Feb 3, 2017 - Police Mass Arrest Water Protectors near Dakota Access Construction Site
On February 1st, approximately 70 water protectors were arrested near the Dakota Access pipeline construction site along the Cannonball River. Among those arrested was Chase Iron Eyes.
In the early morning on Wednesday, water protectors lit a sacred fire to establish “Last Child’s Camp”, on high ground near the Dakota Access pipeline construction site. The “Last Child’s Camp” is the name of an old camp last established by Tasunka Witko (Crazy Horse).
On the establishment of the “Last Child’s Camp”, Chase posted the following, “In honor of the Last Child Warrior Society, the only such society created by Crazy Horse we are asking all front-liners in camp to come to the high ground west of the Oceti camps to put out a call for others to join this stand. It’s time brothers & sisters. Our conscience won’t let us back down. In the spirit of Crazy Horse.”
https://www.facebook.com/lastrealindians/videos/1367082566646703/
As the day progressed a massive, and militarized police force, assembled as the barricade across Highway 1806 was being dismantled. In the evening, armed officers moved into the camp and mass arrested water protectors who were peacefully assembled.
According to Sarah Jumping Eagle, “Most charges [against water protectors] are criminal trespass and engaging in a riot. Chase [was] also charged with inciting a riot.” She goes on to say, “We don’t know when they will have court. Police kept them in transport vehicles for extended period of time, several hours before taking them into corrections. [We are] unsure how long they will be held until they have court and [when] can then be bailed out. Many are at Morton county, then the rest split up between Cass county, Barnes, and Mercer counties.”
Prior to his arrest, Chase recorded the following forewarning his concern over the build up that was taking place on Highway 1806.
To date, nearly 700 water protectors have been arrested fighting to stop the Dakota Access pipeline.
Photo taken before arrests.
by Wakíƞyaƞ Waánataƞ (Matt Remle- Lakota)