Two Eastern Iowans who were recently in North Dakota protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline are celebrating what they call a “small victory.”

Despite the harsh weather, protesters have spent the last few days celebrating. Last Sunday, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it wouldn't allow a portion of the pipeline to be built in southern North Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its supporters argue the line threatens water sources and cultural land in that area. With victory achieved, some of those protesters are now headed home.

Robert Frazier is a veteran living in Marion who recently got back from his trip to the Standing Rock reservation. Frazier joined thousands of veterans who made the trip to join the Sioux tribe.

“We were received very, very wecomly by a lot of indigenous veterans and there were a lot of people there who were very, very glad to see us standing up for something that is actually worth standing up for," Frazier said.

He says there wasn't too much of a police presence when he was there and it was peaceful.

"It was a small city that has been established over several months that currency does no good. If you're hungry you get fed, if you're cold you get put in front of a fire, if you need something it is offered. People genuinely care about the well-being of others there,” Frazier said.

Dawson Davenport, a University of Iowa student who is part of a Native American tribe in Iowa says visiting the camp was eye-opening and he's now sharing those experiences with his classmates.

"My role really has just been to educate people and to bring awareness on the subject because you know I was at school here and I had kind of brought up the subject and a lot of students were kind of clueless as to what was going on,” Davenport said.

Both say Sunday's announcement is a small victory, but have differing ideas on how it will all play out.

"Yes it was a small victory, but it's not the end of the war, it's not time to stop fighting, to stop fighting for human rights, to stop fighting for equal treatment of all,” Frazier said.

"I think it will be stopped, you've gotta have faith in your prayers,” Davenport said.

Both say they are going to continue being a part of the fight in any way they can.