Peace and Social Justice December Action Alert
On Monday, a prayer camp at Standing Rock -- standing against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) -- faces eviction ordered by the Army Corps of Engineers. Given recent law enforcement tactics there, we're deeply concerned that violent, aggressive policing to enforce the eviction could cause serious injury or death.
Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers issued an eviction notice to the camp, citing danger from the impending winter weather. But the dangers are human caused, as law enforcement officials are engaging in militarized tactics such as drenching people with water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures and shooting “less-lethal” rubber bullets. As “eviction day” nears, there’s great potential for greater violence and the loss of life.
The U.S. government must reverse the tragic historical cycle of violence against Native Americans. We ask that you call upon the administration to protect the rights of Native Americans instead of forcibly removing them from their sacred and ancestral lands, and to reject the Dakota Access Pipeline.
But right now, the threat of violence against the water protectors is only increasing. So we ask that you call today to hold law enforcement accountable for militarized policing by:
- Sending observers
- Negotiating with Governor Darlrymple and the tribal leaders to reduce tensions
- Ensuring that the civil and human rights of all people are upheld
Federal, state, local and private enforcers have engaged in increasingly aggressive actions against the tribal members and their allies, causing serious injuries and arresting hundreds. An eviction notice for December 5 sets the scene for increased violence.
Call:
[ ]Department of Justice : (202) 353-1555
[ ]President Barack Obama: (202) 456-1111
My name is NAME from CITY, STATE.
I oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline and plans to evict water protectors and their supporters at Standing Rock.
The Dakota Access Pipeline, like the Mariner II and Atlantic Sunrise pipelines in my state of Pennsylvania, represent enormous investment in fossil fuel infrastructure. That investment needs to be made in our clean energy future, and NOT in the dirty fuels of the 20th century.
Even without the immediate justice issues on the table, government land — land belonging to the people of this country — should not be invested in a project that is a path to a future we do not want.
Regarding the immediate consequences: as a person of faith, I understand the importance of sacred spaces. For the Standing Rock Sioux these lands and this water are holy places.
At a minimum, the government should:
- Send observers to prevent the militarized, aggressive policing that has already injured hundreds of people;
- Investigate civil rights violations; and
- Negotiate with Governor Dalrymple and tribal leaders to reduce tensions.
Thank you.
[End call]
For more information please go to FCNL: https://www.fcnl.org/updates/act-now-stand-with-water-protectors-484