Our History Is the Future Lakota Historian Nick Estes on Indigenous Resistance to Climate Change

Summary

In this Democracy Now interview, Nick Estes, author of 'Our History is the Future', discusses the history of Indigenous resistance, focusing on the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Estes, a Lower Brule Sioux Tribe citizen, highlights the connection between past genocides and current environmental struggles, emphasizing the need to move beyond capitalism to address climate change. He also addresses the Dakota Access Pipeline's leaks and the Trump administration's impact on Indigenous nations, stressing the importance of treaty rights and global solidarity in the resistance movement.

Takeaways

• 📚 Nick Estes, author of 'Our History is the Future', discusses the history of Indigenous resistance over two centuries.
• 🌐 The book connects the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock to broader themes of Indigenous liberation and climate change.
• 🤝 Estes highlights the importance of solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the fight for environmental justice.
• 💧 The Dakota Access Pipeline was rerouted to disproportionately affect the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, raising questions about environmental racism.
• 🌎 Estes argues that capitalism is a driving force behind climate change and that a transition to sustainable economies must occur.
• 🚨 The script describes an incident where police violence was used against peaceful water protectors during a prayer march at a shopping mall.
• 🌾 The script contrasts the historical genocide of Indigenous peoples with contemporary struggles against environmental exploitation.
• 🌿 Estes discusses the concept of 'unthanksgiving' feasts as a form of resistance and a celebration of Indigenous culture and resilience.
• 🔥 The script mentions the numerous leaks in the Dakota Access Pipeline, contradicting claims by the Wells Fargo CEO that there were no leaks.
• 🌍 Estes emphasizes the global impact of pipelines and fossil fuel extraction, connecting local struggles to international geopolitics and imperialism.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Nick Estes' book 'Our History is the Future'?

The book tells the history of indigenous resistance over two centuries, offering a roadmap for collective liberation and guidance for combating climate change, with a focus on the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock.

How does Nick Estes link the past and present struggles of indigenous people?

Estes contrasts the Pequot massacre, which he sees as the beginning of the United States' settler colonial history founded on genocide, with the contemporary fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline, showing a continuous history of resistance.

What was the situation in Bismarck, North Dakota during the Thanksgiving weekend mentioned in the script?

During the Thanksgiving weekend, there was an 'Unthanksgiving' feast held in the camps at Standing Rock, which was the highest point of gathering for water protectors, indicating a significant moment of unity and resistance.

What was the original route of the Dakota Access Pipeline, and why was it changed?

The original route was supposed to go upriver from Bismarck, North Dakota, but it was rerouted downriver to disproportionately affect the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

How does Nick Estes view the system of capitalism in relation to climate change?

Estes argues that capitalism is the root cause of the climate crisis, as it designates certain populations and territories as disposable, leading to global climate change. He suggests that transitioning away from a carbon economy is not enough; we must also move away from capitalist economies.

What was the response of Wells Fargo CEO Timothy Sloan when questioned about the bank's role in climate change and the Dakota Access Pipeline?

Timothy Sloan claimed he was not aware of any damages caused by climate change due to the financing of fossil fuels or any leaks associated with the Dakota Access Pipeline.

How many leaks have there been with the Dakota Access Pipeline since it started operating?

There have been at least six known leaks with the Dakota Access Pipeline since it began transporting oil in 2017.

What is the significance of the Keystone Pipeline leak mentioned in the script?

The Keystone Pipeline leak, which released over half a million gallons of oil, highlights the environmental risks of pipelines and the inadequacy of emergency responses to such incidents.

How does Nick Estes connect the struggle against pipelines to a broader global context?

Estes connects pipeline struggles to imperial projects and the global south bearing the brunt of climate change, as well as the United States' political maneuvers, such as the boycott of Venezuelan oil.

What was President Trump's stance on the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines after his inauguration?

President Trump signed presidential memorandums to revive the construction of both the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines, which had been halted by the Obama administration due to resistance from indigenous and environmental groups.

What historical moments of resistance does Nick Estes highlight in his book?

Estes focuses on seven historical moments, including the fur trade and Lewis and Clark's invasion, the Indian Wars and buffalo genocide, the damming of the Missouri River, Red Power movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and the creation of the International Indian Treaty Council at Standing Rock in 1974.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Indigenous Resistance and Climate Change

Nick Estes, author of 'Our History is the Future', discusses the history of Indigenous resistance, focusing on the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock. Estes, a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, contrasts the past and present, highlighting the continuous struggle against settler colonialism and environmental threats. He emphasizes the disproportionate impact of environmental risks on Indigenous communities and the importance of collective liberation and fighting climate change.

05:01

🌎 Capitalism and Environmental Injustice

Estes links capitalism to climate change and environmental injustice, arguing that the system itself is the root cause of the crisis. He points out that Indigenous nations in the United States are treated as resource colonies, exploited for oil and gas, and bear the brunt of environmental damage. Estes also discusses the Dakota Access Pipeline's leaks and the inadequacy of industry responses, stressing that the risks and costs are externalized onto the public. He calls for a transition beyond capitalism to address climate change and protect Indigenous rights.

10:01

🔗 Geopolitics of Oil and Indigenous Resistance

The conversation turns to the geopolitical implications of oil extraction and transportation, with Estes drawing parallels between the Trump administration's efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government and the North American oil boom's impact on global oil prices. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of pipeline struggles and the need to view them within a global context, affecting not only Indigenous communities but also people worldwide.

15:02

🚨 Criminalization of Indigenous Activism

Estes discusses the Trump administration's policies, which have intensified oil and gas extraction, leading to the sale of Indigenous and public lands at low prices. He addresses the criminalization of Indigenous activists, particularly those protesting pipelines, and the importance of treaty rights in protecting land and water. Estes highlights the growing alliance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the fight for environmental justice.

20:04

🌿 Standing Rock and the Vision for Indigenous Justice

Estes recounts the history of resistance leading up to Standing Rock, from the fur trade to the Red Power movement, and the creation of the International Indian Treaty Council. He reflects on the camps at Standing Rock as a model for a society centered on Indigenous justice and treaty rights, where resources were distributed according to need rather than profit. Estes sees this as a hopeful sign of resistance movements that include non-Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the strength of relationality and solidarity.

Keywords

💡Indigenous Resistance

Indigenous Resistance refers to the ongoing struggle of indigenous peoples to protect their lands, rights, and cultures against colonialism and modern-day encroachments such as pipelines and environmental degradation. In the video, this concept is central as it discusses the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, illustrating the historical continuity of indigenous peoples' resistance to protect their territories and ways of life.

💡Settler Colonialism

Settler Colonialism is a form of colonialism where a group of people invade and establish a new permanent settlement on territory occupied by other peoples, often leading to the displacement or subjugation of the indigenous population. The script mentions the Pequod Massacre as an early example of settler colonialism in the United States, setting a precedent for the country's founding on genocide and the appropriation of indigenous lands.

💡Dakota Access Pipeline

The Dakota Access Pipeline is a controversial oil pipeline project that has faced opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their allies due to concerns over environmental risks and infringement on sacred lands. The pipeline serves as a focal point in the discussion, symbolizing the conflict between indigenous rights and corporate interests, as well as the broader struggle against environmental degradation.

💡Water Protectors

Water Protectors are individuals, often from indigenous communities, who actively oppose projects that threaten water sources and the environment. In the context of the video, they are depicted as peaceful protestors holding prayer marches, facing police violence, and advocating for the protection of water resources against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

💡Climate Change

Climate Change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It is mentioned in the script as a life-threatening issue exacerbated by capitalist industries, such as the oil and gas sector, which the Dakota Access Pipeline represents. The discussion calls for a systemic change to combat climate change by challenging the underlying economic systems driving environmental destruction.

