Standing Rock protests of 2016-2017 highlight a powerful chapter in the struggle for environmental justice, indigenous rights, and action challenging corporate exploitation

The protests at Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) were not just about opposing a single project—they ignited a global movement to protect water and defend Indigenous rights. These demonstrations highlighted the critical need to safeguard natural resources and inspired a worldwide coalition advocating for justice and environmental stewardship.

A Fight For Water And Life

At the center of the Standing Rock protests was the effort to protect H2O, often referred to as the "first medicine" in Indigenous traditions. The proposed DAPL route across the Missouri River, close to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, presented a direct threat to the tribe’s primary water source. This risk of contamination brought fears of devastating environmental consequences, similar to countless oil spills that have marred landscapes across the United States.

The rallying cry “Water is life” emerged as a unifying theme, resonating beyond tribal and geographic boundaries. Protesters, who identified as “water protectors,” included Indigenous leaders, environmental activists, and allies from around the globe. Their stand underscored a universal truth: access to clean water is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Yet the continuation of pipeline construction despite these warnings exposed systemic inequities. Earlier plans for the pipeline to cross near the predominantly white city of Bismarck were rejected due to similar contamination risks, raising troubling questions about environmental racism.

Alexander Howland, a 21-year-old from the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in Dulce, N.M., whose journey to Standing Rock turned into something far greater. Arriving in mid-August with plans to stay just a week, Alexander found himself deeply moved by the cause and the community—and stayed through the harsh winter. Discover his story of commitment, resilience, and the powerful pull of standing up for what matters most, water. Alexander said it in his words, simply and deeply ...

"We are made up of water, we are born in water, we come from water. Water is an essence of our being. A lot of people don't see it, but we are connected to that water. We are water. That's why a lot of us are here. That's what water means to us: it means life, it means unity, it means one people, it means all these things because we're all connected, because of water."

His words underscored a deeper issue - how important the elixir of life is to our lives.

Building A Movement Of Unity

The Standing Rock encampments in North Dakota became a powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity. Thousands of people from diverse backgrounds gathered to stand against the pipeline, creating a unique space for shared struggles and mutual support. Through ceremonies, prayers, and community-building efforts, the protests bridged the fight for tribal sovereignty with broader environmental concerns.

Indigenous voices took center stage at Standing Rock, shifting the narrative of environmental justice. Beyond opposing DAPL, protesters demanded systemic changes, including the recognition of treaty rights and the sovereignty of Native nations. Their message reminded the world that environmental justice cannot be separated from the historical exploitation of Indigenous lands.

The movement also sparked introspection within the broader environmental community. Many Indigenous leaders called out mainstream environmental organizations for failing to prioritize Native perspectives. Standing Rock reframed the dialogue, emphasizing that effective climate action must include Indigenous leadership and address the exploitation of their lands.

Despite its unity, the movement faced internal challenges. Divisions arose over tactics, with some groups, like the Red Warrior Camp, advocating for more confrontational methods that clashed with others’ commitment to nonviolence. While these differences highlighted the complexity of resistance movements, Standing Rock succeeded in amplifying Indigenous perspectives within the global environmental conversation.

A Legacy Of Resistance

The immediate battle at Standing Rock culminated in 2017 when the pipeline was completed under the Trump administration. However, the struggle against DAPL and its potential environmental risks continues. Legal challenges persist, with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe pushing for more rigorous environmental impact assessments. In 2020, a federal court ordered a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for DAPL, ( Tiitle - Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, No. 20-5197 (D.C. Cir. 2021 ) marking a partial victory. Yet many remain skeptical about the thoroughness and fairness of these reviews.

Chase Iron Eyes, a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is a passionate Native American activist, attorney, and leader dedicated to justice and Indigenous rights. As a co-founder of Last Real Indians and a leader in the Lakota People's Law Project, he has amplified Native voices and causes. Chase played a pivotal role in the Standing Rock protests, courageously opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline to protect sacred lands and H2O. In 2016, he ran for Congress in North Dakota, inspiring many with his commitment to justice, sovereignty, and the environment. His work continues to spark change and empower communities.

