Saturday

At the risk of their own safety, a group of Māori performed haka at the frontline of the Osceti Sakowin camp.

A group of six Māori have been at the camp since last Sunday, in support the Standing Rock’s Sioux tribes’ opposition to the Dakota pipeline.

Kereama Te Ua and some Māori women went to pray at the frontline where authorities were positioned yesterday, (Thanksgiving Day).

“I didn't think I was going to do it there. I just had an overwhelming feeling to drop to my knee and deliver something from my ancestors, knowing full well that a haka would have provoked them, they wouldn't understand what it means, and these guys are looking at any reason to take a shot at us,” said Te Ua.

For months the Sioux tribe along with thousands from around the world have been camped at Standing Rock, to protest the construction of the underground pipeline, which they claim will pass through a sacred burial site.

Photo Credit: Kereama Te Ua

“It was really about my ancestors acknowledging their ancestors and letting them know that we're here to support them and even if we're not there ā tīnana, there's a maunga of people and a maunga of my ancestors standing behind me, standing for Standing Rock.”
Source

Photo Credit: Benita Tahuri

NOTE: War haka were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition, but haka are also performed for various reasons: for welcoming distinguished guests, or to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals, and kapa haka performance groups are very common in schools.

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Responses to "Maori warriors defy authorities with a powerful haka at Standing Rock"

  1. Unknown says:

    Kia kaha warriors of the rainbow all over

  2. Unknown says:

    Powerful. Thank you for sharing your strength. The world is watching. May good prevail. May you all find the strength & courage to fight on.

  3. cbgestalt says:

    Thank you Maori Warriors!

  4. Anonymous says:

    Wahine haka! Solidarity.

  5. Althea gleason says:

    So beautiful and powerful, strong warriors indeed!! Thank you Maori ppl....

  6. Anonymous says:

    This took much courage to perform in a foreign country; on an icy road;and in front of what they know are gun happy police officers; They are coming to support Standing Rock from all over the world..

  7. Unknown says:

    Heartening cry

  8. Love it ... prayers for all!

  9. Anonymous says:

    Kia kaha Tuhoe whanau

  10. Unknown says:

    proud of my people you guys are awesome

  11. Anonymous says:

    Very powerful ! May the good prevail.

  12. cathy says:

    wonderful....thank you! smile

  13. Unknown says:

    mitakuye oyasin aho

  14. Righteous. Thank you.

  15. Thankyou

  16. Karen k says:

    Kia Kaha. Very moving.

  17. a universal language of defiance and resistance

  18. RedFox says:

    Chur cuzzns

  19. RedFox says:

    Haka!!!

  20. Chris Lee says:

    so very inspiring to see indiginous peoples from the other side of the world ,helping their brothers and sisters ..powerful ..love light and blessings to you all x

  21. Anonymous says:

    AHO!

  22. Anonymous says:

    Thank you for sharing your spirit.

  23. wolfgar says:

    Many Thanks and Blessings to our Maori Brothers and Sisters.

  24. Unknown says:

    WATER IS LIFE! much gratitude to all the protectors!

  25. One Mother Earth; many beautiful cultures, one humanity. We must live together with respect for each other, and enough respect for other species to allow a sustainable future.

  26. Anonymous says:

    The whole world is watching you National Guard, Police Department, North Dakota...you are "just doing your jobs" how could you work for someone that would do this to people... your job is to protect the people you are hurting!!! Not ...the oil companies!!! If you are so desperate for a job ...then you lost the point of the matter!!! such shameful behaviour on behalf of the government - Jeannie - Ontario Canada

  27. Anonymous says:

    You inspire me beyond words. In this age of meaninglessness this effort is authentic and very real.
    Jill in Colorado

  28. Anonymous says:

    This action by the police of the country that condemned Castro's treatment of the Cuban nation. The spirits should never be offended. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  29. Unknown says:

    Powerful & Moving!!!

  30. Robyn says:

    full marks for performance and grit

  31. Anonymous says:

    Blessings sent your way ☆☆☆

  32. Belle412 says:

    Powerful and moving. I see and feel the strength and power of the Haka. The world is watching. People with good hearts will do the right thing: with children to feed and bills to pay, it took them a little longer. They now see what is good, what is right and stand With you. And so it is. The world is watching; from australia.

