In North Dakota, Lakota water protectors fighting the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline have vowed to make a "treaty stand" today to resist their forcible eviction from the main Oceti Sakowin resistance camp. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Dakota governor have imposed a noon eviction deadline today for the hundreds of water protectors still living at the resistance camp. The government has warned that after 2 p.m., state and federal agents will begin arresting people who remain. Water protectors say the resistance camp sits on unceded Sioux territory under the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie and that they have a right to remain on their ancestral land. These are some of the Lakota women at the encampment.
Water Protector 1: "I am Sicangu Lakota, and this is my treaty territory."
Water Protector 2: "I am Oglala Lakota, and this is my treaty territory."
Water Protector 3: "I am O’ohenonpa Lakota, and this is my treaty territory."
Water Protector 4: "But after the deadline of February 22nd, 2017, at 2 p.m. ..."
Water Protector 5: "We are all at risk of facing arrest, police brutality, federal charges and prison time."