💡Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods or services for profit. In the video, capitalism is critiqued for its profit-driven motives that have led to environmental degradation and climate change. The script suggests that for real change to occur, there must be a move away from capitalist economies towards systems that value reciprocity and respect for the environment.

💡Resource Colonies

Resource Colonies refers to regions that are exploited for their natural resources, often to the detriment of their inhabitants. The script uses this term to describe how indigenous nations in the United States, such as the Navajo Nation and the Fort Berthold Reservation, have been turned into areas for resource extraction, impacting their communities and environments negatively.

💡Treaty Rights

Treaty Rights are the rights that indigenous peoples hold under treaties signed with governments. The script discusses how these rights are being violated by projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, which trespasses through treaty-protected territories. Treaty rights are highlighted as a critical aspect of indigenous resistance, as they are legal instruments that can protect both indigenous and environmental rights.

💡Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The video emphasizes the need for environmental justice by pointing out how indigenous communities and other marginalized groups bear the brunt of environmental harm caused by projects like oil pipelines.

💡Extractive Industries

Extractive Industries are economic activities that involve the extraction of natural resources, such as mining, drilling, and logging. The script criticizes these industries for their role in climate change and environmental destruction, particularly in indigenous territories. The discussion of pipelines and oil production situates these industries as central to the ongoing issues faced by indigenous communities and the planet.

💡Solidarity

Solidarity is the unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group. The video mentions solidarity in the context of international support for indigenous rights, drawing parallels between the struggles of indigenous peoples in North America and those in Palestine, emphasizing the importance of global alliances in the fight against settler colonialism and for indigenous rights.

Highlights

Nick Estes discusses the history of Indigenous resistance and its connection to modern environmental activism.

Estes' book begins with the Pequot Massacre, illustrating the settler colonial roots of the United States.

The contrast between past genocide and present fights against pipelines like Dakota Access is highlighted.

The disproportionate environmental risk faced by Indigenous communities is emphasized.

Estes describes an unthanksgiving feast at Standing Rock, showing solidarity among water protectors.

The book calls for the emancipation of the Earth from capitalism due to its role in climate change.

Estes argues that capitalism is the root cause of environmental crises and social inequalities.

Indigenous nations are treated as resource colonies within the United States.

The sixth mass extinction event is linked to capitalist systems.

Wells Fargo CEO questioned on the bank's role in financing fossil fuels and climate change.

Estes clarifies the misinformation regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline's leaks.

Pipeline leaks often go unnoticed for hours, contradicting industry claims of rapid response.

The Keystone Pipeline leak caused significant environmental damage, highlighting the risks of oil transportation.

Estes discusses the global geopolitical context of pipeline struggles and their impact on Indigenous communities.

The resistance to pipelines is growing, with Indigenous rights at the forefront of the movement.

Estes explains the significance of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty in the context of pipeline resistance.

The growing alliance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the fight for environmental justice.

Estes outlines seven historical moments of resistance that form a roadmap for collective liberation.

The Standing Rock movement is connected to international solidarity with other Indigenous peoples.

Estes reflects on the temporary world created at Standing Rock, premised on Indigenous justice and treaty rights.

Transcripts

[Music]

