MNI WICONI
— Water is life

Standing Rock Sioux Reservation

Taken during a supply run to Standing Rock Reservation and the Dakota Access Pipeline site at Turtle Island. These images document arrival into the Dakotas and protests during the opening of Winter in November 2016.

“Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable.”

— Motto of North Dakota

I was invited by HOWL Magazine and agency founder, Heidi Hackemer, to raise funds and accompany an envoy comprised of members from the Lakota Rosebud Sioux to document the journey of delivering of a supply run to both Sacred Stone and Standing Rock protester camps.

A Grassroots Movement

For me, this gathering of humanity exposed the trappings of what it means to be engaged, listening and moving with care through the world. Even under great duress - every aspect of these camps was alive with the energy of coexistence with the mindset of protecting one another and the land beneath our feet. We discovered a true grassroots movement and community which honoured the respect of cultural tradition, lineage, cooperation and a desire to shift the lens of perspective toward preservation of the good - however that came into the discussion.

The tone within the camps was welcoming yet careful. After a day or so media debriefing, introductions through our leadership delegation and immersion into camp life - it was easy to see why. Protestors were under constant surveillance, facing waves of riot police, smoke and rubber bullets on the front lines. Highways to and from the camps were monitored by lines of police and roadways were cutoff, at times, by unmarked vehicles that would tail you until you were out of range from the dig site. At night, some of those that were arrested were left exposed to the elements and subject to sleep deprivation tactics including constant sirens and harsh, bright lights. We were cautioned that younger protesters and kids accompanying their families were being tracked through social media and ambushed with warrants — therefore, it was essential only to take images of younger generations with consent.