Black Snake: Standing Rock, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and Environmental Justice

The book "Black Snake" tells the story of the leaders and their fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), a controversial project that faced opposition from Native activists and environmentalists. The book highlights the efforts of Native nations to combat environmental injustice and discrimination and rebuild their communities. It also showcases the role of a new generation of environmental activists who were galvanized at Standing Rock and became the protectors of America's natural resources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) garnered widespread attention in 2016 due to its contentious nature. Supporters argued that the pipeline was crucial for the safe transportation of American oil from the Bakken oil fields in the northern plains to national markets, deeming it essential for national security and economic prosperity. Native activists, on the other hand, referred to it as the "black snake," drawing upon an ancient prophecy about a destructive snake that would eventually consume the earth. Activists rallied near the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota for several months, ultimately securing an unprecedented but temporary victory before the federal government granted permission for the pipeline's construction. On June 1, 2017, oil began flowing through the pipeline.

The water protector camps, established in opposition to DAPL, garnered international support and brought together over three hundred tribes, forming what is considered the largest Native alliance in U.S. history. Despite facing violent opposition, the peaceful movement against DAPL has emerged as one of the most significant human rights movements of our time.

Black Snake is a compelling narrative that revolves around the stories of four leaders: LaDonna Allard, Jasilyn Charger, Lisa DeVille, and Kandi White. It explores their unwavering fight against the pipeline, highlighting their efforts to combat environmental injustice and longstanding discrimination while also rebuilding their communities. The book also sheds light on the rise of a new generation of environmental activists, galvanized by their experiences at Standing Rock, who have taken on the responsibility of protecting America's natural resources.

The construction of the DAPL sparked widespread protests and demonstrations, with protesters voicing their concerns about the pipeline's potential environmental impact and its impact on Native American communities. The movement gained momentum as it drew support from various organizations, celebrities, and individuals across the globe. The water protector camps became symbols of resistance and unity, with protesters standing in solidarity with the Native American tribes who opposed the pipeline.

Despite the temporary victory achieved through the protests, the DAPL remained a contentious issue. In 2017, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, challenging the legality of the pipeline's construction under the National Environmental Policy Act. The lawsuit sought to protect the tribe's cultural and environmental heritage, as well as the water resources in the area. The case was eventually settled in 2018, with the pipeline's construction allowed to proceed, but with additional environmental protections and measures in place.

The controversy surrounding the DAPL has had far-reaching consequences. It has brought attention to the ongoing struggles of Native American communities, particularly those affected by environmental degradation and resource extraction. It has also highlighted the need for greater environmental protection and the importance of indigenous voices in decision-making processes related to natural resources.

In conclusion, the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been a highly contentious issue that has garnered global attention. The pipeline's construction sparked protests, demonstrations, and legal challenges, highlighting the ongoing struggles of Native American communities and the need for environmental protection. Black Snake serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Native activists, as well as the growing movement of environmental activists who are committed to safeguarding America's natural resources.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496222664