VICTORY! (At least for now)

Katy here, with good news!

Sunday was an amazing victory for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, environmentalists, and-- perhaps most of all-- the influence that the American people have on both the government and the unethical actions of corporations. After months of protests, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers announced that it won't grant the permit necessary for the Dakota Access Pipeline to run near the tribe's water source, and will be looking into rerouting the pipeline. And any new actions will have to be reviewed for their environmental impacts.

DAPL had originally planned to cross the Missouri River north of Bismarck-- but was rerouted because of its potential threat to Bismark's water supply. Ironic, right? The fact is, native populations or their water supplies aren't seen as important or valuable to most of American culture and corporations. This is a big step in the right direction, but we can't lose our potential.

I don't know about you guys, but there were no celebrations where I live. No one even mentioned this issue at all at my school all week, nor had they previously discussed the issue without me first bringing it up. As the daughter of a member of the United Houma Nation, a native tribe of Lousiana, this issue is very personal to me. The silence of people unaffected by this kind of environmental injustice is what allows it to continue. This silence is what we're fighting against-- don't be afraid to break it!

One of the most important things we can do as teens is create dialogue in each of our schools, homes, and communities. Whether that be through simple discussions, social media, blogs, or protests all depends on what kind of person you are and what resources you have. But just because we're young doesn't mean we don't have a voice.

Here's the rundown of what happened: Basically, a douchebag company wanted to destroy sacred lands and threaten the water supply of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota so the company can make a ton of money. And people from all over the country told them hell to the no.

The pipeline was already almost finished. It was supposed to be 1172 miles long, crossing four states. It's being built by the Energy Transfer Partners, or ETP if you wanna be cool and use acronyms. It's kind of like the EPA, except move the P, switch the A and T, and then throw any regard for the environment, future, or the fundamental human right to safe drinking water aside.

:)

Because of the above reasons, the Standing Rock Sioux tribe sued ETP in July. That gave it national attention, which led to people from all over the country standing up for the tribe and the environment. Now, the Army Corps has blocked this "black snake" from crossing under Lake Oahe, which means that the tribe's drinking water will no longer be threatened (that is, so long as the decision isn't reversed).

Is there a word for the opposite of a silver lining? 'Cause I need that word here.

This decision may not be permanent. Donald Trump has expressed his support for the pipeline, and even holds stock in the companies building it.

Luke and I'll keep you updated.

Stay positive. Stay active. Stay informed.

Love always,

Katy, your fellow teenage treehugger