Hundreds of demonstrators near the Dakota Access pipeline protest camp broke into cheers and chanted ‘‘water is life’’ in the Lakota Sioux language as news spread that the federal government won’t grant an easement for the project in southern North Dakota.
Some in the crowd banged drums.
Miles Allard of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe said he was pleased by the decision but remained cautious, saying opponents of the pipeline ‘‘don’t know what Trump is going to do.’’
Allard says he’s been telling his people ‘‘to stand up and not to leave until this is over.’’
Carla Youngbear of the Meskwaki Potawatomi tribe traveled from central Kansas to be at the protest site. She says she has grandchildren and is going to have great-grandchildren who will need water and that’s why she was there.
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Many others celebrated the move online:
Today's @usarmy announcement underscores that tribal rights are essential components to analysis of #DAPL going forward.SJ pic.twitter.com/2VAiubBTLL
— Sally Jewell (@SecretaryJewell) December 4, 2016
#Stood #Winning #Ran #MniWiconi #WaterIsLife https://t.co/SDUb88LXSJ
— Standing Rock Kids (@ReZpectOurWater) December 4, 2016
"The Army corps of engineers has DENIED the permit for the Missouri crossing here at the Cannonball Ranch" just now from Oceti Sakowin pic.twitter.com/ZVZdCqVfCI
— IndigenousEnviroNet (@IENearth) December 4, 2016
Bravo Army Corps of Engineers, bravo Standing Rock, bravo Sioux Nation. You've taught us all something of great value. Stand your ground!
— Sally Field (@sally_field) December 4, 2016
Dakota Access Pipeline Denied by Army Corps of Engineers! No win is ever permanent but we can… https://t.co/s82bC0Kw8l
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 4, 2016