Alerted to the multiple dangers the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) crossing the Missouri River, On March 26, 2016, Young People, Parents and Elders of Wakpala took action to share the dangers of DAPL with their neighbors outside the Standing Rock Reservation.
Inspired by 7th Generation Leader, Waniya Locke and Keystone XL Fighter, Joye Braun and spiritually guided by Elders, Vernon, and Theo Iron Cloud,, Wakpala young people organized an eleven mile Community Run for the Water and People, from Wakpala to Mobridge, South Dakota. The Run for the Water and People to Mobridge included children as young as 5 years old, teenagers, and young people in their early 20’s. One runner, Elder Kevin Kevin Isgor-Locke was in his 60’s. Parents drove behind the runners, backing them up with prayers and water.
This successful first Wakpala Run for the Water and People was followed by the Run for Your Life, to the Corp of Engineers in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by the DC. Run. Out of the Wakpala, Run for the Water and People, the Oceti Sakowin Runners emerged, guided by the prayers and wisdom of the Elders of Standing Rock and the Oceti Sakowin. The DC Run to Washington, DC, generated widespread global interest and support to Standing Rock’s No DAPL and Mni Wiconi Movement.
After the Run to Mobridge, the Sacred Stone Camp was established, and the rest is history. As time passed, with the growth of the NO DAPL and Mni Wiconi Movement the young people and elders of Wakpala and other Standing Rock communities, whose dreams, dedication and devotion first inspired and supported the NO DAPL and Mni Wiconi Movement were forgotten, by many.
It is time to remember and give Wopida Tanka to the young people, the parents, and Elders of Community of Wakpala, where the No DAPL and the Mni Wiconi Movement had its humble beginnings.This Wopila Ceremony will be held at the Walpala Wacipi on August 20th.
As our beloved Elders have always taught us, "The Hurt of One is the Hurt of All, and the Honor of One is the Honor of All!" Wopila Tanka Wakpala!
