Many in the Cobbler family were watching the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline very closely, and they were surprised to learn that the protesters had succeeded.
On December 4, The US Army Corps of Engineers denied the permission for the Dakota Access Pipeline to build through its currently planned route, which has caused a lot of reactions from around the world and especially from the Standing Rock Reservation.
According to RT.com, Standing Rock chairman Dave Archambault II has issued a statement expressing his gratitude to the Obama Administration for the “historic decision” to re-reroute the pipeline. This is a massive win for the Sioux tribe that has gained huge support in recent weeks. The pipeline was going to pass through North Dakota’s Lake Oahe, which is sacred to the Standing Rock tribe. The tribe had concerns that the pipeline would threaten the community’s drinking water and would also damage sacred sites. The tribe’s chairman paid thanks to the “millions of supporters around the world” and they are looking forward to celebrating their victory with their families in the coming days.
The pipeline decision has the Central High School community stunned, especially the mentors of the Ateyapi Program. Stephanie Eare, an Ateyapi mentor, was speechless when she heard the pipeline was denied. “When I first heard it was denied, I was surprised and happy,” she said. “I was emotional with tears of joy. I think the power of prayer and the people being there helped them win the battle. I read a quote on Facebook that said, ‘The black snake is dead not the people.’ I have been watching it every day on Facebook and I’m thankful that we have social media. Because all of the things that have happened to those people are on video and it shows the horrible side of Morton County. I think what made them change their mind was, it got all of the world’s attention plus all of the veterans were there. Obama’s term is ending and I think he finally woke up and realized he needed to do something about it. Because his voice is powerful.”
“Every day I’ve been watching it and I was up there a couple of times. I think the pressure of the supporters, veterans, actors, and musicians made them change their mind about it.”
Kara Condon, another Ateyapi mentor, was thrilled when she heard the news. “I screamed and cried when I first heard about it,” she said. “I felt good because it showed the U.S. that we are strong and we are here.”
Whitney Recountre, coordinator for the Ateyapi program, was surprised about the news. “I think they made the right decision,” he said. “Because we hoped it would go to a place where it’s not affected, and that’s a big step. Every day I’ve been watching it and I was up there a couple of times. I think the pressure of the supporters, veterans, actors, and musicians made them change their mind about it.”
These Cobblers and others will be watching closely to see what happens next in the #DAPL conflict.
Photo from Joe Brusky on Flickr
The Pine Needle 