The Indigenous-led resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline that united environmental and Indigenous rights movements in 2016-2017.
Sacred Sites and Water
In April 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe began protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which would cross beneath the Missouri River near their reservation. They called themselves “water protectors,” not protesters. The pipeline threatened sacred sites and drinking water for 17 million people. The movement invoked treaty rights and environmental justice.
Oceti Sakowin Camp
By August 2016, thousands had joined camps near the pipeline route. #NoDAPL trended globally. Celebrities visited (Shailene Woodley, Mark Ruffalo). In September, security dogs attacked protesters. In October, police used water cannons in freezing temperatures, injuring hundreds. The brutality drew national outrage and solidarity protests at banks financing DAPL.
Obama Denial, Trump Reversal
In December 2016, the Obama administration denied the pipeline permit, requiring environmental review. Water protectors celebrated. But in January 2017, Trump’s second day in office reversed the decision. By February 2017, police forcibly cleared camps. The pipeline became operational June 2017. Despite losing the immediate battle, Standing Rock energized Indigenous climate activism and exposed fossil fuel infrastructure violence.
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