Pat Spears soars to the Spirit World

Pat Spears arrested with other Native Americans at the
tarsands Keystone XL pipeline protest at the White House
in September. Photo Tarsands Action.

 

 

In Memory: Words of Pat Spears, Lakota

By Brenda Norrell

Censored News

http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

Wishing Pat Spears a good journey in the Spirit World.

Pat Spears, Lakota, before being arrested at the White House protesting Keystone XL pipeline in Sept, said, "“This is a matter of life and death, our way of life and our human rights should not be onthe altar of US energy policy,” said Spears, with Intertribal Council on Utility Policy, of South Dakota, who was focused on renewal energy sources. “The arrogant pollution from mining and pipelines for tar sands oil is totally unnecessary relative to meeting us oil needs. The building of this pipeline will result in the increase in the cost of oil and its exportation, from the Gulf Coast to other countries. This does not make good economic sense.”

In Honor of Pat Spears

Kandi Mossett, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arkara, of the Indigenous Environmental Network, shared these words to honor him: "I will miss you Pat Spears. You were a mentor and a friend that I looked up to and was proud to know. You were one of the kindest people I've ever known and I'm praying for your safe journey now. I send out my condolences to all family and friends and thank Bob Gough for sharing this photo. It is with a heavy heart I share this but I'm reminded of all the good things you taught me and promise I'll do my best to do good things for our people and try to be as kind and patient as you."

Black Mesa Water Coalition

Pat Spears is one of the founders, and president of the Intertribal Council on Utility Policy. Through organizations like the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative, we at BMWC have gott...en to know Pat as an ally, friend, and leader on renewable energy in Indian Country. He will be remembered for his work with Tribes on wind power, renewable energy, climate change and fighting for Tribally owned and operated green renewable energy development. Our prayers go out to him on his journey and to his family and friends.

Indigenous Environmental Network

Our friend Pat Spears, one of the founders and President of Intertribal Council on Utility Policy (ICOUP) passed on. This past Fall 2011, he stood with us in Washington DC against the Keystone XL pipeline. He was arrested with (Tom Goldtooth) and Marty Cobenais (our organizer on KXL pipeline). Prayers to his relatives and friends. He shall be missed.