Standing with Standing Rock: Locals show support for pipeline protesters

BEMIDJI -- Despite a distance of more than 300 miles, members of the Bemidji, Red Lake and Leech Lake communities are hitting the road to protest a pipeline that would carry crude oil through North Dakota -- and sites sacred to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe.

Activists began gathering at locations in Morton County, N.D., in mid-August to protest the Dakota Access pipeline. Since then, community members from all walks of life -- from college students to teachers to local activists -- have made the trip, and some nearby tribes have officially voiced their support for the protestors. Many are concerned that the pipeline will end up leaking, polluting nearby water sources.

Nicole Buckanaga, a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, traveled to the construction site two weekends in a row to show her support for the Standing Rock tribe. For Buckanaga the construction hits close to home, despite the physical distance.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4110320-standing-standing-rock-locals-show-support-pipeline-protesters