This past Saturday members of Dakota Tipi First Nation gathered with other first nations representatives from across Manitoba and protested the recent treatment of the Standing Rock people in relation to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Chief Keith Pashe says they just couldn't stand by and watch.

"We were just concerned about the issues of what happened down in Standing Rock and the way they were treating the people down there. We understand a woman had her arm almost blown off by a police grenade They were pepper spraying them and they were watering them down."

The issue revolves around Standing Rock protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline going through their land in North Dakota despite resistance by the Dakota people there.

Pashe describes it as a wake-up call. He explains they contacted Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief Terry Nelson, and three other chiefs and arranged for the RCMP to help them block off one lane on the Trans-Canada Highway at Yellowquill Trail. He adds they're going to continue to stand with and support the people of Standing Rock by working with the other chiefs as the situation continues.

He adds, "We had a good response. We had some good news coverage. It touched people and supported people down in Standing Rock. We made a statement and we're going to continue to support them. They have the support of all the chiefs and people. I think if there is any further protesting it will be in association with the other chiefs to organize how we're going to go from there. We made our voices known, and we're letting them know we have supported them, we will support them, and we will stand with them."

Photos Courtesy of Shane Pashe: