Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

November 20, 2016

Hundreds of Water Protectors Injured as Police Fire Water Cannons in Freezing Temperatures

Photo by Adam Alexander Johansson

Hundreds of Water Protectors Injured by Police Water Canons in Freezing Temperatures


By Camp of the Sacred Stones
Censored News

French translation by Christine Prat at:
http://www.chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=3811
Dutch translation by Alice Holemans at:
http://www.denaisgazet.be/nieuws/zondag-20-november-2016-honderden-wateractivisten-gewond-toen-de-politie-hen-bewerkte-met-waterkanonnen-in-vrieskou

See videos and photos at Censored News here:
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2016/11/standing-rock-water-protectors-under.html

CANNON BALL, North Dakota -- Hundreds of water protectors were injured at the Standing Rock encampments when law enforcement blasted them with water cannons in freezing temperatures Sunday evening.   The attacks came as water protectors used a semi-truck to remove burnt military vehicles that police had chained to concrete barriers weeks ago, blocking traffic on Highway 1806.  Water protectors’ efforts to clear the road and improve access to the camp for emergency services were met with tear gas, an LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device), stinger grenades, rubber bullets, and indiscriminate use of a water cannon with an air temperature of 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Some flares shot by law enforcement started grass fires which were ignored by the water cannons and had to be extinguished by water protectors. Law enforcement also shot down three media drones and targeted journalists with less lethal rounds. 
National Lawyers Guild legal observers on the frontlines have confirmed that multiple people were unconscious and bleeding after being shot in the head with rubber bullets.  One elder went into cardiac arrest at the frontlines but medics administered CPR and were able to resuscitate him.  The camp’s medical staff and facilities are overwhelmed and the local community of Cannonball has opened their school gymnasium for emergency relief.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Emergency Medical Service department arrived on scene to administer medical services. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe also sent Emergency Medical Service vehicles to the Oceti Sakowin Camp to assist. Hundreds are receiving treatment for contamination by CS gas, hypothermia, and blunt traumas as a result of rubber bullets and other less lethal ammunition.  
The military vehicles blocking the bridge were burned in a blockade fire on October 27, after law enforcement raided and cleared the “1851 Treaty Camp,” an occupation of the pipeline corridor and reclamation of unceded territory.  Despite the obvious public safety risk, and despite promises from Morton County that they would clear the road, law enforcement has insisted on keeping the vehicles on the bridge for weeks.  This obstruction of Highway 1806 threatens the lives of the water protectors and residents of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, as emergency services have been needed but unable to reach camp quickly.  The blockage also unjustly restricts the free movement of local residents and hurts the Tribe economically by cutting off travel to and from the Prairie Knights Casino.  Images of the burned vehicles have fed negative, distorted, and sensationalist media portrayals of the encampment.
Tara Houska, National Campaigns Director for Honor the Earth, says, “For weeks, the main highway to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation has been cut off, with no movement by the state to address a public safety risk. Attempting to clear the road was met with police spraying people with water cannons in 26 degree weather -- that’s deadly force, it’s freezing outside. They want to kill people for clearing a road? When will our cries be heard? Stop the Dakota Access pipeline. Respect the rights of indigenous people, of all peoples.”
LaDonna Allard, Director of the Sacred Stone Camp, says, “All I can say is why? We are asking for clean water, we are asking for the right to live, we are asking for our children to live. Instead they attack us, because they protect oil. Morton county and DAPL security are inhuman- what is wrong with their hearts?”
Dallas Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network, says, “It is below freezing right now and the Morton County Sheriff’s Department is using a water cannon on our people, that is an excessive and potentially deadly use of force. Tribal EMS are stepping up and providing services that should be the responsibility of Morton County, this is ridiculous. Because of the police enforced road block, ambulances now have an extra 30 minutes to get to the hospital. Those are life and death numbers right there, and Morton County and the State of North Dakota will be responsible for the tally.”
The Standing Rock Medic and Healer Council released this statement: “The physicians and tribal healers with the Standing Rock Medic and Healer Council call for the immediate cessation of use of water cannons on people who are outdoors in 28F ambient weather with no means of active rewarming in these conditions. As medical professionals, we are concerned for the real risk of loss of life due to severe hypothermia under these conditions.”
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55 comments:

Lisa Savage said...

Weaponizing water to be used in attacking water protectors marks a new low in the history of corporate wars against the continuation of life on our planet.

Unknown said...

Oh Great Creator of All things, WE ARE DESPERATE FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND TO MOVE THE PEOPLE IN THIS HORRIFIC SITUATION! Since you Own All things, Show US YOUR FAVOR in this matter! We Trust You Hear and know Our Needs even before the Words leave our lips! We pray this in the Mighty name of Jesus our Savior! Amen!

Unknown said...

Who ordered and who approved the use of water cannons on people in 28 degree weather with a windchill temp of 16 degrees? If law enforcement had done this to animals, they would have been charged with animal cruelty and put in jail. This is what happens when law enforcement becomes militarized and think they are at "war." It changes the minds of the officers and erodes their humanity to the point that they lose touch with the fact that they are dealing with unarmed, protectors not the enemy!

Unknown said...

Fightbfirenwith fire bring out the volunteer fire department use the fire trucks to spray police with water

Asante' said...

Incompetence. Anger, Hatred. Greed. Violence."Violence is the last resort of the incompetent." Asimov

xenaswolf said...

Unfortunatly That would be assault on a peace officer and probably be met with deadly force ��

Anonymous said...

Amen

Unknown said...

I commend the non violent approach. I know violence is what the corporate and state fascists want. Even still, use of water in that weather is clearly attempted murder. Use of lethal force in return by the protectors would have been justified. Police have no special rights. The only real crime involves a victim, or property damage, all else is fraud to call a crime, such as a parking ticket. The courts are criminals commuting fraud and they know it. The police are the criminals now, as they create victims of violence and property damage.

Pam lane said...

I'm from England and am horrified by the violence shown by law enforcement officers to the peaceful water protectors at Standing Rock. What is wrong with you people they are protecting your future too!

Challis said...

I don't understand why you are having to fight alone. The Missouri is a huge river that provides water and irrigation of agricultural and ranch land for many thousands of people and even more heads of livestock. Don't the others that will be affected by this pipeline realize that they need to fight the crooked state and federal governments that are putting corporate and government profit(as well as many undoubtedly bribed individual officials) ahead of public safety and even survival? Pollution of the environment and a valuable water source will affect people regardless of their race. Where has the mainstream media (MSM) been on this? No mention of the pipeline was heard until the water protectors blocked it, and very little since, because the government and corporations want to keep it quiet as they continue this outrage against humanity. We need new government badly.

Unknown said...

Amen

Unknown said...

They did that for kicks!!!!! Fuckin assholes. Throwing water at these people...noticed I said "people"....we are all people. Human biengs that dwell on this earth. We were here first willing to share this earth. But we were slaughtered and bribed. Now this is where we stand. Still fighting for what we believe in...our land and it's elements. The government has been trying to rid of us since day one. This is our land. Our home and native land!!! We will do what is right for it. Step down and just die!

Unknown said...

Great mother give strength to these warriors who seek to heal and protect your land let peace reign. Let love conquer. Open your heart to all that have the heart to heal. Let them know and see the error of there hearts. Bring awareness like the water in sky. Let it rain your power and love to all those who would protect and love You as you have protected and loved US

Anonymous said...

Sigh. This is so frightening. Don't we have a right to protest something that negatively effects our life, our world. Private business has run this country for far too long.

Anonymous said...

Modern 21st century war against the natives. History repeating itself, and no lessons learned from the past. Really angry.

Unknown said...

It's time to seek his face. We have fallen away from our true essence. Let us gather unto Christ. Shalam.

Anonymous said...

Drones are actually aircraft regulated by the FAA. To shot down an aircraft is a federal offense.

RJR said...

So the people building the pipeline want to pollute the Missouri River in the process? Why?

Tim Nolan said...

No peace No justice Oil was meant to say in the ground. Been watching live stream the power of the New World Order has been building up for many years today is the eve of the 53 years of the JFK execution in Dallas Love & Peace no more Hate or War.

Anonymous said...

This is criminal! Where is my President? Where is that asshole Little Fingers? Where is Hilary? Where is Bernie????

Gretchen said...

Amen.

Anonymous said...

Wheres all the tribal officers. Its also assault on a peace officer if they hit any of our officers with that. Fight fire with fire. Use there own strategies against them

Anonymous said...


