Guidelines for visitors to Standing Rock

Cannon Ball, N.D. — When visiting the Standing Rock occupation in Cannonball, North Dakota, there are a number of faux pas one can unintentionally commit. Though water protectors (not “protesters”) encourage outsiders to join the movement, they also want visitors to be conscious of the time and space that they occupy at the encampment. Activists say the role of the water protector includes more than direct action against the police. It means being prepared to help contribute to the growth of the community. Tribal leaders encourage volunteers to help with any manual labor and medical assistance. They also caution visitors to be aware of the constant prayer and sacred rituals that occur in and around the site – many of these practices are strictly not to be photographed. People’s World spoke with a number of community members at Standing Rock to discuss some of the frequent mistakes made by visitors when arriving at the Oceti Sakowin camp site—and what it means to center indigenous voices in the fight against the Dakota Access pipeline.

Video: #NoDAPL – Some guidelines for visitors, by Earchiel Johnson and Michelle Zacarias.