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.