The Women of Standing Rock: WLRN's edition 9 podcast
Jan 7, 2017
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Krista Bruhn, a dedicated water protector and mother of three Palestinian children, joins Emmy Award-winning producer Shannon Kring, known for her documentary on the women of Standing Rock. They dive into the pivotal role of women in the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Topics of solidarity among diverse tribes, the Women's Silent Prayer March, and the ongoing fight against colonialism and systemic violence against Native women are passionately discussed. The podcast shines a light on the unity and resilience of women in the activism for land and water rights.
Women at Standing Rock challenge patriarchal structures by playing vital roles in organizing protests and ceremonies for environmental advocacy.
The intersection of racism and misogyny faced by Native women at Standing Rock highlights severe systemic disrespect and ongoing violence against Indigenous bodies.
True allyship involves white women supporting Indigenous activism by listening and creating space for Indigenous women to lead their movements.
Deep dives
The Fight Against Patriarchy at Standing Rock
Women play a critical role in the protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, challenging both male dominance and patriarchal structures within the movement. Conflicts exist not only between men and women but also among women themselves, impacting the unity and effectiveness of their resistance. The struggles faced by women at Standing Rock highlight the need for solidarity and compassionate treatment among all activists, allowing them to advocate for the environment while also supporting one another’s rights. This encompasses the broader ideological battle against a patriarchal system that permeates all levels of American society.
The Role of Women as Water Protectors
Women at Standing Rock are not only advocates for clean water but also leaders who embody a unique spirit of resilience and community. They actively participate in daily protests, ceremonies, and communal responsibilities while maintaining a strong connection to their spiritual beliefs about the sacredness of water. Furthermore, women have demonstrated their strength through organized actions such as the Silent Prayer Women’s March, reinforcing the importance of their voices within the movement. This blend of activism and cultural tradition exemplifies how women are pivotal to both the environmental cause and the liberation of their communities.
Intersection of Racism and Misogyny
The treatment of women at Standing Rock highlights the intersection of racism and misogyny, particularly as Native women face specific vulnerabilities due to both their gender and ethnicity. Instances of police violence and gender-based assaults reveal a systemic disrespect and dehumanization towards Indigenous bodies, which is compounded by colonial history. Many Native women have personally experienced this violence, feeling it as an ongoing consequence of their communities' fight against white supremacist colonialism. This underscores the urgent need for broader awareness and activism that acknowledges these unique challenges within movements for justice.
Challenges of Allyship and Solidarity
While allyship is encouraged at Standing Rock, it's vital for non-Indigenous women to navigate their participation thoughtfully and respectfully. The podcast discusses how white women can support Indigenous activism without perpetuating colonial dynamics, emphasizing the importance of listening to Native voices. True allyship involves creating space for Indigenous women to lead their own movements while non-Indigenous allies lend resources and support from the sidelines. This cooperation can lead to a more unified front against male-dominated systems of oppression affecting all women.
Grassroots Activism and Collective Action
The Standing Rock protests serve as a prime example of the effectiveness of grassroots activism and collective action against oppressive forces. Over time, the continuous presence of water protectors has led to significant political outcomes, such as the denial of the construction easement for the pipeline under the Missouri River. This demonstrates that sustained, peaceful resistance can yield results, contrasting with traditional political processes that often overlook marginalized voices. The stories from Standing Rock illustrate the potential for women to orchestrate impactful change when they unite against shared oppressions and advocate for each other's rights.
WLRN's 9th edition podcast is dedicated to the women of the Standing Rock struggle to protect the Missouri River and indigenous land from the Energy Transfer Partners' Dakota Access oil pipeline.
Sekhmet She Owl presents compelling commentary as well as excerpts from her interview with Shannon Kring, creator and producer of End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock, https://www.facebook.com/endofthelinefilm/?ref=page_internal, a documentary featuring the voices of native women fighting against the pipeline.
In addition, we hear from Christa Bruhn, mother of three Palestinian children growing up in Madison, WI and water protector activist who recently traveled to Standing Rock to cook in the kitchens and participate in the women's silent prayer march to the front lines where police are protecting the company's progress in building the pipeline.
We also hear from CJ, a young radical feminist native woman who felt called to go to Standing Rock to be in solidarity with all of those there fighting for indigenous land and clean water. She talked with Sarah Barr Fraas about her experiences at the camp and participation in water protector actions.
The music featured in this podcast is by Buffy Sainte-Marie, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIj4ptWt-QU and Ulali, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOn4vIybDU8&list=PL9g8AMv7aqcGh6bEQL1lZdZp-LpGUAjuH.
Please listen, like, comment and share widely! We are always happy to hear from you. Be in touch by email at wlrnewscontact@gmail.com.
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