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The Navajo Nation will continue to stand alongside other Native American tribes who face environmental injustice and threats of encroachment on sacred lands

Navajo Nation filed an amicus brief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with 34 Federally Recognized Indian Tribes against the Lake Oahe Easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The federal government must be held accountable for its treaty obligation and in good faith must upholds nation-to-nation relationship with all tribes, including the Navajo Nation,” commented Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye. “We expect nothing less.”

In granting of the Lake Oahe Easement, the U.S. Army Corps violated fundamental trust duties.

“The Dakota Access Pipeline was a flashpoint for Indian Country in 2016, uniting tribes and other segments of the American population to stand in opposition to big business interests. Preservation of water sources for native and American populations outweighs the need to transport oil,” said Vice President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Nation will continue to stand alongside other Native American tribes who face environmental injustice and threats of encroachment on sacred lands, he said.


If an oil spill would occur in Lake Oahe it will negatively impact the treaty rights in fishing, hunting and water for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

The Amicus Brief cited, there will remain no other contiguous land to which the Tribe can resort, the ability to survive as a sovereign community within a defined territory will be placed in serious jeopardy, should the natural resources be negatively impacted.

“Due diligence for the environmental impact study is a must for high risk projects that could have a major impact on both the natural resources and sacred sites on tribal lands,” said President Begaye.


Ensuring pipeline safety protects against oil spills that could tribal natural resources. This amicus brief provided technical and scientific information on the many occurrences of oil spills as well as disruptions to the environment, local residents and economies.

Because the federal government has acted here in derogation of its solemn trust duties, the motion of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for partial summary judgment should be granted.

The Nation is all too familiar with these tragedies as it has experienced the devastation by the Gold King Mine spill, where over 3 million gallons of toxic waste washed downstream into the San Juan River. The Nation is currently in litigation with the U.S. EPA for it’s role in the Gold King Mine spill.

The Nation has a strong interest in preventing future similar incidents through enforcement of robust trust responsibilities for federal agencies.
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Responses to "35 Native American Tribes File Lawsuit Against Energy Transfer Partners"

  1. Maria de Lourdes Grijalva says:

    Praying for you and all mother earth protrotectors.United we stand in prayer, we shall not be moved. NoDapl A'ho agua es vida.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Prayers for all protectors of Mother Earth. MNI WICONI

  3. Anonymous says:

    I pray the courts reveal the truth- that Water is Sacred! Blessings to all Water Protectors! This is history in the making- and I pray the Water Protectors' rights shall be heard and protected!

  4. Unknown says:

    #POLICEOATH #NODAPL #NOFRACKINGWAY
    http://imgur.com/a/ivskH

    #ACE #NODAPL
    http://ecotort.imgur.com/all/

  5. Unknown says:

    https://www.youtube.com/user/EcoTort/videos

  6. casey says:

    We talk about respect they disrepect. We talk about culture and they label us illegal. We talk about humanity and they can't hear because they only understand money matters. If we don't talk their language we will not win and our planet will be a refuse bin.

  7. mir says:

    I ask The Blessed Mother to intercede for you, for your protection, and for her powerful intercession especially for those who choose money rather than peace.

  8. Yes! We must bring this fight to the courts along with continuing to protest and march.

  9. Anonymous says:

    We must do what we have to, to protect the lands and beyond, ALL tribes need to Unite, Unify, stand together. For together we are unbeatable against all odds. But, if we don't Unite & Unify, we are ALL facing an uncertain future, Present times call for strong action!!We need to Mobilize NOW!!!!!

  10. Anonymous says:

    This makes me SO HAPPY!!!

  11. Anonymous says:

    united forever always to the end.....prayers love and support to all humanity and mostly to the protectors that opened our eyes....

  12. ray behar says:

    Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds
    Whose breath gives life to the world, hear me
    I come to you as one of your many children
    I am small and weak
    I need your strength and wisdom

    May I walk in beauty
    Make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
    Make my hands respect the things you have made
    And my ears sharp to your voice.
    Make me wise so that I may know the things you have taught your children.

    The lessons you have written in every leaf and rock
    Make me strong--------!
    Not to be superior to my brothers, but to fight my greatest enemy....myself

    Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes,
    So that when life fades as the fading sunset,
    May my spirit come to you without shame....Bless you all.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Keep on Keeping on. More power to all sovereign tribes and indigenous peoples. I am praying for all.

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