The protesters at Standing Rock, North Dakota achieved victory as the Army Corps of Engineers stated that the Dakota Access Pipeline's route would be shifted so as not to violate the Standing Rock Sioux's reservation. The protest has been occurring for months and gained nation-wide attention, even garnering support from celebrities. This counts as a victory for the protestors, who had undergone various pressures from law enforcement at the protest site.
Despite the triumphant news, many protestors are still wary regarding the Corps' decision. Many worry that the pipeline, with the acronym DAPL, would be forced through under president-elect Trump's administration, despite the Corps' decision. Trump had expressed strong support for the construction of the pipeline. DAPL would transport oil across four states for, according to CNN, 1,172 miles. The decision from the Army Corps of Engineers, however, does not eliminate the pipeline. DAPL would still be constructed, but would follow a different path, one that does not threaten the Standing Rock Sioux's federal reserve.
Standing rock has become a representation of free speech and protest in today's modern world. The protestors attending Standing Rock protested the pipeline peacefully, although reports of law enforcement present at the site have used teargas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and other forms of violence to combat the protestors. Despite the potential violence, protests remained peaceful and the movement received increasing support. It remains to be seen whether president-elect Trump will choose to stand by the decision made the Army Corps of Engineers once in office.
