After months of protest that began in April of 2016, the Dakota Access Pipeline Protestors have gained a substantial victory after the Department of the Army has denied access to Engery Transfer workers trying to drill near the dammed Missouri River. This has effectively halted construction on the pipeline. The Army says that it will not allow Energy Transfer to drill through Lake Oahe, a water supply for the Sioux, and that there is a need for more environmental studies and may begin looking for other routes as of December 4, 2016 (New York Times) (USA Today).

Through months of protesting, through all weather conditions and dismal situations, these protestors continued to make their voices heard, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Energy Transfer Partners work together to continue construction of the pipeline. Living in tepees, tents, and shacks, these men and women have stayed every single day fighting for the rights and justice of those who's lives and land are threatened.

The event has been a site for environmental activism, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to lend support. Several Hollywood celebrities have used their outreach to make pleas for the people of Standing Rock and the Sioux Nation, whose water supply is being threatened as a oil pipeline will be built across their sacred land. U.S. Armed Veterans have also joined Standing Rock Protests citing their duty to protect all lives and rights, Native and non-Native (New York Times).

Not only have the protests on Standing Rock gained national attention, protests all over the world, and by other Native American Tribes, have one common message, "We Stand With You." Together, progress is being made. This victory for the people of Standing Rock from the Department of the Army means that these voices are being heard.