Dakota Access Pipeline Case Study

The United States government possesses a long history of double-crossing Native Americans. The most recent event is the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline currently being protested by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their supporters. Though the pipeline is more than halfway completed, protestor's have held their ground since April of 2016, and show no sign of losing momentum. The tribe argues construction of the pipeline has already bulldozed into the sacred burial grounds of their ancestors, and further digging will result in irreparable damage to historical, religious and cultural sites. Along with the possible contamination of the Missouri River in case of a leak or oil spill. Followed by The Army Corp of Engineers, responsible of approving the final permits for the pipeline, failing to properly consult with the tribe beforehand. The pipeline has been momentarily halted, while
Hundreds of tribes and supporters from all over the country, have gathered to join the Standing Sioux in their fight to raise awareness and permanently stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. While Energy Transfer Partners grow impatient, the Army Corps continue to do discuss the full environmental effects. Since the Corps was accused of violating several federal statutes by environmental specialists, the final decision will be weighed carefully. Construction has been halted momentarily, but the pipeline awaits the final easement, allowing workers to begin drilling under Lake Oahe. This will result in the completion of the pipeline by the end of 2016. Resulting in a severe violation of native rights the tribe is entitled to. The Sioux tribe will not only face cultural devastation, but the constant risk of losing their only water source. Yet protests show no sign of losing momentum, and the tribe strongly hope for a stop to the 'Black Snake; running through the land, threatening to poison its'