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Protests currently taking place mainly in northern Minnesota are aimed at blocking the expansion of the Enbridge oil pipeline. Aboriginal activists, including women and Two-Spirit people, led protests after the pipeline was approved in 2001. Often referred to as "water protectors," these indigenous activists established resistance camps along the pipeline's proposed route and organized marches that eventually took over the construction site. Indigenous environmental activists organized by the Indigenous Environmental Network rally outside the White House to protest an oil pipeline. Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. Water protectors and their allies form a blockade at a pumping station.

Enbridge has been funding enforcement efforts at pipeline belize phone number list construction sites since construction began. This disturbing and threatening move has not stopped activists from maintaining a blockade that has resulted in the arrest of nearly 10 protesters. The demonstration certainly drew attention to the Water Authority’s remarkable efforts. Many among the defenders received support in the form of Bail Bonds, but this also sparked broader support for the Bail and other climate justice initiatives. "They seem to think the arrests will prevent us from protecting the land," tribal lawyer and activist Tara Houska said in an interview.

Photo courtesy of The plan is not only environmentally distressing but also raises questions about respecting Aboriginal communities and treaty rights. The U.S. government signed a series of treaties with the Anishinaabe people, including the Ojibwe, in the mid-to-late 1980s but these terms are being violated. These treaty violations are not only problematic in a political sense but allowing the line to cross tribal lands will lead to the loss of Aboriginal culture and customs. Examples include the impact of power lines on crops and water.