From one of the Standing Rock protests, Chase Iron Eyes proclaimed, 

"There are probably 400 to 500 people, water protectors, north of the 1889 boundary, that was the result of an illegal annexation of treaty territory by the United States against not just the Standing Rock Nation, but the entire Lakota Nation and members of the Great Sioux Nation, the Oceti Sakowin. And so, other tribal governments are weighing in and supporting a fight on the ground, as they have a right to do."

Standing Rock’s influence extends far beyond the legal realm. The protests ignited a wave of Indigenous-led resistance to extractive industries across North America. Campaigns like those opposing the Line 3 pipeline in Minnesota and uranium mining on sacred Navajo lands drew strength and inspiration from the Standing Rock movement. The protests also fostered greater collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous activists, reinforcing the interconnectedness of struggles for environmental and social justice.

Lessons For The Future

The Standing Rock protests offer enduring lessons about the power of grassroots movements and the importance of protecting natural resources. As the climate crisis accelerates, threats to the elixir of life resources from contamination, overuse, and corporate exploitation become increasingly urgent. The fight for clean H2O is more relevant than ever.

Standing Rock also underscored the critical role of Indigenous leadership in environmental justice efforts. Tribal knowledge, informed by centuries of sustainable living, provides invaluable insights into preserving ecosystems. Yet Indigenous perspectives are often marginalized in policy-making, limiting the potential for transformative change.

The protests demonstrated that people united around a just cause can challenge even the most powerful interests. Protesters faced a militarized response, including H2O cannons and rubber bullets used in freezing temperatures, but they forced a global reckoning with issues of justice and environmental sustainability. As Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairwoman Janet Alkire asserted,

“Our tribe is not saying we’re against oil. We are not, What we are saying is, ‘can you not put it in our water?’ That’s all we want is to protect the water.”

Supporting The Legacy Of Standing Rock

The work of protecting H2O and advancing environmental justice is far from over. The movement sparked at Standing Rock needs sustained engagement to ensure its impact endures. Here are some ways to support this ongoing struggle:

• Learn From Indigenous Leaders: Follow organizations like the Indigenous Environmental Network and Lakota Law Project, which continue the work initiated at Standing Rock. These groups provide critical insights and updates on the fight for environmental justice.

• Advocate For Policy Change: Support stronger environmental regulations and policies that uphold Indigenous sovereignty. Advocacy for a just transition to renewable energy is essential to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating their harmful effects.

• Amplify The Message: Share stories of water protectors and their work. Raising awareness about the ongoing challenges they face can inspire others to take action.

• Participate In Grassroots Movements: Engage in local and global efforts to protect H2O and combat climate change. Grassroots activism remains one of the most effective ways to drive change.

The movement born at Standing Rock is a testament to the resilience of communities fighting for justice and the environment. As humanity confronts mounting environmental crises, the call to protect H2O as a sacred and vital resource resonates more deeply than ever.

A Call To Action

The Standing Rock protests remind us that the fight for environmental justice is inseparable from the struggle for human rights. Protecting agua requires collective action across cultures and generations. Standing Rock’s legacy continues to inspire movements worldwide, urging all of us to prioritize the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations. Through advocacy, education, and solidarity, we can honor the sacrifices of water protectors and ensure that their fight was not in vain.

The message from Standing Rock is clear: "water is life" or 'mni wiconi" in Lakota, and its protection is a responsibility shared by all.

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Watch the video below to experience the powerful story of resilience and unity at Standing Rock. In this compelling video, Chase Iron Eyes, a member of the Great Sioux Nation and Lead Counsel for the Lakota People’s Law Project, shares his firsthand journey as a water protector. Witness the passion, courage, and solidarity of those who stood against the Dakota Access Pipeline to defend their sacred land and water. Through vivid protest footage and heartfelt testimony, discover the lasting legacy of this historic movement. Watch it now to be inspired by their fight for justice and environmental protection.