Today I'm here to ask a question. Why is nobody talking about what is going on in North Dakota right now? Reputable news sources (some cited in this article, even) have reported, tweets have been tweeted, and pictures have been shared on Facebook ... and yet, I can't help but feel a lack of outrage. Where is the uproar? Where is the demand for justice? Even within activism-centered communities, I have yet to see much discussion about the ongoing events involving the Standing Rock reservation and the Dakota Access Pipeline. When I ask people if they've heard about the news most have said that they have no idea what I'm talking about. So here we are. In case you haven't heard about it, let me lay out the facts for you:

The Dakota Access Pipeline is a "1,172-mile, 30-inch diameter pipeline that will ... transport approximately 470,000 barrels [of oil] per day". The problem is that this pipeline crosses through four different states, including land that is sacred to the Sioux nation. The pipeline is also set within a half mile of Standing Rock reservation lines, which is against treaty law. But what seems to be the most detrimental problem with this is that this pipeline will put the Missouri River at risk, which is a source of water not only for the thousands of people on the reservation but for millions of people that live downriver from them. This simply cannot be allowed. This is an issue not only about human rights and not infringing upon Native American land and resources but about environmentalism as a whole. Are we as a nation so busy with our daily lives that we are willing to stand idly by and let big business trade our remaining clean water sources for oil?

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe says no, and I have to agree with them. This earth is becoming increasingly polluted and our resources are dwindling at alarming rates and its time for action. At this point in time, Standing Rock has shut down construction of the pipeline. But this doesn't mean that we're in the clear, because Dakota Access has resorted to suing and seeking restraining orders from the protesters on site due to fear of "bodily harm" to their employees and the police officers that have been present during the whole thing.

Though it has been said that these legal matters are in reaction to violent outbursts and threats from protesters, I have not been able to find any evidence to support that testimony. In fact, in all of the videos that I've seen from the activity in Standing Rock, none of the protesters have done anything physically violent at all. All that they have done is make their voices heard, and in case these officers have forgotten, peaceful protest is still protected under the United States constitution. Are the protesters angry? Yes. Are they being assertive? Yes. Are they yelling? Yes. But these are not dangerous people; these are people whose voices are not being heard, whose lands are being tainted, and whose rights are being violated. I'd be pretty loud about it too.

In July a group of teens ran 2,000 miles from from North Dakota to Washington D.C. in order to deliver a petition against the pipeline, as further described in the video above. This is not the first time that Washington has interacted with the Sioux nation. In 2014 Obama visited the Standing Rock reservation. He was shown around the reservation by the reservation chairman, Archambault, and when asked what he could do to help improve issues within the reservation he was asked for nothing. Archambault has since been arrested during peaceful protest, and yet still managed to make a plea to President Obama, saying 'that if there is any way that he can intervene and move this pipeline off our treaty lands, [he's] asking him [now]'. I have yet to read anything regarding a reply from the Obama administration, though many are hoping that he will break his silence and side with them against Washington and against Dakota Access.

So, now that all of the facts have been laid out, I ask you this: what will you do to help stop this injustice? I am not asking anybody to hop on a train or drive to North Dakota. While that may be something that would help, I know that this is not do-able for a lot of people, myself included. However, I am appealing to your sense of right and wrong and asking you to support Standing Rock in any way that you can. Even if you personally have no ties to the Native American community and no empathy for the unfair treatment of the people, this is something that affects all of us. Water is essential for life. Whether your support comes from a place of sympathy or a place of logic, there are several ways that you can help. Let your voice be heard by your local representatives, spread the word, make a statement! Send a message to Washington and Dakota Access that the future of our planet and human rights are more important than big business and oil. You can also donate money or find out more about Standing Rock on their website here.

I'm going to leave you all with this final quote, which was said by actress Shailene Woodley as she protested in solidarity with Standing Rock:

"Can your children drink oil?"