this is democracy now

democracynow.org the war and peace

report i'm amy goodman as we continue

our conversation with nick estes author

of our history is the future the new

book tells the history of indigenous

resistance over two centuries offering a

road map for collective liberation and a

guide to fighting life-threatening

climate change estes centers this

history in the historic fight against

the dakota access pipeline at standing

rock nick estes is assistant professor

of american studies at the university of

new mexico and co-founder of the

indigenous resistance group the red

nation he's a citizen of the lower rural

sioux tribe

nick thanks so much for staying with us

for part two of the conversation you

um

begin your book with two thanksgiving

stories

tell us each

so the first thanksgiving story is

begins with the pequot massacre

by

members of the

massachusetts bay

colony

which really marks sort of in my opinion

mark's sort of the the mythology of the

united states as a settler colonial

country founded um on sort of genocide

to create ironically peace

and then i begin with another story of

a prayer march that we led in the

bismarck mall in bismarck north dakota

to kind of bring attention to

the standing rock struggle during a

black friday shopping event

which was met by

police armed with ar-15s who then began

punching and kicking water protectors

who were holding a prayer in

the bismarck mall and i thought it was a

really kind of um jarring sort of

contrast between

um you know the past and the present to

say that while there are sort of

differences

between the the massacre of pequots in

um in in massachusetts

to the contemporary sort of fight

against an oil pipeline

nonetheless you know bismarck

north dakota is a 90

white community

that originally the dakota access

pipeline was supposed to go up river

from but then was rerouted down river

to disproportionately affect the

standing rock sioux tribe and

disproportionate is the language that

the army corps of engineers use as if

there's ever a proportionate risk to

environmental

issues and

water contamination

so at this particular moment

there weren't any actions that were

happening in the camps and it was

largely at a standstill and i think at

that thanksgiving weekend there was an

unthanksgiving um feast that was held in

the in the camps and it was actually the

the highest point

of the camps themselves in the sense

that they were the most sort of water

protectors had showed up so i thought it

was a good kind of

um contrast to show that this history

you know is a continuing history of of

genocide

of settler colonialism and basically the

the founding myths of this country

your book's last words are we're

challenged not just to imagine but to

demand the emancipation uh of earth from

capital for the earth to live capitalism

must die explain

so that line is

part of you know this longer section on

liberation and i think

when we think about

climate change oftentimes the the

question of climate change really

centers on

market-driven solutions such as um you

know green capitalism and how do we um

create markets um that sort of

incentivize transition to

uh sustainable economies right and i

think really what we're we're kind of

like beating around the bushes is that

it's the system of capitalism that led

us into this economic crisis to begin

with it's the

the uh sort of designation of certain

populations in certain territories as

disposable

um that has led us into our current

epoch of of global climate change and so

when we talk about

who's going to bear the most burden

um when we transition you know out of

the carbon economy um it

most likely is going to be those

populations that have historically been

colonized you know and you know what's

happening in southeast

africa is a perfect example

of why we need to transition away from

not just

the carbon economy but capitalist

economies in general because if we look

at the history of how africa has been a

resource colony for europe and for north

america we can look internally in the

united states and understand that

indigenous nations continue to serve as

resource colonies for the united states

whether it's the navajo nation

where i'm living right now

that is producing oil and coal

to

generate electricity for the southwest

region or whether it's the fort berthold

reservation up in north dakota that is

you know the ground zero for um oil and

gas

development in the bakken region

we have to understand that indigenous

nations have largely been turned into

resource colonies uh and sites of

sacrifice for um not just the united

states but for the oil and gas industry

and so we need to not just think beyond

climate change and and putting um carbon

into the atmosphere but we actually need

to think about the system the social

system right that created those

conditions in the first in the first

place and so capitalism is fundamentally

a social relation it's a profit-driven

system whereas indigenous sort of

ways of relating is one about

reciprocity um and mutual sort of

respect not just with the human but also

with the non-human world and we're

undergoing you know the sixth maths um

sixth massive extinction event which is

caused by not just climate change but is

caused by um capitalist sort of systems

and the the

the um

the profit driven sort of motive of

um our current economic and social

system nick last week democratic

lawmakers grilled wells fargo ceo

timothy sloan over the bank practices of

predatory lending misleading and

defrauding customers and its

relationship to the nra private prisons

and the fossil fuel industry this is new

york congressmember alexandria

ocasio-cortez questioning sloan over the

bank's role in climate change and its

financial backing of the dakota access

pipeline which she noted has leaked at

least five times since it started

transporting oil in 2017.

