The STANDING ROCK Sioux tribe
Thanksgiving
Early in 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux tribe began a grassroots campaign to prevent the Dakota Access Pipeline from being built across their reservation, located just south of Bismarck, North Dakota. Several students from the Syracuse University Native American society travelled to observe the protest. On behalf of The Daily Orange, the Syracuse University student newspaper, I photographed the events that took place during the week of Thanksgiving.
Law enforcement releases tear gas to disperse the crowd of nonviolent water protectors gathered at the barricade Sunday night, November 20th. The barricade, erected three weeks prior when protectors marched towards the pipeline, was being cleared from wreckage when protectors arrived from the nearby camp.
Smoke rises from the cold feet and shoes of water protectors as they warm their feet near the fire during a reprieve of fire hoses.
One of the water protectors lights a cigarette at the front lines of the incursion by the police barricade. He and other protectors ignited the fires for warmth and as a symbol of sacred fire and tradition. They are using blue tarps to protect the fires from the law enforcement fire hoses.
Water protectors ignite fires for warmth for hypothermic victims of water cannons and as a symbol of sacred fire and tradition. They are using blue tarps to protect the fires from the law enforcement water hoses.
Jules from Philadelphia, PA recovers at the Mess Hall at Oceti Sakowin main camp after gathering at the barricade. White from milk of magnesia streaks her face as a result of being treated by Emergency medics for tear gas.
One of the Tribal elders sings and beats his drum down by the fires to inspire hope and keep spirits high in the freezing cold temperatures and fire hoses.
A water protector fans one of the ceremonial fires near the barricade as law enforcement tries to extinguish the flames.
Thelonius stands watch as water protectors build a bridge comprised of planks and foam boards Thanksgiving Day. They built the bridge to travel across part of the river to Turtle Island, a sacred burial ground recently overtaken by police.
Women march from the Geo Dome in the Oceti Sakowin camp on Thanksgiving Day to show support after the initial wave of protectors gathered at the river.
Cedar Mikayla from Oklahoma travels in the back of a mini van during a call of direct action to peacefully protest at one of the barricades.
Water protectors near the barricade hold up tarps to protect other people from the water cannons that were causing hypothermia in the freezing cold temperatures.
Police wait on top of Turtle Island Thanksgiving Day as water protectors travel across first with canoes and then with their rudimentary bridge.