Standing Rock Solidarity Mission
Donation protected
Our drive is set to begin on October 5th.
Why now? Why this mission?
After college, I moved to New York to work for Americorps and the Oneida (Iroquois) Nation. Working with the people and learning the beauty of their culture shaped my own beliefs and values; it's a big part of who I have become. So when I first heard of the opposition in North Dakota, I began searching the internet for details. I knew I wanted to help.
What I immediately noticed was the lack of coverage by major media outlets. Much of the coverage was sparse and impersonal. I discovered the personal stories on Facebook; and they made my heart hurt. The personal accounts, photo and video of the disrespect and downright abuse inflicted on the people (mostly Native) was shocking.
As I learned more about the Pipeline, and considered what I know about how our government treats our Native People, I recognized that this protest is likely not to be over quickly, because so few truly understand it's driving force. Our government, and much of the population in this country is completely uninformed or worse, ill-informed, about one of the most beautiful cultures I have ever experienced. For years they have struggled quietly operating their own society within the confines of ours. And most know little about their connection to the land, the water, the Earth itself.
That connection is driving this movement. The threat to sacred land, and the river that keeps the land alive has forced them into action. They often live disconnected from our fast-paced, wifi-ed world. Many may have had no idea the Pipeline was coming until the bulldozers arrived. This has become a historic movement, as over 200 tribes have unified in North Dakota and the numbers, already in the thousands, are growing by the day.
So, this is how this mission of bringing supplies to North Dakota originated. I believe in protecting sacred lands, sacred culture, and our Mother Earth. If you know me, you know I have never lived a life of monetary abundance, but I do live one abundant with passion, bravery and determination fueled by love for my fellow creatures – all of them. This is a beautiful, remarkable, amazing planet we live on, one rich in resources to support every life form on it – if we don't mess it up. And right now, we are continuing to put profit above rationality. We must change, we must put our Earth first, or we're all out of here.
So, I will embark on this adventure to help and do whatever is needed of me, trusting that the material things necessary will come - as I believe it always does in life when you trust in something bigger than yourself. I am not afraid of sacrifice, hard work or standing up for what is right, and part of my mission is to bring REAL information to the masses. I want to tell the stories personal stories that have been so lacking in our media. I want to do it with film and our blog. So please give anything you can, goods, a few dollars and then follow our blog, and share it with everyone you know, because knowledge is power, and everyone deserves to see and know the truth about what is really happening on the ground in North Dakota.
Connect here to follow our blog and get a complete list of needs and locations in Vermont and surrounding areas where you can drop off supplies.
Please consider helping us stand in solidarity with the native people and others who are sacrificing to protect sacred lands and water. Any donation is greatly appreciated.
Why now? Why this mission?
After college, I moved to New York to work for Americorps and the Oneida (Iroquois) Nation. Working with the people and learning the beauty of their culture shaped my own beliefs and values; it's a big part of who I have become. So when I first heard of the opposition in North Dakota, I began searching the internet for details. I knew I wanted to help.
What I immediately noticed was the lack of coverage by major media outlets. Much of the coverage was sparse and impersonal. I discovered the personal stories on Facebook; and they made my heart hurt. The personal accounts, photo and video of the disrespect and downright abuse inflicted on the people (mostly Native) was shocking.
As I learned more about the Pipeline, and considered what I know about how our government treats our Native People, I recognized that this protest is likely not to be over quickly, because so few truly understand it's driving force. Our government, and much of the population in this country is completely uninformed or worse, ill-informed, about one of the most beautiful cultures I have ever experienced. For years they have struggled quietly operating their own society within the confines of ours. And most know little about their connection to the land, the water, the Earth itself.
That connection is driving this movement. The threat to sacred land, and the river that keeps the land alive has forced them into action. They often live disconnected from our fast-paced, wifi-ed world. Many may have had no idea the Pipeline was coming until the bulldozers arrived. This has become a historic movement, as over 200 tribes have unified in North Dakota and the numbers, already in the thousands, are growing by the day.
So, this is how this mission of bringing supplies to North Dakota originated. I believe in protecting sacred lands, sacred culture, and our Mother Earth. If you know me, you know I have never lived a life of monetary abundance, but I do live one abundant with passion, bravery and determination fueled by love for my fellow creatures – all of them. This is a beautiful, remarkable, amazing planet we live on, one rich in resources to support every life form on it – if we don't mess it up. And right now, we are continuing to put profit above rationality. We must change, we must put our Earth first, or we're all out of here.
So, I will embark on this adventure to help and do whatever is needed of me, trusting that the material things necessary will come - as I believe it always does in life when you trust in something bigger than yourself. I am not afraid of sacrifice, hard work or standing up for what is right, and part of my mission is to bring REAL information to the masses. I want to tell the stories personal stories that have been so lacking in our media. I want to do it with film and our blog. So please give anything you can, goods, a few dollars and then follow our blog, and share it with everyone you know, because knowledge is power, and everyone deserves to see and know the truth about what is really happening on the ground in North Dakota.
Connect here to follow our blog and get a complete list of needs and locations in Vermont and surrounding areas where you can drop off supplies.
Please consider helping us stand in solidarity with the native people and others who are sacrificing to protect sacred lands and water. Any donation is greatly appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Celeste Capri Gallegos
Organizer
Ludlow, VT
Celeste Gallegos
Beneficiary