Activism
![Veterans Apologize To Indigenous On Behalf Of U.S. Army At Standing Rock [Watch]](https://i0.wp.com/consciouslifenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Veterans-Apologize-To-Indigenous-compressed.jpg?resize=675%2C240&ssl=1 "Veterans Apologize To Indigenous On Behalf Of U.S. Army At Standing Rock [Watch]")
Hundreds of veterans from across the United States took a knee and begged for forgiveness for crimes committed toward indigenous people in the name of the U.S. military.
The DAPL will no longer be routed underneath a dammed section of the Missouri River that the Standing Rock Sioux tribe says sits near sacred burial ground. Concern for the pipeline’s development also includes the risk it could pose to the Indigenous peoples’ – and future generations’ – water supply.
For supporters who are unable to travel to Standing Rock to stand with the Indigenous water protectors in person, Tara Houska of Honor the Earth urges people to write to President Barack Obama to demand executive action against the controversial pipeline project (see video).
“These catastrophic projects can’t continue, and as citizens of Planet Earth, we can’t allow banks to use our money to fund them,” said Barb Drake, an organizer of the Seattle action, which saw over 100 people calling on Wells Fargo to divest from the project.
As winter approaches, those who have continuously protested for months against the Dakota Access Pipeline are preparing to stay warm as North Dakota temperatures begin to dip well below freezing. Donations such as warm winter clothes, food, and medical supplies have been pouring in from around the country as national support for the protestor’s cause continues to grow. However, one donation from a small community in Oregon has grabbed attention in recent days for its ingenuity and thoughtfulness.
Culture has worked itself into a destructive and frustrating loop, and as the pattern of stress repeats itself, it leads us ever further away from our true nature. Largely cut off from spiritual medicine and deep spiritual experience, we don’t know which direction to turn for inspiration and strength. In order to dig ourselves out of the current trap of destruction the individual must be first healed.
Tribal leaders have now responded to what they termed the Corps’ “direct and irresponsible threat to the water protectors.” The Cheyenne River tribe, who are co-litigants in a lawsuit against the pipeline, sharply rebuked the plan, citing that the area on which the targeted camps lie are Sioux territory per the 1851 Fort Laramie treaty signed by the Sioux and the US federal government.
In the wake of several demonstrations of Islamophobia across the U.S., some people are going out of their way to support and embrace Muslims – and to conquer fear with love. Here are 6 positive actions you should know about.
The event description reads: “Come to Standing Rock Indian Reservation and hold the line with Wes Clark jr, Michael Wood Jr, Tulsi Gabbard and hundreds of other veterans in support of the Sioux nation against the DAPL pipeline. Bring Body armor, gas masks, earplugs AND shooting mufflers (we may be facing a sound cannon) but no drugs, alcohol or weapons.” Clark Jr. was clear he was not looking for violence and that the protest would be unarmed.
NativeNewsOnline reports that Fonda, a two-time Academy Award-winner, will visit the water protectors at the Oceti Sakowin camp as part of a delegation of 50 people from around the country. The intent is to serve a Wopila Feast to thank American Indian water protectors for their courage in defending Mother Earth.
May we have the courage to face this moment with attentive listening. May we have the courage to listen to the stories of people around us and strive to understand “the other.”
Water protectors battling the Dakota Access Pipeline are taking their increasingly urgent fight directly to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, making a final push for the Obama administration to reject the pipeline’s permit before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The free-thinker will always emerge as the winner in a contest against the statist, for, it is the soul who needs no illusions and carries no attachments which can look upon the ashes of ruin and give them credit for being the first signs of new bloom.
Ruffalo continues to raise awareness about the pipeline which the Standing Rock Sioux, other tribes and environmental groups say could threaten water supplies for millions, as it runs through the Missouri River. Not only did he donate a pair of Navajo-made solar trailers which will help power the encampments established to protest the pipeline, he shared live feed from the Standing Rock Panel which has so far garnered almost 270,000 views.
Progressive icon and anti-war activist turned California lawmaker Tom Hayden passed on Sunday at the age of 76. Hayden dedicated his life to peace, social justice, and activism.
