Standing Rock is historic win for Native American religious freedom

[rug]

December 8, 2016
Charles C. Haynes
OPINION

On Dec. 4, the two-year struggle by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to protect their sacred land and water ended — at least for now — when the Obama administration denied the easement needed to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The canceled route, located one half mile from the tribe’s reservation in North and South Dakota, would have allowed the pipeline to cross under the Missouri River, an action that the tribe believes would threaten their life-giving water and destroy sacred sites.

Human rights advocates are savoring the moment. In the long, ugly history of persecution, exploitation, broken treaties, unkept promises and adverse court decisions, the victory at Standing Rock is a rare win for Native American religious freedom.

What is considered sacred by indigenous peoples — including, in this case, water, burial sites, sacred gathering spaces — has been, at various times in our history, debased, mocked, bulldozed or completely ignored by government officials and courts. In fact, for much of our history, many Native American ceremonies were illegal and people were imprisoned for practicing their religion.

http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/opinion/haynes-standing-rock-is-historic-win-for-native-american-religious-freedom/#

[Jim__]

1. Unfortunately, it may be a temporary victory.

I expect that Donald Trump will be much more interested in protecting corporate profits than the rights of Native Americans.

[rug]

2. You're right.

[nil desperandum]

3. Agreed

especially as the new president is an investor with the pipeline company....

[okasha]

4. True.

But if that happens, other tribes and groups like the veterns will be back to resist.

It's not well known, but Hillary Clinton has had warm relationships with First Nations groups since her tenure as First Lady. That's something else that was denied us on November 8.