Analysis Of Mni Wiconi-Water Is Life

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“The sky is still pale blue and the air still full of the sharp bite of a Plains Night, when the camp caller calls the Protectors to rise. He calls for the women to “Lili!”, to stir and rally the sleeping camp. He reminds us of our cause, our purpose for traveling from every part of the country, every corner of the globe. We must Rise with the Sun to bless the water, bless the waters we risk Life, Limb and Liberty to protect. Mni Wiconi- Water is Life. The sun peaks over the hills, to the sound of drums and Sundance songs, illuminating the sprawling camp of thousands with its glow. Its another day in the Battle against the Black Snake, for Water, for Life, For the Future. This is Oceti Sakowin. “
-Amber J Flores, November at Standing Rock

Just south of Bismarck North Dakota, at the convergence of the Cannon Ball and Missouri Rivers, a war is being waged over the foundation of all life on Earth: water. Over 150 Indigenous tribes from the Amazon to Alaska stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe against riot police, private security and the Dakota Access Pipeline. Nearly 5, 000 Indigenous peoples and allies have converged on Cannonball North Dakota to state their protest. Over 400 peaceful unarmed water protectors, medics, and journalist have been …show more content…

The accounts of police abuse and civil rights abuses are numerous, most cases are still being disputed in court or being prepped for trial. Protectors have been arrested during prayer and ceremony, maced indiscriminately, shot with rubber bullets and concussion grenades, hosed, censored, and arrested after following police orders. Supporters to the camps have also been targeted by police, having their donated protector supplies confiscated and charged with aiding and abiding criminal

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