For Native ‘water protectors,’ Standing Rock protest has become fight for religious freedom, human r

For months, demonstrators — who prefer to be called water protectors — have occupied land along the path of the Dakota Access Pipeline, staging prayer ceremonies. Their latest action to defend the Missouri River occurred Wednesday near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. Protesters attempted to build a bridge to cross the Cantapeta Creek. Some even swam to confront police who they criticize for their continued guarding of the energy project.