More About NO DAPL

Do you remember when we did a petition drive and made signs because we agreed that we wanted to "Stand with Standing Rock" because the NO DAPL movement was important and we wanted to be part of it? 

We talked a lot about solidarity and  non-violent resistance. Some of us even went up to Standing Rock to join in the prayers and to protect the water and the Earth.

Now, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has issued an "Urgent Call to Action." They are asking everyone to please send a letter to the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of an official process. 


They want to get 102,400 letters sent in. As of tonight, they already got 78,485!

The official process they are using is called "submitting a Public Comment." The Corps of Engineers will look at how many letters are sent. They will look to see if the letters are for or against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

"Public" means "the people." The Corps of Engineers will look at what we (the public) think might happen if the pipeline is built. 

The EIS is part of a decision-making process.

The public comment process is part of the Environmental Impact Statement that is now being done. The Environmental Impact Statement is also called EIS. It is a big investigation to try to find out if finishing the DAPL will be safe for the environment or not. The EIS report will be used as the US Government makes a decision.

The public comments are only allowed until February 20.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe would like your opinion.

Here is a link to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's page for sending in your comments.

if you decide to do this:

• You will need to give your address and name.
• If you are under 18, you will need to check with your parent or guardian before you put your name and address on the website.
• You will need to write a short note telling why, in your opinion, it is important for the DAPL to be stopped.
• They are mostly interested in why it is not safe for Earth or why it is not safe for people.
• You can use the words we have learned about: Mni Wiconi (Water is Life) and Maka Ina (Mother Earth) if you want to.
• You can also talk about why DAPL is bad for the sacred sites near the digging area.

Here is a link to a newspaper article from the Indian Country Media Network if you want to learn more about why making a public comment will be important.

You can share this information with others. 

And, of course, you are free to choose to do this, or not to do this. It is totally up to you!