Local Native American Group Travels To Protest N.D. Pipeline

A local group of Native Americans is traveling to North Dakota to join other tribes from across the nation in a protest to stop the construction of an oil pipeline.

"We just want to be there to support their tribe," said protestor Agnes Givens.

Thousands of Native Americans from many tribes across the country are descending on the small North Dakota town of Cannon Ball, and their hope is to protect the drinking water there. 

"For the oil spill to happen, I would sort of say, it would ruin the water," protester Susie Rogers stated.

Fifteen people from the Kialegee Tribal Town are leaving the area to take supplies to protesters in North Dakota. They collected food and water to give to those sleeping in tents and teepees while protesting the construction of a pipeline that will go through a reservation. They're hoping to show others the value that the land has to Native Americans.

Protesters and supporters worry that if the pipeline were to leak it could contaminate their drinking water for many years to come, which could force people to move from their land.

"If the pipe busts, it will contaminate the whole river,” said protester Jeremiah Hobia. “And a lot of that is drinking water and to a lot of Native Americans water is sacred to us. It keeps us alive.”

Hobia tells News On 6 they plan to stay with friends during the protest, but they are in need of more supplies and asking for donations. 

If you would like to help, call 405-452-3262 or visit the following link: KIALEGEE TRIBAL TOWN