this is

be asap responsible for the damages

incurred by climate change due to the

financing of fossil fuels and and these

projects i don't know how you'd

calculate that congresswoman i'm safe

from spills or when we have to reinvest

in infrastructure building sea walls

from the

erosion of

from the erosion of infrastructure or

cleanups wildfires etc

related to that pipeline i'm not aware

that there's been any of what you

described that's occurred how about the

cleanups from the leaks of the dakota

access pipeline i'm not aware of the

leaks associated with the dakota access

pipeline

so that is wells fargo ceo timothy sloan

um

nick estes can you illuminate us on the

leaks around the dakota access pipeline

since um uh the energy transfer partners

succeeded in having it completely built

including digging under the missouri

river the longest river in north america

right so there have been six leaks there

was actually a leak when

before the the pipeline was actually

finished and they you know they have to

put oil in it before it's you know

before it's even finished so there's oil

sitting in it that started leaking right

and since the dakota access pipeline has

been built there have been six or more

leaks six that we know about

um but we can look at the keystone

pipeline that was built in not the

keystone xl but the keystone pipeline

that was built in the eastern half of

north dakota and south dakota

and it it leaked over half a million

gallons

just outside the sisidan wahpeton

reservation in eastern south in

northeastern south dakota and that alone

um has the the the environmental damage

to the land has not been sort of

adequately assessed

and partially that has to do with you

know the fact that there wasn't a

a clean up response an emergency clean

up response that was um on site that

could deal with it i think it was

reported and it took several

hours for

you know the emergency um

management to uh sort of um

address it and so if when we talk about

pipeline leaks oftentimes industries

is kind of peddling this myth that they

will be you know responsive and they

will be they will be there within

minutes of a pipeline leak and

oftentimes these leaks go on for hours

you know eight hours sometimes um

without even notice and we don't even

know the minor leaks that are happening

in the oil pipelines and so

not only do pipelines leak you know it's

it's it's how they're transported in the

first place and even with um cargo and

rail transport um there's also a danger

that they will you know explode um so

the risks of these pipelines are always

externalized as you know ocasio-cortez

points out onto the public to pay for

them

and we can think about this in a global

scale as well as well in thinking about

how the global south is really paying

for the consumption of oil and gas in

the global north um you know with by you

know experiencing the most um

devastating effects of climate change

and we can even go and look at like

um why you know

when ilanomar

questioned elliot abrams about his you

know horrible human rights record in

latin america um and promoting sort of

coup attempts elsewhere we can look we

can make those connections um with the

current attempts of the trump

administration to overthrow the

democratically elected government of

venezuela is going back to you know the

north american oil boom which dropped

the prices of oil

across the globe in an attempt to not

just boycott

venezuelan oil but to actually strangle

the venezuelan economy and so in many

ways

the um the extraction and transportation

of oil is directly linked to these sort

of imperial projects abroad

where the united states is not only just

interested in drilling its way um out of

you know the great recession but it's

using it as a political sort of um way

to um continue its its boycott of

venezuelan oil but also the sanctions on

venezuela itself

um and so i believe you know winona

leduc my friend has made these

connections in the past but we have to

think about these pipeline struggles in

a global

geopolitical context

as well as understanding that these

pipelines are transparent transporting

oil

oftentimes to a global market and

therefore they're transnational pro

projects as well and they're not just

affecting the indigenous communities of

where they're being built but they're

also affecting

people throughout the globe i wanted to

ask you about this growing resistance to

pipeline after pipeline uh you mentioned

winona leduc of the white earth

reservation in northern minnesota who is

also at standing rock we interviewed her

there she had pitched her teepee in the

red warrior camp and she said i'm not

going to spend my life um protesting one

pipeline after another but what about

this ongoing resistance to pipelines um

throughout the united states and canada

i want to go to president trump right

after he was inaugurated

announcing

the pair of presidential memorandums to

revive the keystone xl and dakota access

oil pipelines the two major projects

halted by the obama administration

following massive resistance from

indigenous and environmental groups

this is with regard to the construction

of the keystone pipeline

something that's been in dispute and

it's subject to a renegotiation of terms

