Standing Rock Protesters Hold Leaving Ceremony by Burning Camp | Sojourners

Standing Rock Protesters Hold Leaving Ceremony by Burning Camp

Protesters outside the Standing Rock Sioux reservation burned their camp, home for many months, after receiving evacuation orders from law enforcement. 

According to the Associated Press, protestors, otherwise known as water protectors, burned their makeshift homes as part of a leaving ceremony.  

The movement gained traction in August 2016 as thousands of people gathered to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline, the pipeline that, according to protestors and the Sioux tribe, threatens the water supply and sacred lands of native people. 

The camp was ordered to close at 2 p.m. central time today.

The Associated Press also reports that at least 150 of the 200-300 people left in the camp left peacefully and earlier than the evacuation deadline. Several busses, vans and a towing truck from various organizations greeted the protestors to transport them to North Dakota’s capital city of Bismarck. Others chose to stay and face the consequences – forcible removal and jail.

Tribe members from the area reassured the people that the fight to protect the Earth is not over.

Sojourners will continue to update as more information comes forth.

for more info