standing rock

Dear ..... ,

In February, you heard from my good friend and colleague, Madonna Thunder Hawk, about our work to green Standing Rock. Today I write to you with an exciting update on that campaign, and some real talk about why this work is so important.

First, we are so proud that more than 12,000 of you have now signed our petition telling North and South Dakota to pass legislation that will make it easier for both Standing Rock and the Dakotas to GO GREEN. Now we hope you’ll share that petition with your social media networks by using the buttons below.

As you’ll see when you watch our video, we aren’t waiting for permission from the states or from anyone else to move ahead.

Spurred by the NoDAPL movement and another harsh winter, we’re pressing forward with strength and determination to provide our people with affordable renewable energy as soon as humanly possible. Over the past few months alone, dozens of people at Standing Rock have had their power shut off due to nonpayment. This is a life-threatening situation because it will remain extremely cold here for another 60 days.

Here’s the reality: Standing Rock is the third poorest community in the United States, and yet we pay some of the highest electricity rates in the Dakotas. All this, despite our incredible renewable energy potential. The wind blows and the sun shines down on us constantly. But North Dakota is dead last among the 50 states in solar development, and now many of us are literally powerless. That’s why our work to green Standing Rock is so crucial.

In October 2015, I began fighting the Dakota Access pipeline. Later, as tens of thousands of you traveled to my homeland in solidarity with our struggle, I worked every day at the Oceti Sakowin camp as the official “tribal liaison” for Standing Rock. We may not have defeated DAPL, but our circle grew like a river in springtime, and together we changed the world. Now, the Black Snake carries oil under our sacred water, but I have no choice but to remain hopeful—and I’ll continue to promote needed, positive solutions.

As our legal team begins to win important judgments defending our relatives, Chase Iron Eyes and HolyElk Lafferty, against the racist forces that seek to limit our freedoms, Madonna and I vow to remain focused on our mission to lead Standing Rock toward its renewable future. I firmly believe we will win on both fronts—but your voice is needed. Please continue to share our news and support our movement.

Pilamaya—We can’t thank you enough.

Phyllis Young
Standing Rock Organizer
Lakota People’s Law Project

P.S.  You can empower our movement to bring affordable, clean energy to Standing Rock by sharing our story, and our petition, on Facebook and Twitter. By combining the strength of our voices to expand our circle, we will create new solutions. Many challenges remain, but I know we walk the right path together, and I’m grateful for your support.

pour les dons ► lakotalaw.org/our-actions/lplp-donate

Lakota People's Law Project
Romero Institute
210 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
United States

The Lakota People's Law Project is a part of the 501(c)(3) Romero Institute, an interfaith law and policy center. All donations are tax-deductible.

Je vous partage ce message reçu la semaine dernière de Lakota People's.

Dear Lecaer,

Great news! 42,000 people have signed the petition to #DropDAPLCharges. Many attorneys have worked long hours and 400 of 800-plus charges have been dropped. North Dakota’s judges see that the accusations against water protectors are baseless. Your stand with Standing Rock is making a big difference.

The water protectors have all the momentum, and your generosity now can propel that energy forward through the crucial months ahead.

In February, I was arrested along with dozens of other water protectors, including HolyElk, a fourth generation Lakota woman activist in the indigenous rights movement who stood tall until the very last day on the front lines at the Oceti Sakowin camp. In two weeks time, our legal team will begin conducting videotaped depositions. And when we walk into the courtroom next year, the evidence we’re compiling will expose injustices perpetrated by the pipeline’s owners and their private, militarized security firm.

Your voice has kept Standing Rock front and center in the struggle to safeguard human, indigenous, and civil rights in this homeland we share. Your generosity matters greatly to those of us who peacefully and prayerfully protected our water—and to the future of freedom in this country. Whether or not you choose to contribute today, know that we deeply value your partnership and will continue to work as hard as we can to protect the protectors and our collective right to stand in defense of Grandmother Earth.

Wopila—I thank you!

Chase Iron Eyes
Lakota People’s Law Project Lead Counsel

P.S. Please continue to fund one of the most important legal battles of our time. Your support of our legal defense will ensure that depositions are conducted, evidence is collected, and public opinion will not turn away from our side. Your action has already contributed to many victories. Please give again today, and together we will protect the future for all of our children.

Lakota People's Law Project
740 Front St. Suite 265
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
United States

► FAIRE UN DON