Thousands are continuing to rally against the federal government construction of an oil pipeline in North Dakota that’s taking place dangerously close to what they believe to be sacred Native American land.
The location of the controversial pipeline approaches the historic Standing Sioux Reservation and opposition against its development from local residents and Native American communities across the country have continued to grow. On Saturday, a massive crowd of thousands gathered in Cannon Ball, North Dakota for a protest after a federal court ruled against the tribe in favor of the U.S. government.
Outfitted in traditional Native American face paint and attire, activists aimed to spread the message that the proposed placement of the pipeline would not only impose on sacred sites, but could also potentially contaminate drinking water.
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In response to the rightful outrage over possible drinking water contamination, the Department of Justice has announced a “voluntary pause” on any construction within 20 miles of North Dakota’s Lake Oahe, according to The Huffington Post. In the meantime, the DOJ has agreed to review the tribe’s case after a federal judge denied their request to stop the pipeline construction altogether in a ruling on Friday.