For Immediate Release: August 18, 2016
Contact: Bobbi Webster,
Public Relations Director bwebst@oneidanation.org
920-819-8357
(Oneida, WI) The Oneida Business Committee has adopted BC Resolution # 08-17-16-A – Oneida Nation Objecting to the Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and Support of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is currently fighting to keep a pipeline from going through their homelands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a pipeline across the Missouri River that would impact the tribe’s main source of water.
The Oneida Nation, having reviewed the materials related to the Dakota Access Pipeline, also known as the Bakkan Pipeline, believes that the federal government, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has failed in its responsibilities to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and community by failing to clearly identify the impact of the proposed pipeline, to clearly and publicly engage in government-to-government consultations with the tribe, and by failing to address the concerns raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
The needs of tribes and tribal communities are equally as important as surrounding communities and have been disregarded when identifying the pipeline route when the route was changed to avoid potential environmental concerns regarding water resources to the city of Bismarck while not giving the same thought and concerns to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and community; and
There have been many peaceful demonstrations, ceremonies and events to call attention to this issue by tribes from across the continent. The acts are to support the protest of this project.
The Oneida Nation will stand firm on their resolution to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as they have filed court action to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approval of this pipeline. Many tribal leaders and supporters recognize that we have one Mother Earth and we have learned we do not desecrate our mother.
“The issue of protecting our natural resources is not just the responsibility of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; it is the responsibility of all of us who sustain life on this earth. We have been given the responsibility to love and protect our Mother Earth, we do not take that responsibility to mean just our small spot on this planet; we are responsible to care for all our territories throughout this nation. We join sovereigns across this nation to oppose this pipeline and we will encourage the peaceful battle on land, in Congress and the White House, to stop this pipeline”, said Melinda J. Danforth, Vice-Chairwoman of the Oneida Nation.
The Nation urges the Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell and the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Lawrence Roberts, to take any and all steps necessary to protect the environment and water resources of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and community. The Oneida Business Committee is also requesting Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite to review this series of actions and direct that issuance of permits and any construction be halted until such time as the government-to-government consultation process can be fully implemented not only as to the processes but the inherent spirit of recognizing the sovereignty of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
The Oneida Nation has a Vision of strong families built on Tsi?ni yukwalihot^ (Our Ways) and a strong economy. The Mission of the Oneida Nation is to strengthen and protect our people, reclaim our land and enhance the environment by exercising our sovereignty. This resolution supports our mission and vision as Oneida as it does the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for the same mission to protect Mother Earth, with A Good Mind, A Good Heart, and A Strong Fire.
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