“Street by street, block by block, New York stands with Standing Rock.”

Early this morning a group of about 200 people, most youngish, gathered at Grand Central Station in NYC to express solidarity with the Native American people and their allies who are fighting against a pipeline being installed on their ancestral land. Not only are sacred sites being destroyed but a rupture in the line threatens their only source of clean water. Thousands of Native Americans and those allied with them, which includes aboriginal people from all over the globe, have been non-violently resisting for several weeks now. They have been attacked and bitten by guard dogs, shot with rubber bullets and other projectiles, maced, gassed, tased, hit and arrested. Still, more people arrive at their encampment. In honor of their ancestors and their children they are standing their ground.

The demonstrators remained at Grand Central Station for about an hour with their chants, signs, banners, and a simulated flowing stream made of blue fabric. Then they walked along 42nd St. to the huge Bank of America Tower where they filled the lobby and spoke of the role of the banks which are funding the pipeline for financial gain but are jeopardizing the lives of the people living along it’s path as well as the ecology of the whole earth.

Everyday groups are announcing their support for the Sioux Nation and their stand at Standing Rock. Support is coming from many human rights groups and aboriginal groups. The Palestinian flag is flying among the tents and teepees at the encampment. Now labor groups have joined in. Black Lives Matter and the Dream Defenders have made strong statements of solidarity, as has Jewish Voice for Peace. Environmental groups are joining in also. While this struggle is being led by Native Americans many have come to realize that all of humanity has a stake in this fight and working together we are strong.

Photos © by Bud Korotzer ~~ Commentary by Chippy Dee

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