Water Is Life
Standing Rock Sioux Nation supports peaceful prayer protest for their homelands where the Dakota Access Pipeline is digging through sacred and ancestral lands. The Pueblo of Pojoaque and the Poeh Cultural Center supports Standing Rock. After two trips up to support the camps, below are a few images and quotes from water protectors.
If You’re Thinking About Going to Standing Rock, Here Are a Few Things to Keep in Mind:
Thank you for thinking of coming! The whole world has been moved and inspired by the Water Protectors at Standing Rock and many group of individuals feel the call to go and join fellow Water Protector
It’s important to think through whether you will be able to contribute best by going in person, group or by supporting the cause from home.
Good Reasons to travel to Standing Rock:
- To help with needed physical labor
- To deliver supplies
- To bring messages of support from your community or Tribal group, to share your traditional ceremony and culture.
- To support the presence of young people or elders.
- To provide media coverage and documentation.
Bad reasons to Travel to Standing Rock:
- To experience indigenous culture and wisdom.
- Because you just want to be present for the event.
- Coming with anger or bad intentions.
Do not go to Standing Rock “just to see” Everyone needs to pull their own weight and contribute to the community. Remember you’re there to support these fellow Water Protectors.
Important to know:
- Elders and families with children are welcome. Families must see to the safety and wellbeing of their children.
- If you are new to camp and staying for the winter, please attend several winter camp meetings and just listen.
- When an elder or mobility-impaired individual arrives in the meeting, please offer your seat them. Respect the Elders.
- We do not disrespect anyone, especially women and children.
- Never interrupt anyone when they are speaking.
- They expect everyone to look after each other and to ensure community safety.
- If you see someone that needs something, help them. Don’t wait to be asked.
- You must register at the media tent to use a camera in camp, and you MUST ask permission to take photos or video of anyone at the camp. Be very careful in how you represent Native people in images. Make sure to connect with the people you want to photograph. Think about the story you are telling. Avoid portraying Native people in stereotypical and objectifying ways. Never photograph ceremony unless you are specifically told it’s okay.
Never attend a ceremony without being expressly invited.
- Before deciding on where to stake your tent or structure, please check in with those camping around you. Make sure you are respecting their space. Get to know your neighbors.
- Drugs, alcohol, and any type of substance use are not allowed and are not to be tolerated, in the camps.
