As demonstrators at the Dakota Access Pipeline faced off with police this week, an unexpected blessing happened; herd of buffalo thundered through, giving the Standing Rock protest camp just what they needed to continue. Cries of joy could be heard coming from the Standing Rock Sioux- their ancestors had heard their pleas. 

 

Buffalo are important symbols of sacrifice in Native American culture and indigenous people believe the animals, known also as “Tatanka Oyate” or “Buffalo Nation,” sacrifice themselves in order to supply their meat and their hides for people.

From the article:

“In a statement from the tribe’s chairman, David Archambault II, the leader condemned what he called the recent “militarized law enforcement” against protesters.

“Militarized law enforcement agencies moved in on water protectors with tanks and riot gear today,” he said. “We continue to pray for peace. We call on the state of North Dakota to oversee the actions of local law enforcement to, first and foremost, ensure everyone’s safety.”

Thus far, at least 117 peaceful demonstrators have been arrested in North Dakota. However, peaceful protest continues against the construction of the pipeline because it will cut through Native American land, destroying sacred sites and have a negative impact on the region’s water supplies.

Source: RT