To the Editor:

This is an open letter to the Standing Rock Sioux: On behalf of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, we wish to extend our support and stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota in their opposition of the Dakota Access pipeline.

Protecting Mother Earth, our planet’s waters, and the land and inherent rights of our First Nations brothers and sisters is paramount. It is our ethical duty to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as they stand up for what is right and what their ancestors fought for.

Plans to construct the pipeline on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s ancestral territory, subjecting their source of water to potential contamination, along with a myriad of other concerns, is not only irresponsible but an overt expression of disrespect to all people who are fighting to protect and maintain their lands.

The U.S. Army Corp failed to consult with and accommodate the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe which threatens the peaceful coexistent our ancestors have worked toward. They failed to address the deep-rooted concerns surrounding the Standing Rock Sioux’s opposition and therefore, the pipeline project should not continue.

Akwesasne has a history as well of battling government and big business in an effort to protect our waters, our environment, and the inherent responsibility we possess to be the keepers of the land. Our support is with all those carrying out the Dakota Access pipeline protests.

Grand Chief Abram Benedict

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne