NCUIH Applauds the Cancellation of Keystone XL Pipeline Permit

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2021) – On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed a series of Executive Orders including the cancellation of the Keystone XL (KXL) oil pipeline.

“It is exciting to know that the Biden Administration is sincere about its commitment to Indian Country by showing such urgency for Tribal Sovereignty and health,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “We encourage the Administration to continue their work and to halt the construction of additional dangerous pipelines on tribal lands, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).”

The KXL pipeline was set to go through the heart of the Oceti Sakowin territory. This pipeline violated the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 and Lame Bull Treaty of 1855, both in which the United States committed to protecting against future harm to the tribes’ natural resources. The U.S. did not consult with Tribal leaders before proposing the pipeline. The pipeline posed significant adverse health risks as well as damage to traditional and sacred lands.

The revocation of this permit is a good sign that this administration is eager to work with AI/AN populations to build a healthy and more prosperous future.

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national non-profit organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health and public health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban areas. NCUIH is the only national representative of the 41 Title V Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) under the Indian Health Service (IHS) in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). NCUIH strives to improve the health of the over 70% of the AI/AN population that lives in urban areas, supported by quality, accessible health care centers.