The protesting of over a thousand Native American activists has halted construction of major new oil pipeline in North Dakota. Sunday in Marquette, several activists held a protest of their own in solidarity with those in North Dakota.

According to National Public Radio, the new pipeline would pass beneath the Missouri River, and the Standing Rock Tribe in North Dakota relies on the river for not only drinking and fishing but also cultural practices. Native Americans both in North Dakota and Marquette fear the pipeline could contaminate the river.

"We're here to protect the land and to protect the waters because you can't drink oil, you can't drink money, but you can drink water," said Jon McGraw, a Native American and Protester at the event.

"We're encouraging all young people to protest to protect their lands and their waters because this is for us, this is for our children's children and young people have the power," said Daraka McLeod, a member of the Native American Students of Northern Michigan University.

The group will be holding another protest in September, this time for the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline under the Mackinac Bridge. The event will be Saturday September 3, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a "Pipe Out Paddle" with 'Kayaktivists' and launch times are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, email pipeout2015@gmail.com.