So sad this is being done to all of you, it's small comfort that of friends who have gone, I can't because I couldn't support myself there. Cold comfort for them is that they know they're doing the right thing, protesting or "protecting" (let's see if they - anyone - actually, can, otherwise, I hesitate to call this big Event a "Protect," the singular, or even more-generally "protection").

It's not quite as bad as: "Anything you say about it is true," but reading the Comments above, even just airing its Existence, publicly seems to be an all-but "federal," "offense." Mind the "drones," "boycott" the Gap, and don't eat the rich, "save the(m)( whales), and turn them in for valuable prizes."

Unknown said...

two cans of wd40 taped with a firecracker in the middle light and toss back at them it works wonders

Sue Slater said...

I am from Australia and I am disgusted with the (not) police actions of pure violence towards peaceful protectors - they have lost their humanity for the sake of a paycheck and the support of a corporation which has no soul!
Stay strong - the world is watching and will react accordingly on your behalf.

Anonymous said...

But if we did this to the terrorists in the Middle East; NATO and the Geneva Convention would have a field day incriminating the US.

Anonymous said...

Yes, that's the answer. Let's just turn off any rationale that is the best in humanity, lock and load and get down to the business of killing each other. To hell with the collateral aspect measured in Human lives, as blood spilled on sacred grounds. There has to be a higher road for history teaches us each time we take the lower road it ends in disaster. Problem solving that resorts to violence is born in the branches of hatred, growing from the tree of fear, rooted in ignorance.

Anonymous said...

Why does this remind me so much of Selma in the early 60s? But it wasn't below freezing then. smh

RLMANDONADO said...

Why....Why do they think they can do this to our brothers and sisters..Water Protectors I prayer you stay strong n heal quick from the abuse you have received.."Water is Life" I thank you all for what your do.

RLMANDONADO said...

Why ....Why do you think its ok to treat people HUMANS with such abuse...I forgive you but We wont forget....How could you look at yourself in the mirror each morning...than continue another day escalating the abuse "Water is Life" #NoDAPL Water Protectors I prayer you stay strong and heal from this abuse and injuries...Take care of each other...I thank you for your courage and strength...May the spirits be with you Always...THANK YOU!!!!

RLMANDONADO said...

Why....Why do they think they can do this to our brothers and sisters..Water Protectors I prayer you stay strong n heal quick from the abuse you have received.."Water is Life" I thank you all for what your do.

birdpond said...

There are other similar pipelines being railroaded through in secret in all parts of the country including the SE (GA/FL for instance). There are groups and individuals fighting them but, just like here, they are getting little if any press. These pipelines are pushed through in secret so as to avoid the publicity that would stand in the way of their greedy activities. Our precious country is being sacrificed to the Gods of Oil and Money, and the Hell with the people, the planet or life itself. What a sad, sorry, sordid state of affairs for this nation.

Please know, I stand with you in my heart and soul, and send my love, appreciation and support. I should be standing with you physically as well and am ashamed and sorry that I am on the other side of the country. But I am sharing your story, trying my best to show the world your brave fight, and working every day to gather more support for you.

Thank you, hero water warrior heroes. You are on the right side of history.

Anonymous said...

q and a 7 minutes in answers your question who ordered the water violence

Unknown said...

Your president will not do a thing to stop this. He is doing the very same thing in Syria and Libya and Iraq. He supports and funds the terrorist to harm the land and kill anyone that gets in the way. He wants that pipeline thru both Syria and Dapl. Its oil, it greed, it's Disgraceful.

Anonymous said...

DIRECT YOUR ANGER AND MAKE CALLS to The White House (202)454-1414 to protest the horrible treatment!
Leave messages to stop the DPLA
and the horrific violence!!!
Inundate the White House call line - they answer and have to listen, it's their job to listen and make notes on what you have to say!!!

Anonymous said...

CALLS to The White House (202)454-1414 to protest the horrible treatment!
Leave messages to stop the DPLA
Inundated them with calls all day for days!!! It's their job to listen and when enough people call they will make reports!!!

Kevin Morgan said...

