O’Shea Spencer, 20, stands in front of the remains of a hogan structure. Campers set structures on fire in preparation of the Army Corp’s 2pm deadline to leave the Oceti Sakowin protest camp on February 22, 2017 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Activists and protesters have occupied the Standing Rock Sioux reservation for months in opposition to the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (Getty)
“No DAPL” protesters started ceremonial fires at the Standing Rock encampment as a government deadline to leave the area arrived.
The deadline came and went on February 22, and a “handful” of protesters – called “Water Protectors” – were arrested, according to CNN.
The government closed the Oceti Sakowin camp after the governor of North Dakota imposed a 2 p.m. deadline, CNN reported. That wasn’t before some Water Protectors torched parts of the camp in protest of the order.
The multi-state oil pipeline had been the subject of intense and passionate protests at Cannonball, North Dakota, the site of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The pipeline’s opponents say it will harm water quality and cultural heritage sites, but one of Donald Trump’s first actions as president was an executive order to allow it to go forward. The pipeline will create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil, according to supporters.
This is what being on the moral high ground looks like. #standingrock #NoDAPL
The burning of living structures is ceremonial, the protesters told the AP. About 200 to 300 protesters remained during the day at the camp near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. Most of those people left peacefully in a march as the deadline loomed.
Just before the 2pm deadline a #NoDAPL peaceful march out of the camp. Whoever is left inside now is in danger of arrest.
The Army Corps ordered the camp closed and cited fears of potential spring flooding. According to AOL News, one video from the scene suggested the protesters would rather burn the camp themselves “than have law enforcement take it from them.” It was, AOL reported, a last stand.
Here are more of the dramatic photos to emerge from Standing Rock on February 22:
Campers set structures on fire in preparation of the Army Corp’s 2 p.m. deadline to leave the Oceti Sakowin protest camp on February 22, 2017 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Activists and protesters have occupied the Standing Rock Sioux reservation for months in opposition to the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (Getty)
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Chanse Zavalla, 22, stands in front of the remains of a hogan structure. (Getty)
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There were social media reports of injuries.
“You broke my hip” screams Eric Poemz as he is arrested while live streaming at #StandingRock protest. Circa 2hr 57′ t.co/gdUnqCONuP
People also posted photos of the eviction and fires on social media.