Dakota Access Pipeline

Definition

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile underground oil pipeline that transports crude oil from the Bakken shale region in North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois. Its construction sparked significant protests and controversy, particularly from Native American groups who argued it threatened their land, water sources, and sacred sites, highlighting issues of environmental justice and indigenous rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline began in 2016 and faced immediate opposition from various activist groups and tribes due to concerns about water contamination and potential oil spills.
2. The protests at Standing Rock became a symbol of resistance for indigenous rights and environmental justice, drawing national and international attention.
3. In 2020, a federal judge ruled that the pipeline must undergo a full environmental review, halting its operation temporarily amid legal battles.
4. The pipeline crosses under Lake Oahe, a reservoir on the Missouri River, which is a primary source of drinking water for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
5. DAPL's construction raised broader questions about the sovereignty of Native American tribes and their rights in relation to U.S. law and corporate interests.

Review Questions

• How did the Dakota Access Pipeline protests exemplify issues of environmental justice from a Native American perspective?
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline protests highlighted environmental justice by showcasing how marginalized communities, specifically the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, were disproportionately affected by potential environmental hazards. The tribe argued that the pipeline posed a threat to their water supply and sacred lands, raising awareness about the need for equitable treatment in environmental decision-making processes. This struggle illustrated broader themes of indigenous rights and the importance of protecting natural resources within Native communities.
• Discuss the implications of treaty rights in the context of the Dakota Access Pipeline and its impact on Native American sovereignty.
  • Treaty rights play a critical role in the discussion surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline, as many tribes assert that their ancestral lands are protected under these agreements with the federal government. The construction of DAPL was seen as a violation of these treaty rights, raising concerns about Native American sovereignty and their ability to govern land use decisions. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between indigenous communities and corporate interests, illustrating the need for respect and adherence to treaty obligations.
• Evaluate how the Dakota Access Pipeline conflict reflects broader patterns of environmental racism affecting Native American communities across the United States.
  • The Dakota Access Pipeline conflict serves as a poignant example of environmental racism, wherein marginalized communities face increased risks from industrial developments while having limited say in those decisions. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's fight against DAPL reflects a recurring pattern where Native American lands are often targeted for resource extraction without adequate consultation or consideration for their rights. This situation illustrates systemic inequalities in environmental governance, emphasizing the need for reforms that prioritize equity and justice for indigenous peoples in America.

Related terms

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: A Native American tribe based in North Dakota that led the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, citing concerns over environmental protection and preservation of sacred lands.

Environmental Racism: A form of discrimination where marginalized communities, often including Native Americans, face disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards and are excluded from decision-making processes regarding land use.

Treaty Rights: Legal agreements between Native American tribes and the federal government that outline the rights of tribes to their land and resources, often violated in the context of industrial development.