DAPL
The Dakota Access Pipeline, controlled by Dakota Access (a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners, L.P.), is an almost 4 billion dollar conduit to pump oil and would traverse 1,172 miles, passing under the Missouri River as well as many Native American tribes’ land. It specifically threatened Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota and its water supply as well as infringing on past treaty promises.
Once North Dakota approved the project, many took action against building the pipeline and began protesting at the site. After the peaceful protests led to police action, arrests and violence, the situation became very publically known and was vastly reported in the media. After deliberation, the construction has been halted and the path of the pipe has been rerouted, preserving the Native American’s land and integrity.
Peabody vs. Native Americans
Peabody Energy is the world’s largest coal company and is currently trying for federal approval to expand its coal mines onto the Navajo and Hopi land in Arizona. Interestingly, this move is actually supported by the tribal leaders as a whole, who are attracted to the possible financial benefits. However, many of the tribe members are concerned that this will potentially destroy their burial grounds and ancient ruins. This is just another example in the long withstanding conflicts between Native tribes and federal/industrial companies.
Sources:
Healy, Jack, and Nicholas Fandos. “Protesters Gain Victory in Fight Over Dakota Access Oil Pipeline.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 04 Dec. 2016. Web. 09 Jan. 2017.
Macmillan, Leslie. “Peabody Energy and Native Americans in Dispute Over Mining in Arizona.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 29 Dec. 2016. Web. 09 Jan. 2017.
Native American History 