Open Letter: To Vice President Kamala Harris from the NoDAPL Grassroots Coalition

September 30, 2024

Standing Rock and Cheyenne River

Fort Laramie 1851 Treaty Territory

Dear Vice President Harris, When asked about climate change during the September 10th presidential debate, you boasted of record oil and gas production, ignoring those suffering from fossil fuel impacts and climate crises. Here in Standing Rock and Cheyenne River, our communities experienced those impacts firsthand through the destruction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Grassroots are the Original People of the lands that are impacted by the DAPL. Since this pipeline's inception, the DAPL has harmed our livelihoods, our water, and our treaty protected rights. We hope you think about us and other communities next time you want to brag about the fossil fuel industry.

Allowing the Dakota Access Pipeline to continue to transport oil illegally through our lands does not line up with your stated values. It goes against your presidential platform for justice and sustainability. If elected, you must immediately shut down DAPL and revoke all related permits.

DAPL flouted legal processes and permit procedures, and trampled our rights since day one. It poisons our water and harms our people.Tribal entities jump through legal hoops to shut down DAPL. Meanwhile, corporations sidestep rules with impunity. Justice tilts in favor of big money.

Erasing the harms caused by fossil fuel projects like DAPL erases people you say you are fighting for. Vice President Harris, we are demanding you live up to your obligation as a human and a treaty holder to enact a climate plan grounded in science and justice. That means ending support for fossil fuel projects like DAPL that harm Indigenous peoples and land while fueling the climate emergency

A screenshot of then Attorney General Harris. We hope you continue your stance to respect the sovereignty of our people.

Signed, 
Standing Rock Grassroots 
Standing Rock Youth Council
Mní Wičhóni Nakíčižiŋ Owáyawa
Wakpa Waste Grassroots
Wakpa Waste Youth Council 
Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of South Texas
Mukwa

For the PDF version of the Open Letter click here.