WINNER, SD – A small group of Native Americans opposing the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline continue to occupy a protest camp northwest of Winner.
A handful of protesters have been at the Spirit Camp every day since March, although the camp population increases for events and gatherings.
The camp is on tribal land along the route of the proposed pipeline, near the Rosebud Reservation. Campers have persevered through blizzards, heat waves and rain storms, as well as what they call the theft of large bales from the camp wind breaks. But camp spokesman Gary Dorr says they won’t leave.
“This camp is going to be there until the pipeline is no more. We’ve been actively been pursuing, taking stands in the legal areas, spiritual areas and the political arena to oppose this pipeline,” Dorr said.
Opposition is widespread on the Rosebud Reservation, where tribal members fear important water supplies could be damaged by leaks from the pipeline.