Dakota Access Pipeline

In the Geography class I took this semester, one of the topics we learned about was the Dakota Access Pipeline. This pipeline transports oil from North Dakota to facilities in Illinois. The part of the pipeline that goes under the Missouri River in North Dakota has started significant protests from indigenous rights advocates and environmentalists. Due to these protests, President Obama had stopped the construction of this portion of the Dakota Access Pipeline that was located too close to the water supply of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Despite protests, President Trump changed Obama’s policies and ordered construction to be resumed on the pipeline, and the transfer of oil began through the Great Plains. I thought this was interesting in comparison with the documentary In the Light of Reverence. Often times we overlook this issue, yet I think we should take a step back and respect the land that belongs to others as well.