Despite Ruling, OK Man Says Fight Against Dakota Pipeline Isn't Over

A federal judge ruled against a North Dakota tribe's request to stop construction of a pipeline near sacred ground.

But the Obama administration stepped in at the eleventh hour, halting the project until more environmental studies could be done.

One Oklahoma man said he’s planning to let his voice be heard by returning to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Thursday night, Bobby Robedeaux stood with hundreds of supporters at a rally at the Guthrie Green. Robedeaux said, despite the decision made by the judge, the fight must continue.

9/8/2016 Related Story: Hundreds Stand With Standing Rock At Tulsa's Guthrie Green

For months, Native Americans like Robedeaux drove from all over the United States to show support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's efforts to block a pipeline project.

A decision by a federal judge to not stop the Dakota Access Pipeline makes him determined to see native tribes brought to the discussion table for future projects.

9/9/2016 Related Story: North Dakota Tribe's Request To Stop Work On Pipeline Denied

"The fight is not over and just because an appointed group of people who were supposed to provide justice for us, they failed," he said.

The Obama administration did step in after the judge's ruling and halted the pipeline project for more environmental studies.

Robedeaux couldn't be happier with the support Oklahomans are showing for Standing Rock Sioux, especially after hundreds showed up at a rally at Tulsa's Guthrie Green.

"When something is bigger than you, you go," he said.

Robedeaux said the Standing Rock protest is why he wants to go to law school and become a tribal attorney.

"Yes, things do need to be changed,” he said. “We do need recognition and we also need respect for our ways."

The Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Interior and Department of Justice are calling for a review of the current laws and regulations with tribes and future projects.

Cherokee Nation principal chief, Bill John Baker, also released a statement on the ruling, saying: