Rapid City, SD, May 14, 2013 – The Ihanktonwan Treaty Council (Yankton Sioux), the Pawnee Nation, and the Southern Ponca Nation of Oklahoma stand united against the unwanted and risky Keystone XL pipeline, which is violating the 1868 Great Treaty of Ft. Laramie Treaty and the 1858 Ft. Laramie Treaty by passing through Oceti Sakowin, Seven Council Fires Treaty Territory. Aboriginal sacred sites are being disrespected by the thousands in the proposed 800 mile corridor.
On May 16th at 3pm MST, at the Hilton Garden Inn, a tribal Press Conference will be held in order for the tribes to respond to the Department of State’s Tribal Consultation being held that same day. Some tribes do not recognize consultations out of their homelands and some refuse to participate in a process that gives tribes inferior status.
MEDIA IS INVITED TO THIS PRESS CONFERENCE AS TRIBES STATE THEIR STAND REGARDING THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND THEIR DIVISIVE PRESSURE TO OBTAIN A PRESIDENTIAL PERMIT VIOLATING PUBLIC WISHES, ABORIGINAL RIGHTS, WATER CONCERNS AND TREATY RIGHTS.
Following the press conference there will be the opportunity for questions and interviews with tribe members and allies.
On-Site Contacts:
Faith Spotted Eagle, 605-481-0416, eagletrax@hotmail.com
Sabrina King, 605-939-0527, sabrina@dakotarural.org