These PeacevOfficers, I use the term as it is intended to be. A joke, a slap to the face to wake the fuck up America but you ate the she disgusting misguided racist pieces of filth that elected Donald MotherFuckinPieceOfCapitalistCombedOverShit as your President. Then Again Obama just sits by and watches this go on while enjoy Sunday Football. These people are Peacefully Praying that this Oil Corporation doesn't own through their relatives graves and poison their land and water YES Their OWN land. I left last night after my car threw a piston rod after somehow it was drained of all oil. I have personally seen grinds hurt from tear gas pepper spray rubber bullets and now the set fires to the campground on one end while blasting these water cannons in subfreezing temp from the other direction. I have had no contact today with my friends whose camp would of been right where those fires were started. I have no idea if anything I help build us still standing. I pray my friends are okay but I sense that some are not at all. These cowards waited til after dark on s Sunday night to declare war. They fired at medics and the medic tents. Yet Obama the Governor of ND allows and encourages it to go on. They want their kickbacks from the oil giants who fund them. So this is the beginning of the end. This is war. That fine with me kill me out me in jail I'm going back to Pittsburgh to restrategize s way to end this. If you sit idly by and wait for you corrupt politicians to do this it will never end. I hate it all so much. I am sick I was in Bismark last night when this was going on. If I had been there I'm sure I would be dead by now. The peaceful protests make the camp sitting ducks all lived up to be shot gassed beaten abused and arrested. This is sick. These cops are sick test water cannon guy I would if driven my car at him and plowed him straight to hell with my car had it been running and I was there. My ticket to go home was purchased by my friend Saturday morning. I am 100 percent sure she saved my life. Stop this madness this assault on all that is right any way you can. I call in rogue warriors to join me and help me send these Nazi cocksuckers to their grave .Ill give all I have every ounce of energy down to my final breath. THIS HAS TO STOP NOW. I laugh at you Obama, you neutered impotent lap dog to the oil companies. You sick you powerless fool. FO something you spineless gutless coward. What if your daughters were out there? Do Something you chicken shit loser. Happy Thanksgiving. Yeah Right. This country makes me sick. I'm out if here as soon as this comes to its conclusion. I pray for you Americans because you are so evil. This country is about to explode from within. Last warning. Kevin Morgan Pittsburgh Water Protector til the End.. Which looks like it more every day. I will be back STANDing with STANDing Rock. Last Chance

Unknown said...

so there is Alot of us Native American n we have our beliefs n traditions. ...we r being treated badly..its tyme that we as Native American have our traditional believes when ppl r treating us bad...enemies...than we...kno how to take care of the enemies...thru our traditions. ..u ...Native Americans know what im talkn bout...use it....bring em dwn...may not b physically but spiritually...understand...sum use bad medicines towards em..USE IT....

Celia said...

One commenter mentioned calling the white house and demand justice for the water protectors and to stop the pipeline. I tried commenters number and it was a fast busy signal. So, I looked up White House phone number and found this:
Who answers the White House phone, anyway? - The Week
theweek.com/articles/496043/who-answers-white-house-phone-anyway
Mar 17, 2010 - The public comment line (202-456-1111) is manned by volunteers recruited by the current administration. The White House switchboard (202-456-1414) is manned by professional White House operators. Only privileged parties are privy to the "secret number" that reaches the president directly I ask and urge EVERYONE to call and complain about this INHUMANE ACTS and TO STOP THE PIPELINE! Thank you

Celia said...

Also want to give Huge Thank You's to All defending our WATERS! LOVE, LIGHT & HEALING TO YOU ALL!

Windygirl said...

Amen.

Windygirl said...

A group from my town, several states away is on their way now to assist....

Tertia said...

I am sending love, so much love and prayers to all the wonderful noble - hearted water protectors all the way from the UK. I catch everything about your struggle on social media that I can and contribute in any ways that I can. You are protecting our mother the Earth and water that is the source of all life. If I were able to join you I would.
Dear bothers and sisters you are fighting for life against the sick minded killers. Many of us are profoundly grateful to you and care so deeply. In my prayers constantly - with deepest respect and love

خرید vpn said...

Also want to give Huge Thank You's to All defending our WATERS! LOVE, LIGHT & HEALING TO YOU ALL!

Unknown said...

THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS TREATMENT TO ANY PROTECTOR, I HOPE THAT CHARGES CAN BE FILED AGAINST THESE CORRUPT POLICE WHO HAVE NO AUTORITY TO TAKE SUCH ILLEGAL MEASURES THAT ARE CRIMES.
ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED IN SPRAYING THE WATER AND CAUSING THE FIRES AND CAUSING HARM AND INJURY TO THE WATER PROTECTORS ARE GUILTY, UNDER ARREST, BEING CHARGED AND CONVICTED OF ILLEGALLY BRINGING DANGER TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY OF A PEACEFUL PROTECTOR.
*THESE ARE FELONY CRIMES THE CORRUPT POLICE ARE CONVICTED OF.

GO BACK TO YOUR PEACEFUL PROTECTORS OF WATER AND CONTINUE WITH YOUR EFFORTS.

Unknown said...

And so it is.

Unknown said...

Yeshua is the way the truth and the life. He is already here through the son of Man! He told us he is coming quickly! And so it is!

Debra Davis said...

There are billions of "people" on Mother Earth, but only a handful of human beings. And most of the human beings are fighting the good fight at Standing Rock! I am content that those that are trying to destroy my relatives at Standing Rock will get what they deserve in the end. Evil begets evil. Good begets love! Stand strong my relatives at Standing Rock! The world is watching and learning of your love! You will overcome!

gur8 said...

Here's a GoFundMe campaign raising money for trauma kits for their Medic and Healer Council: http://preview.tinyurl.com/gpjqqgr

Fred Walters said...

I DO NOT commend the non violent approach. I know Violence is what they want. Theuse of water in that frezzing weather is clearly attempted murder. Use of lethal force in return by the water protectors would have been justified. Police have no special rights. The only real crime involves a victim, or property damage, all else is fraud to call a crime, such as a parking ticket. The courts are criminals commuting fraud and they know it. The police are the criminals now, as they create victims of violence and property damage. ...and so it goes..."Semper Fi"..."LET THE PEOPLE PROTEST"...NON VIOLENTLY...POLICING this is UNCONSTITUTIONAL...and CRIMINAL...CIVIL WAR will BREAK OUT if you don't STOP this CRIMINAL behavior against "WATER PROTECTORS"...THINK...STAND UP and FIGHT BACK...when ATTACKED...IT'S YOUR "RIGHT" as "AMERICANS"...it's about WATER and LAND...NOT OIL and GOLD...



Tanya said...

God isn't gonna fix this.

Rae K said...

I don't understand how they can justify doing this to people protecting the water that countless people use but not even come close to the people protesting an election because their person didn't win. They are destroying property and hurting people. Apparently it's okay to protest for that but not for the protection of a basic need. For the record I was worried about either person becoming president. But I pray for our country and our new leaders to make the right decisions. God be with everyone involved with the fight up there. I don't really believe these officers wanted to do what hey did. But unfortunately sometimes as with our troops they are forced to follow orders no matter if they agree or not. God Bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Someone said this is reminiscent of Selma in the 60's; more like Auschwitz-Birenau in the 40's.

Anonymous said...

cattle are being killed of the nearby ranchers and guess who is getting blamed for it.




Anonymous said...

I share with you -with some reservation and fear- the truth of what is happening at Standing Rock. I've spent weeks talking with the people at the front. I say to you now human rights violations are occurring. I know as you watch these feeds you wonder is it true? Can this really be happening on American soil? I say to you now unequivocally it is. People are being shot in the face and groin with rubber bullets. You ask yourself can this be real? Even though the bloody photo is in your face. Yes. Peaceable protesters are being blasted in the face with water cannons in 20 degree weather. You say is that true? Yes. You hear rumors of lrad and chemical spray and you say to yourself that can't be happening not in my America. Yes it is. You wonder are they really trying to hurt the protesters deliberately? Yes. just ask Sophie Whitaker who was hit with a grenade in the arm and might likely lose it. this non-lethal grenade was taped so that it would have greater impact upon the body so that it would do devastating damage. So you say to yourself what can I do? How can I make a difference? I say to you to wash that apathy from your face just as the water protectors wash the mace and blood from their face. Take action as you sit on your warm couch and write an email to your congressman and demand that they get involved. add Sacred Stone Camp to your Christmas list and send winter supplies to those that are suffering on the ground. this is the United States of America and we do not tolerate human Rights violations or do we? Its up to you.