Standing Rock Solidarity

Today, E and I had a chance to go and show solidarity for Standing Rock by being involved in an experience near the Army Corps of Engineers in Seattle. This was a neat spot for me to be in because my grandpa worked in Washington State for the Army Corps of Engineers. Now, my longtime friend T and his friend R work there. Plus, it’s a location very near where I work and live, too, so it was convenient. And, it was up the Duwamish River, a river I’ve been wanting to explore more. And, in the past few weeks, we've become aware and supportive of the movement at Standing Rock to protect water and respect indigenous people's treaty rights and human rights.

When we got to the event, there was a solar paneled truck and they were serving a free meal. There was so much food that we didn’t even bring the chili for the group that we’d made.

There were about 30-60 people hanging out in a circle and a Native American woman was talking. She mentioned that she had been at Standing Rock and some white Allies (Allies meaning supporters, but not Native Americans themselves) were saying some sort of a joke that really hurt the feelings of a Native American person unintentionally. She said she loves allies, but that we need to be very careful in how we joke around because it can be hurtful even when we are trying to be funny or helpful. (This makes sense to me as I joke around a lot and use sarcasm.) She felt that water has a spirit, and that if it is contaminated with oil then people will die and get cancer (which I know firsthand from my Dad is agonizing.)

She talked about how genocide, and violence against women, and boarding schools which tried to wipe out your culture and language and history, have caused a great deal of problems. She said many people have turned to drugs and alcohol (she is a drug and alcohol counselor), and others have committed suicide, because this is a heavy burden to bear and experience. She said she knows many Native Americans who have died on a regular basis of unnatural causes.

Another white woman spoke about how she has been trying to figure out what to do and she wants to create love and unity in her life more, and she is committed to this.

Another Native American woman shared about going to Standing Rock and how it helped her connect to her language and her spirit more. And another man said the same thing.

Some people said they were afraid for our planet, and how we have given a lot of value to money, but in the end it is at the expense of life giving things like water and the earth. I have felt this way, too. With all of the development in the cities I go to, I feel sad seeing trees cut down and earth flattened out. After the Oso mudslides, I wonder if we are susceptible to that. I see the polluted Duwamish river, and smell the pollution in the air nearby on the regular. It is sad, and makes me feel we have gotten our values wrong.

This was a special event, and there was no police presence when I went there. I was glad, because I was semi-scared of either being arrested or getting pepper sprayed – not in my plan for a Monday evening. We were able to see our friends L and A. It was about 45 degrees, and it got extremely cold! What a wild thing to either be out in North Dakota in 0 degree temperatures in the mornings…or even to be sleeping outdoors locally in this 45 degree weather. I haven’t stood still outside for a few hours this time of year in a while!

The most profound thing I heard from three Native American people was that they had considered that if they went to Standing Rock, that they might die. And, they all felt like this was worth it and would make a willing sacrifice. Or, maybe the most profound thing was that this could be a motivator for other indigenous / Native communities who have been quiet but who could mobilize – nationally and globally! WHOA! This is so powerful. I’m sure Native communities have been mobilizing, but it’s not gotten the same attention as Standing Rock.

Many of these thoughts were shared when we were standing around in the mostly darkness (one person had a solar powered light) passing around a microphone and a big, battery powered amp.

I am glad that this event took place, and it was a very good chance to hear and learn from people. When the microphone came to me, I shared that I probably wouldn’t be there if a certain candidate had won for president. But, I have realized lately that justice and a healthy planet and looking to make sure people aren’t’  being treated poorly is something that will take my lifetime…just like health and wellbeing is an ongoing journey, not a single “I made it!” destination. I really appreciated one woman saying we need to fight, but we need to also play and have fun…walk our dog, sing a song, make a baby! J That helped me think that I can try to share my voice and my time and my body and my resources in a way that I don’t flame out the way I did when I was in my 20s. I had no idea November would be such a transformative month!

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

On a more tactical level, wool is good and cotton kills (oops, I sent a cotton sweatshirt in a caravan that left over Thanksgiving! And a decorative but not highly functional hat…live and learn). One person said that Dick’s Sporting Goods on the Eastside has $45 sub-zero boots. It’s recommended to buy mostly wool supplies or thermal underwear. (One woman had been working in the supply area and said she pulled a halter top out of a donation bag and was like “Ummmm…?”!) Purchasing money to buy a yurt or to buy a teepee and help insulate it is very good. There is a local person named Paul working to build here little shelters and then they are assembled in North Dakota like track housing.

This website was recommended to donate via Go Fund Me for Winter Shelter for Standing Rock: https://www.gofundme.com/winter-shelter-for-standing-rock-2u7rg6c. Paul’s work was endorsed by a woman in attendance and there was also a fundraiser a few weeks ago at the Duwamish Longhouse. So, legit.

One of the things I would like to do on one of my lunch breaks is to make a phone call to the White House and to some of the government and police officials who have people on the front lines there to ask them to stand down. I really hope the Army Corps of Engineers will look at whether it’s right to allow for the pipeline to go beneath the river – the only drinking water for the Tribe.

Thank you for reading this!