Dear Chairman Archambault and citizens of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe:
On behalf of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, we would like to express our solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and allies in their opposition to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. We are asking all of our people to stand strong with you and to keep your community in our thoughts and prayers.
As we stand with you, we encourage President Obama to work directly with your leadership to find resolution. We encourage those supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on the ground to follow the guidance of the leadership on whose territory they are located in terms of action and next steps. While peaceful protest is a sign of true solidarity, the Nuu-chah-nulth are concerned and condemn the reactive action taken by local, state and federal officials and their use of excessive and physical force. It is disturbing to learn of authorities using rubber bullets, mace and Tasers on Native American men, women and children who are protesting peacefully against the Dakota Access pipeline.
Resource development in any Indigenous Nation's territory needs to be adhered to the highest environmental standards and we support your efforts to safeguard your precious resources. We understand that carrying crude oil across four states to Illinois is a threat to sacred land and could severely compromise the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s main access to clean water. Water is life as many have chanted during the protests, and Industry must always be mindful of proper consultation and accommodation protocol, while respecting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensuring that industry and governments receive free, prior and informed consent from that particular Indigenous Nation
If there is something we can do beyond our thoughts and support, please let us know. Again, we the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island’s west coast stand with you and hold you in our thoughts.
Kleco, Kleco
Debra Foxcroft, NTC President
Ken Watts, NTC Vice-President
