Everything you need to know about the controversial oil pipeline that has become a rallying cry for indigenous rights and climate change activism

Dakota Access pipeline: the who, what and why of the Standing Rock protests

The Native American protests against the Dakota Access pipeline have become an international rallying cry for indigenous rights and climate change activism, drawing thousands to the rural area of Cannon Ball, North Dakota.

As the controversial oil pipeline approaches the river that the Standing Rock Sioux tribe fears it will contaminate – and as a militarized police force continues to engage in tense standoffs with demonstrators – here is what we know so far.

What is the Dakota Access pipeline?

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The Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL) is a $3.7bn project that would transport crude oil from the Bakken oil field in North Dakota to a refinery to Patoka, Illinois, near Chicago.

The 1,172-mile pipeline, roughly 30 inches in diameter, would carry 470,000 barrels per day and is a project of company Energy Transfer Partners.

Who is opposing the project and why?

The local Standing Rock Sioux tribe and thousands of Native American supporters from across North America have set up camps in Cannon Ball to try and block the oil project. Opponents of DAPL say the project threatens sacred native lands and could contaminate their water supply from the Missouri river, which is the longest river in North America.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Dakota Access pipeline under construction. The completed project would carry 470,000 barrels of crude oil a day. Photograph: Josh Morgan/Reuters

Activists call themselves “water protectors” and argue that the pipeline poses similar threats to the now defeated Keystone XL, but lament that DAPL has failed to garner the same amount of national attention. Tribal leaders also say that the US army corps of engineers’ initial decision to allow the pipeline to run within a half-mile of the local reservation was done without consulting tribal governments and without a thorough study of impacts.

This means, the tribe says, that the project violates federal law and native treaties with the US government.

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Where are the protests taking place?

The first protest camp emerged in April when members of the Standing Rock Lakota and other Native American nations rode on horseback and established a spiritual camp called Sacred Stone.

Several other large camps, featuring a diverse mix of tribes and non-native supporters, have since emerged nearby. The main camp where more than 1,000 are gathered is called Oceti Sakowin. The Standing Rock camps are all located about an hour south of Bismarck, North Dakota, though police have established strict roadblocks along 1806, the main local highway, meaning visitors have to head west and enter from the south to get to the demonstration.

Some of the camps are on lands controlled by the US army corps of engineers and other sites are on private land owned by Ladonna Allard, a member of the Dakota Sioux.

How far along is the project?

In North Dakota, the pipeline construction has rapidly advanced toward the protest camps and the Missouri river. As of the start of November, tribal leaders said it appeared as if the construction project was nearing completion – within a few miles of the water, maybe less. The tribe said the digging has already disrupted sacred burial grounds and that if the project goes under the river and gets any closer to the reservation, there could be irreversible damage to their land and cultural heritage.

Energy Transfer Partners recently said it is on track to have the entire pipeline “ready for service” by the end of 2016.

What tactics have protesters used to fight construction?

The protest camps have repeatedly emphasized that they intend to remain unarmed and peaceful. As the pipeline has gotten closer to the Missouri river, activists have attempted to set up camps and prayer circles on the property where construction is planned.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Native American dancers perform during a peaceful demonstration near the Dakota Access pipeline construction site. Photograph: STRINGER/Reuters

Youth leaders have often been on the frontlines of standoffs with police, at times facing Mace, rubber bullets and other threats from law enforcement. Elderly leaders have also led demonstrations.

How has the federal government responded?



The US army corps of engineers, along with a number of federal agencies, announced in September that it was reviewing its approvals and temporarily halting permits for construction on federal land near or under the Missouri river.

In his first remarks since protests escalated, Barack Obama said the army corps was studying whether the pipeline could be rerouted around sacred native lands. His comments, published on 1 November, did not include specific proposals or commitments and said the government was “going to let it play out for several more weeks and determine whether or not this can be resolved in a way that I think is properly attentive to the traditions of the first Americans”.

How have police responded to demonstrations?

The Morton County sheriff’s office, along with Cass County law enforcement and supporting police agencies from across the state, have formed a highly militarized police force that has aggressively targeted protesters attempting to block construction.

As of November, police have made more than 400 arrests, many of which occurred during two separate protest clashes within one week.

Police, who are often armed with large tanks and riot gear, have used pepper spray, teargas, rubber bullets, Tasers and other “less-than-lethal” tools to respond. Jack Dalrymple, North Dakota’s governor, also called in the national guard.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Police officers have used teargas against protesters on the Standing Rock reservation. Photograph: Stephanie Keith/Reuters

Law enforcement leaders have charged Native Americans, journalists and film-makers, with rioting, criminal trespass, resisting arrest and a range of more serious felonies. Police have also been accused of human rights violations in their treatment of jailed protesters, and a United Nations group opened an investigation into local law enforcement.

Police officials claim that they have been forced to arrest protesters when they enter the property where construction is planned. Local officials have also slammed Obama, saying he has not done enough to help law enforcement and stop protesters.

What is the status of the tribe’s court fight against the project?

The Standing Rock tribe is also fighting the project in court, arguing that the approvals of the project were improper and that the government has failed to do a study that would assess the large-scale impact of the pipeline.

But in September, federal judge James Boasberg ruled that the US army corps of engineers “likely complied” with the National Historic Preservation Act.

The tribe has also argued that the pipeline violates the United Nations’ declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples.

What has Energy Transfer Partners said about the protests?

Energy Transfer Partners said in court filings in September that the Dakota Access pipeline is 45% complete and that a temporary injunction to stop it would have “devastating short and long-term impacts”. The company has also previously denounced “threats and attacks” perpetrated upon its employees.

In response to concerns of contamination and environmental hazards, DAPL has argued that pipelines are the safest, most efficient method of transporting oil. The company also claims that increased production in the Bakken oil field has led to a rise in the shipment of oil by rail and truck, leaving less transportation available for regional agriculture.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Protesters in New York make a show of solidarity with the North Dakota movement. Photograph: Pacific Press/REX/Shutterstock

What have Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump said about DAPL?

After a group of Standing Rock youth staged a protest at the Brooklyn campaign headquarters of Hillary Clinton in late October, the Democratic presidential nominee released a short statement that did not take a stance on the pipeline or the protests.

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She said she believed “all voices should be heard”, adding: “It’s important that on the ground in North Dakota, everyone respects demonstrators’ rights to protest peacefully, and workers’ rights to do their jobs safely.”

Republican nominee Donald Trump has not publicly commented on the protests, but it was revealed in October that he has close financial ties to Energy Transfer Partners.

Who else is supporting the protesters?

The anti-pipeline movement has attracted support on the ground from actor Shailene Woodley, who was arrested while protesting, and Mark Ruffalo, who visited in October. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson also made an appearance at the site.

US senator Bernie Sanders, who lost to Clinton in the Democratic primary, has also issued numerous statements in support of the protest.

Green party candidate Jill Stein faced charges for graffiti at the pipeline protest.

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