Washington Tribes continue to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. We support their call to deny the easement of the Dakota Access Pipeline and to reroute the pipeline away from tribal lands, waters and sacred places.

MR. PRESIDENT, WE URGE YOU, IN YOUR FINAL MONTHS, TO JOIN US IN OUR STAND WITH STANDING ROCK.

Across the country our tribes have been impacted by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ and agency’s decisions on infrastructure and development, which have been detrimental to our environment, natural resources and communities. This is a reality for Native people, who have been disenfranchised and repeatedly shoved aside for profit. As our brother, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman David Archambault II, says, “[Energy Transfer Partners] are realizing billions of dollars in revenue. But if you look at the top ten poorest counties in the nation, two of them are in Standing Rock. We are not opposed to economic development. We are not opposed to energy independence. But we are tired of paying for it.” For too long Native people have paid the price for others’ gain. “Whenever there is a resource that needs to be exploited, our lands just keep being taken,” Archambault says. “It has been inflicted on us for over 200 years.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, MR. PRESIDENT.

Your administration has stood by Native nations. You have shown solidarity with our people by taking action to address the unmet needs of our tribal communities. You have enacted laws, regulations and policy, as well an implemented programs, processes and funding that adhere to the trust responsibility of treaties and federal agreements.

We want to send a strong message that what happens in Standing Rock sets a precedent for how the United States Government will work with tribes in the future.

WE ARE UNITED IN OUR CAUSE.

Millions of Americans have demonstrated their support through direct action, such as signing a White House petition and sending letters against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred tribal lands. Thousands of water protectors are pouring into Standing Rock and hundreds of people are rallying in peaceful protest across this great country. Now is the time, Mr. President, to make a decision.

Do not let DAPL be your legacy. Do not let it be our legacy. We stand by you, Mr. President. Now, we urge you to stand by Standing Rock.

Quinault Nation President Fawn Sharp speaking at #NoDAPL rally in Seattle.

Signed by

Timothy Ballew, Chair Lummi Nation

Brian Cladoosby, Chair Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Robert Kelly, Chair Nooksack Tribe

Norma Joseph, Chair Sauk Suaittle Tribe

Jennifer Washington, Chair Upper Skagit Tribe

Melvin Sheldon, Chair Tulalip Tribes

Shawn Yanity, Chair Stillaguamish Tribe

Bill Sterud, Chair Puyallup Tribe

Farron McCloud, Chair Nisqually Tribe

Jeromy Sullivan, Chair Port Gamble Tribe

Leonard Forsman, Chair Suquamish Tribe

David Lopeman, Chair Squaxin Tribe

Don Secena, Chair Chehalis Tribe

Ron Allen, Chair Jamestown S’Klalum Tribe

Frances Charles, Chair Lower Elwha S’Klallum Tribe

Marla Tolliver, Chair Makah Tribe

Maria Lopez, Chair Hoh Tribe

Chas Woodruff, Chair Quileute Tribe

Fawn Sharp, Chair Quinault Tribe

Alisa Burley, SecretarycSnoqualmie Tribe

Bill Iyall,Chair Cowlitz Tribe

Charlene Nelson, Chair Shoawater Bay

JoDe Goudy, Chair Yakama Nation

Michael Marchand, Chair Confederate Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Carol Evans, Chair Spokane Tribe of Indians

Glen Nenema, Chair Kalispell Tribe

Tom Wooten, Chair Samish Nation

Terri Parr, Executive Director Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians

Posted by by Wakíƞyaƞ Waánataƞ (Matt Remle- Lakota)

Matt Remle (Lakota) editor and writer for Last Real Indians. Follow @wakiyan7 Photo by Alex Garland

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