Tensions keep rising as Dakota Access moves forward with construction of the pipeline near and around our reservation. Over the past week, water protectors have erected a camp directly in the path of the project and have continued to block roadways and construction in order to stop the pipeline. On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered at camp before dawn to walk 8 miles to a site where several water protectors had chained themselves to construction equipment. Some of us were present at this peaceful and prayerful action, walking over the burial grounds of our ancestors. But along the way, we were stopped by a line of military trucks and police officers who used pepper spray and batons to stop us. They body-slammed people to the ground, and arrested elders, journalists, and even a 17-year-old pregnant woman. Over 140 water protectors were arrested, many of them subjected to unnecessary strip searches, denied medication or put into solitary confinement. You can read more about the arrests here: http://bit.ly/2eck3Hv. Police violence against indigenous people – especially women – is nothing new. In fact, just last week police in Washington state shot and killed Renee Davis, 5 months pregnant and mother of three. We ask for your prayers as many of us continue to risk our safety to stand up for what’s right. Bobbi Jean and Anna