With Friday's joint announcement by the federal Departments of Justice, Interior and the US Army halting construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on native land, support events this weekend are taking a more jubilant tone. But supporters stress that the Dakota pipeline is only temporarily stopped. A solidarity gathering for Maine is scheduled for Sunday, September 11 at the Bangor Waterfront.  

Rezpect Our Water
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Wabanaki Solidarity Event organizer Sherri Mitchell - Wena'gamu'gwasit says all are welcome, from all corners of the world. Mitchell says "This is open to everyone that wants to protect the Earth, the sacred waters, sacred sites, and Indigenous rights. And, to all those who simply want to show their support for all those who are taking this vital stand for life."

The gathering will get underway at noon near the Penobscot River, just past the Sea Dog Brewing parking lot.

Mitchell says this will be a peaceful gathering, with no weapons, alcohol, drugs or hostility allowed.  Participants are asked to bring their own food, as the event is not food licensed, and to bring water in reusable containers rather than bottled water.

Sacred Stone Camp (Facebook)
Sacred Stone Camp (Facebook)
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"We are coming together to stand united as PROTECTORS of the water, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Standing Rock, and all others across Turtle Island who are courageously making this stand. We will open the event with a water ceremony. We invite you to bring a bottle of water from your home area to be included, and to bring tobacco or tobacco ties for the ceremony. We will then hear from a number of speakers talking about the current status of events at Standing Rock, and about other water issues in Indian Country and beyond. This will be followed by Wabanaki Drumming - Skeej, please come in ribbon shirts/dresses or regalia. Allies, come as you are. We will end by marching through the streets of Bangor and circling back to the starting location."

Mitchell says water protection and Indigenous rights-themed banners and signs are welcome. Donations will be collected for for Sacred Stone Camp.  A list of items needed can be found by following here. 

Sacred Stone Camp (Facebook)
Sacred Stone Camp (Facebook)
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Mitchell says support is also welcomed at the Sacred Stone Camp website and the Red Warrior Camp website.

Red Warrior Camp (Facebook)
Red Warrior Camp (Facebook)
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Today, Sacred Stone Camp issued a statement that the tribe has filed an "injunction pending appeal" in US District Court. The pipeline company filed a response opposing the appeal and the Army Corps filed a response also opposing the appeal. "It is almost certain the Judge will not change his decision, this is just a formality. Next step is the tribe will appeal at the US Court of Appeals next week."

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