Members of the Chippewa Cree Tribe gathered along the bank of the Missouri River in Great Falls on Tuesday evening to show their support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota.
The group is joining in protest of the multi-billion dollar Dakota Access Pipeline that would cross the Missouri River several times across four states.
Since many of the supporters can’t make the trip to North Dakota in person, they wanted to join together in prayer and in sending positive thoughts to those protesting.
They say it’s not just a Standing Rock Sioux issue, it’s a human issue.
Dustin Whitford, Chippewa Cree Business Committee Tribal Council Coordinator, explained, “To show our support and bring awareness to Montanans about what is happening and that our precious Missouri River is connected to their Missouri River. So we are gathered here at the great Missouri River to show our support and solidarity and to send good vibes downstream of the Missouri River to send positive energy and good blessings to them.”
There will another show of support for the Dakota Access Pipeline protesters on Friday, September 23rd, along the Central Avenue bridge in Great Falls; it is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.