Stanley Mission to Standing Rock: One third of the way
Braving temperatures far below zero, a group of six walkers from Stanley Mission on their way to North Dakota, have put almost 500 km behind them.
Ricky Sanderson and a group of five walkers are hoping to raise awareness about the Standing Rock Sioux’s fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Within the last week, the Army Corps of Engineers has denied an easement which would allow the companies invested in the pipeline to drill underneath Lake Oahe striking a major victory for water protectors. The lake in question provides the Sioux peoples with drinking water, while the greater Missouri River provides to millions.
“These people don’t realize how much they’re taking from Mother Earth,” Sanderson said. “They see all these trees that are being cut down, they see all these pipelines that they’re starting to build… These people don’t realize what’s going on.”
Recently, Tribal Chairman David Archambault II asked those who are not Standing Rock Sioux people to leave Oceti Sakowin, the overflow camp where a majority of water protectors have gathered. This order won’t deter the walkers, who call themselves the Youth Unity Journey for Sacred Waters.