Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe, has sent a solidarity message to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe who are protesting against the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have led vibrant protests against the Dakota Access 1,200 mile pipeline linking North Dakota to Illinois, which will threaten their water supply and cultural heritage

Deputy Crowe said:

“The Standing Rock Sioux have very legitimate concerns over the environmental risks that the Dakota Access oil pipeline will create. It will disturb their sacred areas, ancient burial sites, and there is a very high risk that it will pollute their drinking water source.

“It appears that this pipeline project was approved without enough consultation with the tribe. The Standing Rock Sioux have been bravely demonstrating against the building of this pipeline and they have been joined by Native Americans from across North America.

“I was very concerned to see videos of peaceful protesters being attacked by private security companies with dogs and pepper spray.

“I welcome that the Obama administration has halted some work on the pipeline, but from listening to representatives of the Standing Rock Sioux the battle is far from won. They are preparing their protest camp for the winter months to ensure this pipeline is not built.

“I would like to send my solidarity to those protesting this pipeline and legally challenging its construction in court.”

ENDS