“We have a really rich history here, and our history and ceremonies are who we are,” she said.

Win Young also described some of the significant sites in the area, including 66 villages along the Missouri River, areas with human remains or other cultural artifacts and sacred prayer sites.

“I thank you guys for coming, but the risks are too great for our children,” she told the company.

Frey asked if the tribe had maps available that would indicate sites to avoid. Tribal officials said they did not have maps publicly available, but asked the company to consult with Standing Rock’s tribal historic preservation office.

“We ask that you consult with Standing Rock because we do have the expertise and we have knowledge of where the sites are,” Archambault said.

Dakota Access has emphasized that the project follows the existing corridor of the Northern Border Pipeline. But tribal officials said the natural gas pipeline was installed about a decade before changes to a federal law gave tribes a voice in the process.

The meeting did not include mention that Dakota Access had earlier considered a pipeline route that crossed the Missouri River north of Bismarck.