We all know the sorrow and chaos that is coming forth from the situation at Standing Rock, and if you aren’t aware, you may have some research to do. The injustice that is taking place over sacred land and sacred water in North Dakota, during this sacred ‘holiday’ season is NOT acceptable. As a human race, it is our duty to make sure that our voices are heard loud and clear, with respect and peaceful determination.
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of families coming together to express gratitude. What terrible irony that the very land the water protectors stand on was taken from the Native Americans many years ago, who are uniting to fight so nobly for the devastating Standing Rock Pipeline situation. Haven’t we learned our lesson, America? We once stood for freedom… I’d like to think that core is still engrained.
As a peaceful artist, activist, and woman, I recognize this is a huge opportunity, for those on both sides of this ‘fight’ to learn, grow, evolve, and become stronger as a tribe. I only wish I had gotten involved sooner. At first, I thought it didn’t apply to me. Now I realize, as more and more videos surface, that NOW IS THE TIME to stand up and look injustice in the face, any face. The hardest part, is that we may have to show some grace, even in the face of oppression.
I am asking you to strongly consider supporting the Standing Rock movement, even more than you already have. During this Thanksgiving, Christmas time, Hanukkah, New Year, or perhaps it is just another Friday night, whatever you choose to celebrate, please, PLEASE keep in mind all of those who do not get to be with their families during these dark times. Keep in your hearts those who perhaps do not have family to visit, or who don’t have the means to visit them. Please remember that while you may still be out, having fun, drinking merrily, there are still people living in FEAR for their lives.
No doubt, this year has been difficult. The following months may be even more challenging. Guilt trips are a thing of the past, but reality checks are happening every day. Bottom line, if you can’t give money, or can’t actually go to Standing Rock, there are other ways to help:
PICK UP THE PHONE. Of course. Call the North Dakota governor, Jack Dalrymple, and give him a piece of your mind (701-328-2200). Call the Morton County Sherriff’s department (701-328-8118) and the North Dakota National Guard at (701-333-2000 and tell them to stand down. Call the White House at (202-456-1111) or (202-456-1414) and tell president Obama to rescind the Army Corps of Engineers’ Permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline. Call the executives of the companies that are building the Pipeline: Lee Hanse Executive Vice President Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (201-403-6455; Glenn Emery Vice President Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (202-403-6762); Michael (Cliff) Waters Lead Analyst Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (713-989-2404). Call the Army Corps of Engineers and demand that they reserve the permit: (202-761-5903).
Also, you can contact the 17 Banks Funding The Pipeline and withdraw your money! Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank are two of the biggest. “You vote with your wallet, your dollar bill is your ballot” –Wookiefoot
Some of you have already tried calling, and will find that often the mail boxes are FULL. (This is a good thing!) So what else can we do?
The Protectors Alliance is a “unified platform and partnership effort of all signed organizations, skilled workers, producers and individuals from the global festival community. They are working as a Alliance providing solutions in service to solidarity for front line environmental crisis and social justice conflicts.” And chances are, you have a skill or tool that can help.
It’s getting colder. Winterizations for the protectors is a key essential to the success of the action, and right now, you know that local organizations across the country are taking donations of blankets, warm coats, and even water proof scuba gear, etc. Local firewood and food are also in high demand.
Please, consider becoming a conscious ally in this Indigenous movement and showing your support NOW, however that looks for you.
If all that you can do is share a video online to help perpetuate this movement, THEN THANK YOU. Kevin Gilbertt is an excellent online live news source at Standing Rock to follow. Digital Smoke Signals is another good resource. Unicorn Riot has been active as well.
Again, take a look at the Protectors Alliance website and see how YOU can get involved and be useful. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, on so many levels, to make a difference for the better… for all of us. I look at this as not just an opportunity to defend sacred water and land, but to set the standard for how we treat any an all indecencies, whether it be racism, classism, sexism, or environmentalism.
Remember, the next seven generations count on us. It’s a group effort to enlightenment. We will NOT sit by and watch these injustices continue to breed hate. We WILL look this oppression in the eye and PEACEFULLY demand respect, for as long as it takes.
Last week I visited an old friend, and we communed in our own version of prayer for the waters and fires that are disrupting any flow in this world. For that above and so below. For the waters inside our bodies and inside pipelines. A prayer for understanding and compassion, that if we can’t stop this “Black Snake”, that perhaps one day the pipes being built one day may be useful and carry clean water. We release anger. The days of crude oil are coming to an end. May the fires of destruction be a blessing of new growth. Earth, wind, fire and water. North, South, East and West. Together, we are powerful beyond belief.
Here is a picture of our medicine wheel:
With much respect,
MissConnection
Miss Conception 