors."

Please, report your call and let us know what happened.
My heart is full from all the support from MoveOn members like you, groups across the country, and others all over the world. Thank you for standing in solidarity.
Together, we will stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.

With gratitude,
Judith LeBlanc, Native Organizers Alliance

Sources:
1. "Dakota Pipeline: Protesters Soaked With Water in Freezing Temperatures," NBC News, November 21, 2016
http://act.moveon.org/go/6815?t=4&akid=173478.34979214.OUwZUV

2. "Dakota pipeline operator to defy Obama and prepare for final phase of drilling," The Guardian, November 8, 2016
https://act.moveon.org/go/6816?t=6&akid=173478.34979214.OUwZUV