Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Celebrating 'Victory' In North Dakota Pipeline Controversy

The Standing Rock Sioux  Tribe won a major victory Sunday.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it won't approve the Dakota Access Pipeline the easement to build a pipeline under Lake Oahe.

Local tribes also call this a victory.

Native tribes in Tulsa and all around Oklahoma have been standing in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux.

With this news, tonight they celebrate.

12/4/2016 Related Story: U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Denies Easement For Dakota Access Pipeline

The Standing Rock Sioux protest encampment is cold and covered in snow, but the people here have a lot to celebrate.

"I'm just so thankful, for all of you. And I'm proud of each and every one of you," said Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II. 

Protesters have called this land home as protests continued against DAPL - the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners' plan has been to build an oil pipeline under Lake Oahe and through what natives call "sacred tribal land."

But Sunday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the easement to build.

A much-needed announcement to ease tensions between protesters and law enforcement. 

"I just think it's such a joy for this to happen," said Tonya Wapskineh, who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. 

She's participated in a few Oklahoma solidarity protests.

Wapskineh lives in Tahlequah and has visited the Dakota campsite twice.

"I think right now it's just a victory and just because this is something that needed to happen with Obama's administration. In the future, we aren't really sure what can happen with the new administration," Wapskineh said. 

She said it's been amazing seeing tribes from all around the country and world come together like this.

She doubts this is the end.

"They want to stay to show support because they think DAPL will continue doing the drilling or continue construction because there has been many times where they have been told not to move forward and they do it anyway," Wapskineh said. 

North Dakota Congressman supports the pipeline construction.

"Today's unfortunate decision sends a very chilling signal to others who want to build infrastructure in this country," said Cramer.

There's no word yet on where an alternative pipeline route could go.