December, 04 2016, 04:00pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jade Begay, 505-699-4791, jade@ienearth.org
Nina Smith, 301-717-9006, nina@megaphonestrategies.com
Indigenous Environmental Network Issues Statement on Obama Administration's Dakota Access Pipeline Denial
CANNON BALL, North Dakota
Following an announcement from the Obama Administration announcing a denial of an easement permit for the Missouri River, the Indigenous Environmental Network released a statement thanking supporters.
Dallas Goldtooth, lead organizer for the IEN, said:
"Today, the Obama Administration has told us they are not granting the final easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline. This is not just an amazing victory for Standing Rock and the Oceti Sakowin -- but also for the many other Tribal Nations, grassroots Indigenous communities and millions of Americans around the country who have stood in solidarity with us here in person, at rallies around the country, and through phone calls and letters. This is a victory for organizing, and it doesn't stop now. We are asking our supporters to keep up the pressure, because while President Obama has granted us a victory today, that victory isn't guaranteed in the next administration. More threats are likely in the year to come, and we cannot stop until this pipeline is completely and utterly defeated, and our water and climate are safe."
Established in 1990 within the United States, IEN was formed by grassroots Indigenous peoples and individuals to address environmental and economic justice issues (EJ). IEN's activities include building the capacity of Indigenous communities and tribal governments to develop mechanisms to protect our sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, health of both our people and all living things, and to build economically sustainable communities.
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