A Letter from the Indigenous Youth Council

Good Morning Relatives,

It is with so much excitement that we make this statement today. A federal judge ruled that the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline violated crucial laws and the motion to dismiss the Environmental Impact Statement by Donald Trump was, in fact, illegal. Although this doesn’t undo what’s been done this is a victory for all of us. This is the result of hours of hard work in and out of camp on behalf of hundreds of people. The IIYC would like to start by thanking all of our water protecting Sisters and Brothers, The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Earth Justice, LaDonna Brave Bull Allard (and her entire family,) Honor the Earth, Indigenous Environmental Network, Thunder Valley CDC, Teocalli Sacred Heart of the Mountain and all of the organizations that have stood strong throughout this fight, Thank You.

This is a true blessing to us. There are times when the IIYC feels the weight of this movement baring down on our shoulders. There have been times when we want to give up; we feel defeated by the world around us. Yet we continue to show up, stand up and fight back. The Dakota Access Pipeline woke up the youth of the world. It reminded us of our purpose and the power behind it. By allowing us to step forward you created a place for youth to feel seen and heard. Something we know from experience saves lives.

We now understand the importance of our role in this movement. The Dakota Access Pipeline united our people and brought forward the warriors that will take over the fight that has waged for decades. It inspired us to inspire others. Prior to joining the council many of us were lost. We had little to live for and what we were living for was too shallow to touch.

Discovering one’s purpose can be a scary thing. It has been a painfully, beautiful experience for all of us. Although this journey has not been easy, it has been rewarding. The International Indigenous Youth Council vows to organize youth through education, spiritual practices and civic engagement to create positive change in our communities. Through action and ceremony, the IIYC commits to building a sustainable future for the next seven generations.

The fight is far from over, and we will continue to show up, stand up and fight back!

Aho Mitakuye Oyasin,

IIYC Family