Winter has set in on the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota. Photo from Sacred Stone Camp



The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is preparing to welcome as many as 2,000 veterans to the #NoDAPL encampment amid a time of uncertainty in North Dakota.

With their determination to act as human shields, the participants in Veterans Stand For Standing Rock are re-focusing national attention on the brutalities suffered at the hands of the state. Hundreds of people who are opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline have been arrested and have suffered injuries as authorities remain intent on clearing them from land just north of the reservation.

But in a return to social media, Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier is already pushing back on the mission. His office is suggesting that the veterans who are coming to Oceti Sakowin Seven Council Fires ) and the other #NoDAPL camps might be engaging in "unlawful" activities

"Veterans within the state of North Dakota, we really question that -- as to where their cause truly is because we all took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States," Raymond Morell said in a video released by Kirchmeier's office on Thursday.

Morton County Sheriff's Department on YouTube: Veteran Speaks Out



The Veterans Stand For Standing Rock group began organizing the large deployment before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it was closing public land to Oceti Sakowin, the largest #NoDAPL site. The December 5 deadline opens up hundreds and perhaps even thousands to prosecution and persecution by county and state authorities.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R), who has never visited the camps, quickly asserted authority at the site and signed an "emergency" evacuation order on Monday. But with thousands of veterans on their way to Standing Rock, he is denying suggestions that authorities will prevent food, supplies and people from getting there.

"We are not going to be stopping people,” Dalrymple said at a press conference on Wednesday after questions were raised about the state's intentions. “It would be a huge mistake from a humanitarian standpoint.”

Still, the tribe and the residents of the camps are worried about threats posed by the state, giving recent events. Chairman Dave Archambault II issued a proclamation on Wednesday that supports the continued presence of Oceti Sakowin on public land.

"This week is the anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre," Archambault said, referring to the November 29, 1864, incident in which hundreds of peaceful women, children and elderly were killed at the hands of a state militia in Colorado. "It’s time for the United States to end its legacy of abuses against Native Americans. We call on the United Nations and President Barack Obama to take immediate action to prohibit North Dakota from engaging in its retaliatory actions and practices."

"Gov. Darlymple had a chance today to condemn the violence and unlawful acts of state and local governments, but failed to do so," Archambault added.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on YouTube: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls For Immediate Halt to Dakota Access Pipeline



Some veterans have already started making their way to North Dakota for the December 4-7 mission. The event is organized by veterans Michael Wood Jr. and Wesley Clark Jr., and the official spokesperson is veteran Loreal Black Shawl, who is Oglala Sioux and Northern Arapaho.

A contingent from the Navajo Nation will be among those joining the more than 2,000 veterans who have signed up. The Dine' Warriors for Standing Rock are scheduled to fly out of of New Mexico on Saturday, according to organizer Duane "Chili" Yazzie , who serves as president of the Shiprock Chapter on the reservation.

With authorities in North Dakota still blocking roads north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, the veterans are planning to meet on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota before they head to the front lines. Organizers are establishing an assembly area in Eagle Butte, the headquarters of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) has confirmed that she will be joining the effort. She spoke on the floor of the House on Thursday morning in opposition to the controversial project that spurred the #NoDAPL movement.

"The Dakota Access Pipeline is a threat to the great balance of life," said Gabbard, who served in the war in Iraq and remains on active duty.

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