Yesterday (August 30), the force to stop the $3.78 billion* Dakota Access Pipeline grew even stronger as eight Washington state tribes joined the Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota.

Men and women arrived from the Yakama Nation, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Lummi Nation, Puyallup Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Hoh Tribe. In May of this year, the Lummi Nation blocked the largest coal port ever proposed in North America, according to The Seattle Times.

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“We’ve seen the success our friends from Washington state have had in their battles to protect treaty rights against the transport of fossil fuels,” said David Archambault II, chairman of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, in a statement sent to Colorlines. “Their support is crucial in the protection of our land, water and cultural resources, as well as all of our sovereign rights that we are asking Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy to honor.”

So far, the Sioux have received support from more than 150 tribes. Dozens have gathered with them on their camp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Celebrities like Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson and Leonardo DiCaprio have also expressed solidarity.

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The tribe has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for issuing permits for the pipeline. A judge from the U.S. District Court will issue a decision by September 9 as to whether or not construction will move forward. 

 

*Post has been updated to reflect the correct cost of the pipeline: It will cost $3.78 billion, not $1.78 billion.