Around 60 people gathered in downtown Yellowknife over the lunch hour Tuesday in a show of support for those protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The rally was organized by a group called Denendeh Against DAPL. They banded together just this Saturday in the wake of the escalating situation at Standing Rock in North Dakota.
“We decided it was time for us to do something,” group organizer Peyton Straker told Moose FM. “It felt like we couldn’t wait any longer.
“Standing Rock is not a stand-alone situation, it’s happening everywhere, and [it’s] symbolic for Indigenous people because it represents a much larger movement.
“We need to do something and resist and respond to the violence that’s being perpetuated against us and our land.”
The decision to hold the rally was part of a campaign to send four individuals to the camp, including Snookie Catholique, Daniel T’seleie and Straker herself.
While there, Straker says they’ll be working to support everyday activities in camp including helping with food and setting up tents properly to move everything along smoothly.
The group also plans to send winter supplies and other necessities to those at the camp.
To do this, they’re hoping to raise $10,000 to cover the costs of their flights and the cost of sending down supplies and gear through their YouCaring crowdfunding page.
“They are really needing winter supplies in order to keep the camp comfortable for the people that are there,” said Straker.
According to her, the cost to send one canvas tent down could cost them up to $1,000 alone.
The group leaves Thursday, and Straker is expected to return to Yellowknife on Nov. 10. She’s not sure when the others will be coming back.
Denendeh Against DAPL will be holding another fundraising event at The Top Knight on Nov. 12 with local artists and speakers.
For more information on Denendeh Against DAPL, you can visit their Facebook page here.
