Two West Seattleites have been working on a plan to help the demonstrators who are gathered with the Standing Rock Sioux, 1,200 miles from here [map], trying to change the route of an oil pipeline. They are planning to travel to the site next month and collecting community donations if you are interested in helping. Here’s their message and plan:

BE A PART OF THE STANDING ROCK PROTEST AND HELP THE WATER PROTECTORS IN NORTH DAKOTA.

Standing between poisoned water and the people living from the Dakotas to New Orleans are a few hundred tents on the prairie. It gets very cold on the prairie in North Dakota.

THE PROBLEM:

The proposed path of the Dakota Access Pipeline goes under the Missouri River just a half mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, threatening the water of the entire region, from the Dakotas to New Orleans. The DAPL company expects construction to be complete in January, with highly explosive oil from the Bakken region ready to flow.

THE SOLUTION:

Move this “safe” pipeline back to its original route north of Bismarck and away from the water. This is the only thing the Sioux tribe and their supporters are asking for. This is why they are camping on the prairie in the direct path of the pipeline.

OUR PLAN:

We are driving from West Seattle, hopefully with a truck or trailer full of supplies, to the Standing Rock Sioux at Sacred Stone Camp for Thanksgiving to show our support for their cause and sacrifice in protecting the water. We would like to give you the opportunity to show your support and gratitude as well.

There are two ways you can support this.

1. We will be taking donated items (see list) at the following locations for the next 3 weeks.

2. You can make a direct financial contribution to those protesting. (see links)

MATERIAL DONATION SITES:

Saturdays: November 5th, 12th, and 19th, between 8 a.m. and noon.

Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 7141 California Ave SW.

Weekly: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until the 19th)

Duwamish Tribal Services at 4705 West Marginal Way SW

*Please note that we are not a 501c3 charity and any donations are non-tax-deductible. Any financial donation should be made through the suggested links.*

SUPPLY LIST:

(as requested by the Sacred Stone Camp)

Warm Winter Clothes (good condition only please)

****Gloves, Wool Hats, Socks and Sweaters

****Insulated Coats and Pants

Sleeping Bags / Blankets for subzero temperatures

Thermal Bed Rolls

Winter Tents / Heavy Duty Canvas

DIRECT DONATION LINKS:

sacredstonecamp.org

standingrock.org

democracynow.org

We welcome any suggestions and comments from our community and will do our best to reply to WSB posts.

Giles Stanton and Cathy Morgan