Locals join nationwide protest against Dakota oil pipeline
Demonstrators march through the streets of downtown Winston-Salem in protest of the North Dakota
Photo by Tevin Stinson
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
More than 50 people gathered on the corner of Fourth and Trade streets and marched through the streets chalking sidewalks with messages opposing the North Dakota Pipeline on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
The $3.8 billion, 1,000 mile gas line, which was approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to run through North and South Dakota and end in Illinois.
What brought protesters to the streets of Winston-Salem and other cities across the country is the section of the pipeline that will run under the Missouri River near a Native American reservation known as Standing Rock.
According to reports, members of the Sioux Tribe who live on the reservation rely on the lake for drinking water, and many believe digging the pipeline could contaminate their water supply.
During the peaceful protest, Iman Khalid Griggs said the pipeline will also run through sacred burial grounds that have been around for hundreds of years. He said although Standing Rock may be thousands of miles away, it is important that people here join the fight.
“This is a global movement,” he said. “By taking this very simple action here today we are showing this country that we will not continue to stand for this injustice and the degradation of our land.”
