testing model before new micro-grids are established to address the consistently unreliable circuit, Hoopa 1101, which affects the Hoopa and Yurok tribes, Cheli said. It will be part of a long term, collaborative project that is expected to wrap up around 2031, said Moore-Guynup.

“Indigenous people have been the original stewards of the land, air, and waters, and protecting the environment has been part of the tribal ethos since time immemorial,” she said. “The Blue Lake Rancheria tribe takes that continued responsibility to heart, and they really employ the concept of seven generations. So, not just making sure that the climate is healthy and stable for the current tribal members and the elders, but for seven generations into the future.”

Moore-Guynup said being nominated for the award is an honor and she hopes others take inspiration from the tribe’s work.

“The cost of not doing what we’re doing is just too great to the detriment of the future generations that are so important for the tribe and should be so important to everyone across the globe,” she said.

Standing Rock: 10 years later

In early April 2016, after hearing news of a new crude oil pipeline planned to be built on unceded Oceti Sakowin treaty territory, a handful of members of the Standing Rock, Cheyenne River and Rosebud Sioux tribes formed a water protector camp near the pipeline’s construction site at Lake Oahe.

In 2016, with youth at the front, the camp slowly swelled, propelled quickly by the growing national movement that eventually garnered the hashtag #NoDAPL on social media. Eventually, thousands of people occupied camps in Cannon Ball, and the protest became the largest Indigenous demonstration in decades. 

Private security guards shot pepper spray at protesters and unleashed guard dogs. Local police used water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and concussion grenades on protestors. Hundreds of protestors were arrested by local police, including celebrities like actors Woodley and Ruffalo. 

By February 2017, protestors were forced to leave the area, and four months later, half a million gallons of crude oil began to flow through the pipeline and have continued to flow ever since.

But the movement succeeded in bringing international attention to Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice and energy development and inspired a host of environmental and community activism in the years that followed. 

Two Bears said the anniversary event’s organizers aim to hold the celebration each year in order for those in Indian Country to celebrate the protest, share positive stories and support each other.

“We learn from each other. We share examples with one another, and it’s important to be able to highlight their work even more so moving forward,” he said.https://ictnews.org/news/standing-rock-anniversary-event-will-feature-clean-energy-awards/