A quick refresher for those who need some background history.
The Standing Rock Indian Reservation, a Native American reservation in North Dakota and South Dakota, has been the epicenter of protest from its citizens hoping to block a major oil company’s plans to drill a pipe — known as the Dakota Access Pipeline — through the reservation, including the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers as well as part of Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, which could potentially contaminate millions of people on and off the reservation. Not to mention, the drilling would cause further destruction to an indigenous peoples of the land that have faced systematic destruction and discrimination since, let’s say, before the invention of America.
Like the Flint, Michigan crisis, Vic Mensa has lent his support to the natives’ protest (popularly known as #NoDAPL) and has visited the reservation to protest, give supplies and more. Speaking to All Def Digital, Mensa explains why he has stepped up to help.
Over the weekend, President Obama denied the route of the pipeline running through Lake Oahe. This is an advancement in the historical and environmental impact of the region, but there’s still work to do.
Those who wish to contribute to the cause can sign this petition, or purchase items from the Sacred Stone Camp Wishlist via Amazon.
