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PROTECTING NATIVE LANDS domain and the loss of the right to their own land, are beginning to understand what the tribes like the Ponca experienced during colonization. “This pipeline is dividing the land,” he says, “but it’s bringing people together.” (Moe) It remains to be seen, of course, whether or not this alliance will be enough to forestall the construction
of the massive pipeline. The fact that there is multicultural cooperation is encouraging. It is also very promising that native coalitions are fighting everywhere – against fracking, against genetically modified organisms, against drilling and poaching and above all to protect native lands. By throwing support behind them, we’re making the world a better place for our children.
One place where Californians can show their support for the protection of sacred lands is by standing with the Winnemem Wintu, the Middle Water People of Lake Shasta who are fighting to keep the waters behind the Shasta Dam from being raised and consequently wiping out their ancestoral village and depleting salmon populations. They are fighting agribusinesses who want more water for crop irrigation. A dam raise of about 18-feet, the most likely scenario, would permanently or seasonally flood an estimated 39 sacred sites along the McCloud River, including Puberty Rock, and would essentially end their ability to practice our culture and religion. http://www.winnememwintu.us/tag/shasta-dam/