Let me start by asking, is this pipeline really worth it?

Are the millions of gallons of oil worth one spill that could ruin so many people's main source of drinking water? No.

Does it make it okay because "there's already pipelines, so another one won't hurt?" No.

The answer to this pipeline should be a million times NO. And I'm mad that corporate America hasn't heard this.

I'm angry because not only have these companies failed to see the harm they have already caused, but they also fail to see how this could further damage our planet.

I'm angry because citizens in Bismarck were concerned about this pipeline being built just north of their city, so it was rerouted. It was decided that it would be okay to move it just north of Standing Rock Sioux tribal land.

And I'm especially pissed off that instead of being just as concerned with rerouting when Bismarck citizens objected, Energy Transfer Partners and the State of North Dakota took to militarized police force to remove the protesters at the Sacred Stone Camp.

Does any of this sound off to you?

Why is it okay to take into consideration the opinion of some Americans, while ignoring the pleas and protests of another?

We are at a point in our time here on earth where our damage is nearly irreversible. The temperatures this year have been some of the hottest on Earth that some places have ever seen. Yet, the water protectors at Standing Rock are being pepper sprayed, shot at with rubber bullets, and beaten with batons for simply trying to help America stop itself before we're past the point of no return.

This isn't just about the "where" of the pipeline, but it's an issue that resonates within the pipeline itself. It's not okay to build yet another pipeline, export more oil, or damage another water source for people simply because pipelines have been built before. Most previously built pipelines have, at some point, broken and leaked into the water supplies of people who depend on a specific river, lake, even the ocean! We've seen so many in 2016 alone, how can we create an opportunity for it to happen yet again? The answer: WE CAN'T.

However, as mad as I may be, I am also proud.

I am proud of my relatives and the thousands of others standing for something that we all need.

I am hopeful.

Because Tunkashila heard the prayers and sent not only hundreds of buffalo, but also a golden eagle to help the water protectors.

I am also hopeful because so many others have now heard the message that we all should stand behind: Water is Life. It hasn't just been Americans, but support has been sent from all across the globe! People are raising their voices and not letting this continue as easily as before.

I am hopeful because of the support that has been shown.

I apologize that it took me so long to find my words, but I could not simply speak in anger.

I am proud to be a member of the Indigenous community, and I stand in solidarity with Standing Rock.

#MniWiconi