Blizzard conditions with temperatures well below zero and 50-55 miles per hour winds have routinely hit the Standing Rock where thousands of water protectors, veterans and allies are encamped. Water protectors are prepared, self-organized and dealing with the situation, but the efforts of the Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council and Standing Rock EMS are being actively hindered by the continuing blockade of State Highway 1806 north of the encampments, which is severely limiting medical response and emergency access to the nearest hospital for evacuations of those suffering from hypothermia as well as preventing food and relief from getting through.

On December 4th, as the blizzard approached, the Morton County Sheriff’s Office stated that they had lifted the blockade, but this seems to have been only a PR move as it has not done so, in fact, efforts to remove the barriers and concertina wire have been stopped by armed response from law enforcement. 

The Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council has put out the following statement: "We applaud the water protectors efforts to self-organize and care for each other, the medics & healers who have collectively held space here for months, the Standing Rock EMS for their coordination and expert care of patients, and all other groups working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of the campers. We condemn the state for its refusal to remove the roadblock, even after the Army’s denial of the easement for Dakota Access Pipeline crossing Mini Sose/Lake Oahe/Missouri River."

Gov. Dalrymple was called on to have the blockade removed, but he did not taken action to do so. We're calling on you, Gov. Burgum, to open the road—lift the barricade and open Highway 1806.

Whatever safety inspections are required should be carried out immediately.

International human rights organization The Voice Project has stated: "The continuing blockade of the water protectors at Standing Rock represents a clear, state sponsored human rights violation in contravention of both domestic and international law."

This is a human rights violation that could be solved today.

Mni wiconi.
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In addition to signing this petition, please contact the offices on this list below with the simple ask to make the highway safe and accessible.

Governor Doug Burgum
Twitter: @DougBurgum
Facebook: @dougfordakota
Office: 701-328-2200

Morton county sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier
Department: 701-667-3330

North Dakota Emergency Services
701-328-8100
1-800-773-3259

North Dakota Department of Transportation
Here we also need to also demand an inspection of Black Water Bridge
Information Desk: 701-328-2500
Traffic Safety office: 701-328-4559
Civil Rights Division Director: 701-328-2576

*video: Linda Black Elk.

Petition sponsored by BizMan NoDAPL Organizers, Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council, & The Voice Project.