by us

we're going to renegotiate some of the

terms and

if they'd like

we'll see if we can get that pipeline

built

a lot of jobs 28 000 jobs

great construction jobs

this is with respect to the construction

of the dakota access

pipeline

dakota access pipeline

again

subject to terms and conditions to be

negotiated by us so that is president

trump a newly inaugurated announcing uh

that he was moving forward with the

dakota access pipeline and he was

reviving the keystone xl the

significance of this professor estes

so if we go back to 2014 um

obama was the um one of six sitting

presidents actually visit an indian

reservation um during his his time in

office and he actually visited standing

rock

during their flag day powwow and met

with uh then tribal chairman um dave

archambault iii

um

and so

he made a promise to youth at that

particular um

powwow that he would you know that we

would put our minds together um to make

what's best for the future generations

you know citing um uh sitting bull one

of the um the lakota leaders of

resistance in in the 19th century

um and you know that that the dakota

access pipeline when it came you know

down um from the bakken oil region it

was those standing rock youth who ran to

um washington dc hoping that obama would

live up to his promise to listen to the

youth indigenous youth

and you know from what we know

now it's that we don't know if he was

even listening and so in many ways you

know obama couldn't really halt the

construction of the pipeline towards the

end of his term i know that there was um

there was a a a

an order to halt the construction um and

a mandated environmental review but in

um by and large you know he

his his his administration was a

failure to uphold sort of that promise

to indigenous people and so if obama's

administration is a failure then the

trump administration is an absolute

catastrophe for indigenous nations in

the united states because um you know

trump has

um intensified the oil and gas

extraction not just um in the bakken

region but here in the four corners area

in the permian basin

in western texas and parts of new mexico

oil production has just you know

increased and he's using the bureau of

land management to

um

to essentially

sell off

sometimes for dollars of the on the acre

indigenous land or public lands as we

know it now which is really just stolen

indigenous land

to the highest bidder and

when we when we talk about pipelines

right and we talk about oil and gas

production we really have to talk about

the source of those pipelines

and in here you know in in the southwest

region it's the permian basin and the

four corners region where there's a you

know there's been extensive fracking and

oil and gas development but also what's

happening now with the keystone xl

pipeline

is very interesting i'm from south

dakota originally born and raised and

you know the the governor of south

dakota introduced christie gnome

introduced a series of anti-protest

legislation bills i'm specifically

targeting

water protectors in south dakota

who may be protesting the keystone xl

pipeline and the the interesting thing

about that and we can go back to the the

standing rock protest is that these

states you know have contentious

relations with tribal nations to begin

with right we didn't sign treaties with

the state governments but yet the state

governments participate in the continued

criminalization of indigenous people for

trying to uphold our treaty rights and

so why are we criminals um you know um

an activist

who who

are just trying to protect you know land

and water and when we go back to the

treaties

in like the 1868 fort laramie treaty

which the keystone xl pipeline

contravenes and trespasses through a

treaty protected territory of the great

sioux reservation

we're not asking the state of south

dakota to do anything radical we're not

asking non-indigenous people to do

anything radical all we're asking them

to do is to uphold their own

constitution

your government signed the 1868 fort

laramie treaty with us it's your

responsibility um to uphold that treaty

as well and you know your own

constitution says that treaties are the

supreme law of the land and what we're

finding out with a lot of these ranchers

and white communities is that they have

no say

over the construction of these pipelines

they have no say of whether or not

they're going to be built on their land

because

transcanada is using state governments

to condemn property and to create rights

of way through their land and so now

they're turning to indigenous

communities and they're turning to

treaty rights and understanding that

it's treaty rights and specifically

indigenous rights that really protect

everyone's rights when it comes to

environmental justice issues and so

while there is this kind of adverse

effect of the continued criminalization

of water protectors whether it's in

louisiana whether it's in north dakota

or even in canada

with the unistone the eviction of the

unistone resistance camp in wet soweton

territory or whether it's in south

dakota and the criminalization of water

protectors there we can understand that

there's also a growing alliance with

non-indigenous communities who are

