Sioux Tribe Declares Victory After Army Corps Of Engineers Says Pipeline Should Be Diverted
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Standing Rock Sioux tribe can declare victory in North Dakota Sunday evening.
Earlier today, after a long and protracted fight over land rights, the government said it would not grant permission for the Dakota Access Pipeline to go through their Native American reservation and homestead.
The tribe worried the pipe posed serious health risks and threatened their drinking water supply.
The decision comes after months of protests (many captured live on social media), authorities using fire hoses to disperse protesters (in 20 degree weather), legal wrangling and demonstrations.
The Army Corps of Engineers said Sunday instead of allowing the pipeline it wants to look for alternative routes.
KCAL9's Erica Nochlin reports while many people are celebrating, many are also warning the fight is not over yet.
"Everybody's just shaking hands or hugging, and it's really emotional, it truly is emotional," said Robert Wallace a protester.
Wallace lives on an Indian reservation in California but spoke to Nochlin and local supporters from the protest in North Dakota.
Thousands there hugged and cheered Sunday's news.
The four-state, $3.8 billion pipeline project is almost complete in North Dakota except for the section that would run under the Missouri river.
"Remember from day one, we said there will be no black snake going through," said a protester to cheers from the crowd.
As an understatement, he reminded protesters there is strength in numbers.
"It just proves when people get together for a cause, and with a lot of prayer, things can really happen," Wallace said.
But he and other supporters caution the celebration should be met with caution.
"We are reacting with caution because we have heard many promises in the past," said Carlos Marroquin with the Bernie Sanders Brigade.
"I believe President Obama has once again pushed it off and said okay, I'll just let Trump deal with it when he comes in," said Jamie Gordan.
President-elect Trump has pledged to support the pipeline. He also has stock in the company doing the building. And the company has said they will not re-route the pipe.
"So long as you're passing the hat, we're not moving," said another protester.
It is unclear if the Trump administration can overrule the Army Corps of Engineers decision.
Protesters were given until Monday to leave, although many still say they won't. Many have vowed not to move until they have assurance the pipeline is not going through sacred ground.
The county sheriff says he will not forcibly remove anyone.
"There's still the fear of the unknown and tomorrow's another day so we'll see what tomorrow brings us," Wallace said.
The governor of North Dakota called today's decision by the Army Corps of Engineers "a serious mistake" that "prolongs the dangerous situation."
A spokesperson for a pro-infrastructure group called it a purely political decision.