The Unyielding Current: What Was the Standing Rock Protest?
CANNON BALL, NORTH DAKOTA – In the frozen plains of North Dakota, a stark and profound confrontation unfolded between 2016 and 2017, capturing the world’s attention. It was a protest rooted in ancient spiritual beliefs, sovereign rights, environmental justice, and a deep distrust born from centuries of broken treaties. What began as a local stand by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe against an oil pipeline quickly escalated into a global rallying cry for indigenous rights and a stark reminder of the planet’s finite resources. This was the Standing Rock protest, a movement that redefined modern activism and cast a searing light on the ongoing struggles of Native American communities.
At its core, the Standing Rock protest was a resistance movement against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), a 1,172-mile underground oil pipeline designed to transport crude oil from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota to an oil terminal in Patoka, Illinois. Developed by Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), the pipeline was touted as a safe and efficient way to transport oil, reducing reliance on less safe methods like rail and truck. However, for the Standing Rock Sioux and their allies, it represented an existential threat.
The primary point of contention was the pipeline’s planned route, which was slated to cross beneath Lake Oahe, a dammed section of the Missouri River, just half a mile upstream from the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The Missouri River is not just a body of water for the Sioux; it is their sole source of drinking water, and its sanctity is woven into the fabric of their spiritual and cultural identity. The prospect of a potential oil spill, which could devastate their water supply and the ecosystem, was unimaginable and unacceptable.
"Water is life – Mni Wiconi," became the enduring slogan of the movement, encapsulating the profound reverence for water that underpinned the protest. This wasn’t merely an environmental concern; it was a spiritual imperative. As Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II often articulated, "We have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. Our concern is not just for our people, but for all people who rely on clean water."
Beyond the immediate threat to water, the tribe raised serious concerns about the pipeline’s route through sacred ancestral lands. These areas contained burial grounds, ancient village sites, and significant cultural artifacts, many of which were protected under federal law, specifically the National Historic Preservation Act. The tribe argued that the Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for permitting the project, had failed to conduct adequate environmental reviews and lacked meaningful consultation with them, a violation of treaty obligations and federal regulations.
A Spark Ignites a Movement
The roots of the protest began subtly in April 2016, when a small spiritual camp, Sacred Stone Camp, was established by Standing Rock Sioux elders and youth on tribal lands. Their intention was to peacefully resist the pipeline’s construction through prayer and non-violent direct action. What started as a modest gathering quickly swelled as news spread through social media and indigenous networks. By August, thousands of "Water Protectors" – not "protesters" – from hundreds of Native American tribes across North America, as well as non-indigenous environmentalists, human rights activists, veterans, and celebrities, converged on North Dakota. The Oceti Sakowin Camp, named after the historical alliance of the Great Sioux Nation, became the largest gathering of Native American tribes in over a century.
The atmosphere at the camps was unique. It was a vibrant, spiritual hub where ancient ceremonies were performed alongside direct action planning. Tipis and tents dotted the landscape, communal kitchens served thousands, and a deep sense of solidarity permeated the air. Participants shared stories, songs, and strategies, united by a common purpose. This intertribal unity was a powerful statement against historical divisions and a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples.
Escalation and Confrontation
As construction continued and the camps grew, so did the tension. The state of North Dakota, represented primarily by the Morton County Sheriff’s Department and private security firms hired by Energy Transfer Partners, adopted increasingly aggressive tactics to clear the camps and allow construction to proceed.
Clashes became common and often violent. Water Protectors faced a heavily militarized police force equipped with riot gear, armored vehicles, and surveillance technology. Private security guards, often accompanied by dogs, confronted unarmed activists. On September 3, 2016, a particularly brutal incident occurred when DAPL security dogs attacked Water Protectors who were attempting to stop bulldozers from disturbing sacred burial sites. Images of bloodied activists and snarling dogs quickly went viral, drawing condemnation and further galvanizing support for the movement.
The confrontations intensified throughout the fall and winter. On November 20, 2016, in what became known as the "Bridge Battle," police used water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures against hundreds of Water Protectors trapped on a bridge, leading to hypothermia, serious injuries, and even the potential loss of a limb for one activist. Tear gas, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds, and concussion grenades became routine tools of dispersal. Over 700 arrests were made throughout the protest, with many facing harsh charges.
These events brought unprecedented media attention to Standing Rock, forcing many Americans to confront the realities of indigenous struggles and police militarization. Celebrities like Shailene Woodley, Mark Ruffalo, and Susan Sarandon visited the camps, lending their platforms to amplify the Water Protectors’ message. Perhaps most impactful was the arrival of thousands of military veterans in December 2016, who came to act as human shields for the Water Protectors, offering a poignant symbol of solidarity and a direct challenge to the armed forces deployed against citizens.
Political Intervention and Shifting Tides
The political landscape surrounding DAPL was volatile. In December 2016, under intense pressure and after months of escalating tensions, the Obama administration, through the Army Corps of Engineers, announced it would not grant the easement needed for the pipeline to cross Lake Oahe and would instead initiate an environmental impact statement (EIS) to explore alternative routes. This was a monumental victory for the Water Protectors, sparking celebration and a belief that their collective efforts had paid off.
However, this triumph was short-lived. Just weeks later, with the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January 2017, the political winds shifted dramatically. Trump, a staunch supporter of fossil fuel development, quickly signed an executive order reversing Obama’s decision and expediting the approval process for DAPL. The Army Corps of Engineers promptly granted the easement, and construction beneath Lake Oahe resumed.
Despite continued legal challenges from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the pipeline was completed and became operational in June 2017. The primary camps were forcibly evicted by authorities in February 2017, though smaller, more resilient camps persisted for some time.
The Legacy of Standing Rock
While the oil now flows through the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Standing Rock protest was far from a failure. Its legacy is profound and multifaceted:
- Elevated Indigenous Sovereignty: Standing Rock brought unprecedented global attention to issues of indigenous rights, treaty obligations, and environmental justice. It showcased the strength and resilience of Native American communities and their continued fight for self-determination. It fostered a powerful sense of unity among tribes, creating networks and alliances that endure.
- Environmental Awakening: The protest galvanized the climate change movement, highlighting the intersection of fossil fuel extraction, environmental degradation, and human rights. "Mni Wiconi" became a universal mantra for environmental protection.
- A Blueprint for Future Activism: Standing Rock demonstrated the power of non-violent direct action, prayer, and sustained presence. It inspired subsequent movements against pipelines and other extractive industries, providing a model for resistance and solidarity.
- Legal Battles Continue: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has continued its legal fight against the pipeline, citing inadequate environmental reviews and the ongoing risk to their water. In July 2020, a federal judge ordered the pipeline to shut down and be emptied pending a full environmental review, a significant but temporary victory that was later overturned on appeal, allowing the pipeline to continue operating while the legal process unfolds. The legal saga underscores the persistent challenges in holding corporations and governments accountable.
- Reclaiming Narrative: The protest allowed indigenous voices to shape their own narrative, challenging historical stereotypes and asserting their right to protect their lands and cultures.
The Standing Rock protest was a crucible of conflict and conviction, a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of resistance. It was a fight for water, for land, for sacred sites, and for the inherent right of a people to determine their own destiny. Though the physical camps are gone and the oil flows, the echoes of "Mni Wiconi" resonate louder than ever, a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and the protection of our planet’s most vital resources is an unyielding current, flowing onward through generations.