  33. Shirley says:

    Very moving display. May God be on their side

  34. Unknown says:

    Kia Kaha ma Brother and Sisters...Tautoko u here from Tauranga New Zealand <3 Chimmyma Kiriona, Maori

  35. clare says:

    Kia Kaha! Eltham NZ

  36. Anonymous says:

    Kia Kaha whanau o Tuhoe, Aotearoa .. anei, Ko Te Arawa e waru pumanawa - The eight beating hearts of Te Arawa

  37. no name says:

    from a New Zealander we perform the Haka for a reason especially powerful ones...it has been done in many parts of the world spontaneously..and has power behind it... but what needs is the healing songs of the earth from all people...it is crying

  38. Thank you Maori Warriors! What a wonderful Haka! You have come far to help! Many Thanks!!

  39. Blues says:

    The Whole World Is Watching. Even Though Scumbag Corporate Media Are Silent.
    Best wishes from all in New Zealand And Australia.
    We Will Boycott any company involved here. Banks included.

  40. Anonymous says:

    My spirit Flys with my ancestors to you, He mea nui o Te Ao he tangata he tangata he tangata!

  41. Anonymous says:

    motu kakariki moake tonu atu

    kia ora

  42. Don't mess with the Maoris -- God bless them!

  43. Anonymous says:

    Powerful, the spirit is strong, the ancestors are with us, we shall prevail! Thank you to our Maori Brothers and Sisters!

  44. Unknown says:

    Powerful. Brought me to tears. Stand strong.

  45. Unknown says:

    Aho! Powerful! Wish I could be there. Thank you! Mitakuye Oyasin
    *Anpetu Wastè Win from Colorado

  46. Anonymous says:

    ~Beautiful. Powerful. Wopila Tanka

  47. Unknown says:

    So amazing and powerful! 😂 thank you

  48. Unknown says:

    So amazing and powerful! 😂 thank you

  49. Anonymous says:

    My spirit supports your spirit and that of your ancestors. We stand with you.

  50. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for lending your beautiful strength, courage and humanity in solidarity with Standing Rock. Peace & Solidarity

  51. Unknown says:

    seen too much hate in our world...wars famine indiginous rights every where trampled treated as scum off the earth.. countries and peoples smashed with bombs tanks you name it ....mostley targeted by money....so someone can make great profits with the excuse of peoples like those at standing rock being interfearing and in the way of progress.God bless you all at standing rock and all your supporters.... this is the great battle for generations to come.Kia kaha our hearts are with you all

  52. Unknown says:

    I do not speak your language but I understood everything!!! Much love and prayers to my brother's and sisters!! May the Great Spirit bless you all! ������������������

  53. Unknown says:

    Strength in the warriors who stand together! Much love and support!!❤️❤️

  54. KSG says:

    Kia kaha, Kia manawanui - tino arohanui. xxx

  55. Unknown says:

    https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Government_Hold_a_Ministerial_Inquiry_into_the_taking_of_my_Children_by_CYFS/

  56. Earth defenders the world over are with you in spirit, even if we cannot be there in person. The Maori are known to be fearsome warriors and the Haka moves me to tears everytime I see it. That raw courage of standing in defiance of such twisted authority is typical of the Maori. Thank you all for your courage and authenticity, to the Maori and all of the Indian tribal warriors and other defenders. The earth depends on you all. May the spirits be with you all.

  57. Anonymous says:

    We watch from all over the world, Distance seems great, but in spirit, we never parted. I see, I hear and feel. Eyes open every morning , perhaps tommorow , the right set of Eyes Will open too. Keep standing firm and call upon Dawn.

  58. DIZY says:

    Go our Mighty Maori people! You are truly strong, and powerful..xxx

  59. Anonymous says:

    Water is life. Your stance is a righteous stance and you do not nor will ever stand alone on this. Peace to you brother and sisters.

  60. niceguy says:

    The power of the Maori spirit merging with the great Spirit of the Lakota Indian people in peaceful protection of fresh water. Blessed unity a light for all mankind. Mike Cooper uk

  61. Unknown says:

    All love, power and oneness in Unity with you beautiful brave Warriors. Thank you on behalf of your whanau, friends and all brothers and sisters from Aotearoa and around Papatuanuku for Standing Up and representing, being guardians for our voiceless ~ for our waters and our Future. Arohanui Jules x

  62. Unknown says:

    whew......ATAAHUA

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