Navajo President arrives at Standing Rock Camp

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Photos by Michelle Cook, Dine' (Navajo) and legal team member in camp.

By Brenda Norrell

Censored News

CANNON BALL, North Dakota -- Navajo President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez arrived at the Standing Rock Camp today, and greeted a large delegation from the Northwest who arrived with a Totem Pole.

President Begaye said like the struggle here, the Navajo Nation is fighting the Gold King uranium spill, and the transportation of uranium waste.

"That is what is killing our people," Begaye said.

"We stand with you. We are proud of you."

Praising the Standing Rock Sioux Nation, Begaye said, "Thank you for standing up and saying, 'Enough is Enough!'"

President Begaye said the people all the way through the country, from South Dakota and Illinois, all the way to Louisiana, should be here fighting the Dakota Access Pipeline, that is threatening the water source of the Missouri River.

"They should be standing here also."

"They should be saying, 'Way to go, you stand for us!'" Begaye told the delegations gathered, which included Sac and Fox from Oklahoma, and Lummi, Yakama, Swinomish, Salish, Nisqually, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon, and more from the Northwest.

President Begaye said the fight is not just Native, but it is for all people.

"This is the stand you guys are making, We support you."

Begaye thanked the Dine' who have been there, camping and cooking, and supporting the camp.

"We stand up and fight for what we believe."

Begaye said they will continue to fight with the people here.

"When we come together, we are strong."

"We will make our stand when we have to make our stand."

Begaye said this is being broadcast to other parts of the world.

Navajo Vice President Jonathan Nez said, "Our Indigenous language is very important."

Vice President Nez thanked the people here for "really standing up for what you believe."

"No more. Enough is enough!" Nez said.

"We need to stand together, shoulder to shoulder."

Nez said it is time to stand up to the U.S. government.

Nez thanked the young people here at Standing Rock Camp.

"They are leading us here today."

"We are standing with you in solidarity."

Nez closed with a 'thank you' in Dine'.