Sep 23, 2016 - Northwest Tribal Leaders Hold Mass Rally to Oppose Dakota Access Pipeline

On September 16th, a massive rally and march was held in Seattle, WA to show opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline and to show solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Leaders from Northwest tribes from Quinualt, Makah, Lummi, Suquamish, Tulalip, Swinomish, Puyallup and more were joined by local elected officials included Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, Seattle City Council members Kshama Sawant, Bruce Harrell, and Debora Juarez.

The rally started at Seattle City Hall, where the Mayor signed a resolutionpassed by the City Council to oppose the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline. In his remarks, he challenged other cities to take similar actions to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

“In Lakota, we call water mni wiconi, the literal translation being “it gives me life.” Remember that water, mni, is every being’s first medicine. Know water, know life. No water, no life. Together we can stop the Dakota Access pipeline, together we can help heal our Nations” —Matt Remle Lakota

The Sacred Water Canoe family led the march to Seattle’s Westlake Center, where tribal leaders expressed their solidarity and support to stop the pipeline.

Seattle was joined by others from around the globe who held solidarity actions against the Dakota Access pipeline.

The rally and march was organized by Millie Kennedy and Matt Remle with support from 350.org Seattle.

Photos from rally and march.