Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Washington D.C. September 19, 2016 – Representatives of the International Indigenous Youth Council of Standing Rock and Oceti Sakowin Youth encampment have requested that Senator John Barrasso (R- WY) hold a Senate committee hearing on Indian Affairs in response to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. As the 114th Congressional session is coming to an end, the window of opportunity is closing to give notice to other Senators, as required by procedural rule 4.a for the Indian Affairs committee. Senator Barrasso’s legislative director, Bryn Stewart, advised Youth Council representatives on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, that in order for Barrasso to schedule a hearing, he needed requests from other senators to do so. However, according to Senator Tester (D-MT), this isn’t the case and Barrasso can immediately schedule a hearing on the impact the Dakota Access Pipeline construction is having and will have on Indian Country. On Friday September 16th,, the Indigenous Youth Council confronted Senator Barrasso, and they were informed that the Senator would not be calling a hearing.
Barrasso’s legislative director, Stewart, told the Youth Council representatives that Senator Barrasso, “has other priorities than Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline.” This dismissal comes at a time when nearly 300 Native tribes have rallied in support with the Standing Rock Sioux, and this issue has garnered national and international attention, including “solidarity protests” in 40 states and worldwide, and coverage by the mainstream print and tv media. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe, and Native and non-Native allies, have raised particular concern about desecration of historical sacred sites and burial grounds. “What if a handful of Native people with their own private “security force” armed with attack dogs and pepper spray decided to bulldoze the Arlington Cemetery – they’d probably be shot immediately,” stated Caro Gonzales, spokeswoman for the Youth Council. “Well this is what Dakota Access Pipeline has done to the burial ground of the Sioux. We are asking for grievances to be aired, an investigation commenced into Dakota Access Pipeline’s violation of the land, destruction of evidence, denial of First Amendment and Treaty rights, and for justice to be served. We deserve nothing less.”
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