Indigenous Manitobans show cautious optimism as Dakota Access Pipeline construction halted
Winnipegger Jade Harper had just delivered supplies to the camps at Standing Rock over the weekend when the atmosphere of the camp changed to jubilation and celebration.
On Sunday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released their decision to deny permission for the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline to pass under a reservoir of the Missouri River, north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota.
"I think that there was a sense of probably a little bit of disbelief. I think our relatives down there really needed to hear that," Harper, an Indigenous business owner, said.
The decision came a day before the government's deadline for the several hundred people at the Oceti Sakowin encampment to leave the federal land.
Thousands of people have flocked to the land in North Dakota and Harper was delivering supplies and funds to help them continue throughout the winter. While she wasn't in the camp at the exact time of the announcement, she said she spoke with people who were elated, but said it was a cautious optimism.
"We knew that that wasn't the end of it. That is the reality," she said. "So the camp still requires supplies and still requires support and Winnipeg is doing a really good job of that."
Harper is one of the organizers of the Standing Rock Winter Camp Fundraiser taking place at Fools & Horses coffee shop on Broadway Monday night. All proceeds will be going to Standing Rock.
Harper added that her experience with the water protectors at Standing Rock showed her how important the support is.
"The teepees and all the fires, everything that is really keeping the community together comes on very strong," she said, adding she was greeted by being called sister.
"And as soon as you come in, it is kind of intense in this beautiful way."
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson said it's important to continue standing with Standing Rock.
"It is fundamentally important that we stand with our Brothers and Sisters to the south as they stand to protect water, land and life," she said in a news release.
A delegate of MKO, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Chief Chris Baker, visited Standing Rock earlier this month and presented the MKO flag in a ceremony, the release said.
"Even though the Army Corp of Engineers has denied Dakota Access a key permit, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and People remain vigilant and so will MKO as we continue to stand with them," North Wilson said in the release.
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Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said he felt elation for the "people who have been holding the line.
"It's a moment of reprieve for them, a moment to sit back and reflect upon the efforts of what peaceful and prayerful resistance can do," he said.
"I am very proud of the people there and I am honoured to know some of them who have been back and forth to the camp. "
