​The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says the group known as water protectors at Standing Rock deserve credit for their perseverance against the Dakota Access pipeline development on their lands.

On Sunday, it was announced that the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers had issued a stay on the easement issued to Dakota Access.

A federal government news release said the administration will not allow the four-state, $3.8-billion pipeline to be built under Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron says the "water protectors" deserve credit for bringing the Dakota Access pipeline route to a halt, but they must remain vigilant. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)

"Thanks to president Barack Obama for hearing the calls of our youth, our brothers and sisters, mothers, grandmothers and the protectors of all races who came together in solidarity," FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a news release.

"Today's victory just goes to show you that Indigenous people will never stop defending their land, water and sovereignty."

Yesterday's stay on the easement that puts a halt to the development on the Standing Rock's traditional territory does not mean the pipeline will not continue.

While it's good news, the water protectors should not let their guard down, Cameron said.

"We urge the water protectors to remain vigilant," he said. "There's no telling what will happen after this new presidential administration takes over."