The National Organization for Women is proud to stand in solidarity with protesters in Standing Rock, and celebrates the recent decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
Construction of the DAPL would threaten the safety and sovereignty of native people. If completed, the pipeline would cut through sacred burial grounds, and potentially poison the local water supply.
For far too long native groups have faced systemic marginalization. The choice to ignore the concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe during the planning of the pipeline’s route is just one example of how native voices have been silenced. As advocates for intersectional feminist issues–including reproductive justice–we firmly believe that every individual has the right to bodily autonomy. We applaud the activists–particularly women–who have led the opposition to the pipeline, and stood their ground at Standing Rock for more than eight months.
This isn’t over yet. Donald Trump supports constructing the pipeline on indigenous lands, and could easily undo the progress that has been made. To do so would be an insult to native people and people of color everywhere. We call on President Obama to do everything in his power to ensure these lands remain protected. As we await the arrival of the new administration, NOW will continue to stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice at Standing Rock.