News that the permit for the final section of the Dakota Access Oil Pipeline had been denied swept through camp quickly.

Singers and drummers struck up victory songs, joyous shrieks filled the air, and "water protectors" as they call themselves, hugged and cried.

The chanting and dancing continued around the sacred fire, which burned in the middle of the Oceti Sakowin camp.

But there was caution alongside the celebrations, which follow months of protests by Native Americans and climate activists amid fears over damage to sacred land and water contamination.

There was concern that the pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners could find a way to pay a massive daily fine and keep drilling anyway, despite the decision by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


Others spoke of President-elect Donald Trump and his support for the project.

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They worried that once he is elected he may try to grant permits for the pipe to continue.

Still, with this symbolic victory, many of the thousands gathered at Standing Rock will go home.

Others, particularly those who've been camped on the high plains of North Dakota for months, feel the fight isn't over.

They don't trust the police, the government or the pipeline company, and they've pledged to stay through the bitter winter, guarding their sacred land.