seeing value

in in indigenous um rights and

specifically treaty rights um and to me

that is the most hopeful sort of sign of

this current resistance movement is that

indigenous rights are at the forefront

because they protect everybody's rights

nick estes you focus on seven historical

moments of resistance in your new book

our history is the future

you say they form a historical road map

for collective liberation how did you

choose these histories just quickly take

us through them

sure

so i begin

at the camps i begin in the present you

know at standing rock and then i go to

the fur trade with the first u.s

invasion

which was uh lewis and clark who came

through who trespassed through our

territory and were stopped by um our our

leadership

and then i go through um the the indian

wars of the 19th century in the buffalo

genocide um and then i go into

talking about

the um the damning of the missouri river

in the mid-20th century and then looking

at red power in the in the 1960s and the

1970s and how all of these indigenous

people who were relocated because their

lands were flooded by these dams

eventually found themselves and created

sort of the modern indigenous

movement known as red power and then

looking going back and ending actually

at standing rock in 1974

with the creation of the international

indian treaty council which really

coalesced

these generations of of indigenous

resistance and took the

treaties the 1868 fort laramie treaty to

the world

and to the united nations and to do that

they looked to

palestinians

they looked to the south african

anti-apartheid movement who provided the

mechanisms for recognition of of

indigenous rights at the united nations

and that all resulted over four decades

in the touchstone document the united

nations declaration on the rights of

indigenous peoples which was passed by

the un in

2007 and so in many ways when we look at

standing rock and we look at we go down

flag road and we see the hundreds of

tribal nation flags that were

represented in 2016 and 2017 we also saw

the palestinian flag that was there kind

of harkening back to that

that um that's that international

solidarity with movements of the global

south and specifically um our

palestinian relatives who you know today

are still facing much like us are still

facing the the brunt and the brutality

of um settler colonialism whether it's

the the you know the united states

recognizing the annexation of the golan

heights or whether it's you know

here in in north america and the

continued dispossession of indigenous

territory and rights we can see that

settler colonialism in in israel or in

palestine is an is really an extension

of settler colonialism in north america

and so and then i end you know um

with uh back at the camps and looking at

how these camps really provided you know

actually look at a physical map that was

handed out to um water protectors who

came to the camp and on that map

there was you know where to find food

where to find um the clinics right and

where to find um the security and the

all the camps that were represented at

the um

at standing rock um and to me that

provided you know a kind of interesting

parallel to

um the world that surrounded the camps

which was 90 you know some 92 different

law enforcement jurisdictions

um you had the north dakota national

guard the world of cops the world of on

the militarized sort of police state um

and in the camps themselves you had sort

of the the primordial sort of beginnings

of what a world's premised on indigenous

justice might look like and in that

world you know everyone got free food

there was a place for everyone you know

um the housing you know obviously was

transient housing and tepees and things

like that but then also um there was

health clinics um to provide health care

alternative forms of health care to

everyone and so if we look at that it's

housing

education

all for free right a strong sense of

community and for a short time there was

free education at the camps right those

are things that most poor communities in

the united states don't have access to

and especially reservation communities

but given the opportunity to create a

new world

in that camp centered on

indigenous justice and treaty rights

society organized itself according to

need and not to profit and so

where there was you know the world of

settlers uh seller colonialism that

surrounded us there was the world of

indigenous justice um that existed for a

brief moment in time and in that world

instead of doing to settler society what

they did to us genociding removing

excluding we there's a capaciousness to

indigenous resistance movements that

welcomes in non-indigenous peoples into

our struggle because that's our primary

strength is one of relationality one of

making kin right nick estes assistant

professor of american studies at the

university of new mexico author of the

new book our history is the future

standing rock versus the dakota access

pipeline and the long tradition of

indigenous resistance he's co-founder of

the indigenous resistance group the red

nation and a citizen of the lower brule

sioux tribe to see part one of our

conversation go to democracynow.org

i'm amy goodman thanks so much for

joining us