The Environmental Crisis on Native American Lands

Good news is that our feature documentary film A Different American Dream will have its theatrical premiere in New York City on January 6th at Cinema Village. The film is being distributed theatrically and non-theatricallyby First Run Features and is available.

Our commitment to support Native Americans with their struggle for environmental justice is longstanding. As well as telling the story of the MHA Nation at Fort Berthold we have also spent time at The Standing Rock Sioux Nation. 3 Generations has been in close contact with different water protectors at Standing Rock. An invaluable ally, Myron Dewey, is a drone operator who has been documenting the protests, the response of police and the pipeline construction from the skies. He has made all of his footage available to his tribe and it has been widely shown on various media outlets. On December 3rd, 3 Generations founder and executive director, Jane Wells returned to Standing Rock to bring Myron additional supplies for his drone work. She was there the day the water protectors were supposed to be forcibly removed from the land. Instead On December 4, the Army Corps of Engineers delayed the construction of the pipeline and denied the easement through Lake Oahe. They have started drafting an environmental impact statement to look at possible alternative routes that carry less risk of water and wildlife contamination.

We are thrilled to hear what seems like positive news, however it is important to continue to be vigilant about the progress of work on the Dakota Access Pipeline and to continue to defend our environment and the rights of Native American tribes.

Links:

• Watch our video: Standing with Standing Rock

Land Protectors, not Protesters.

Native nations from across the U.S. and The Americas are protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota, This is the largest gathering of Native Nations in over 130 years.

These land “protectors”  are trying to prevent the construction of the pipeline under the Missouri River, a river they have been granted full rights over by treaties in the past, and this right is being violated. The building of the pipeline threatens drinking water, and has already soiled their tribal lands. Ancestral burial grounds have already been destroyed.

Our executive director, Jane Wells, went to gather stories and bear witness to the incredible organization and dedication of the people at the protest camps. 8,000 people were present at #SacredStoneCamp and #RedWarriorCamp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. This was not our first visit, in 2014 we  met and filmed Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archembault II, to hear his perspective on the Treaty Rights of his people to safe drinking water. We made a short video to explain his position.

Of the many stories we recorded in September, we want to share with you the intriguing work of Leta Killer-Bailly, who spent 2 1/2 days traversing the camp and talking to residents and then hand-drew this map. She asked each group what they wished to call their section and noted their wishes. Now if someone is sick, ambulances can quickly find that person and get them the help they need. Her effort is an example of the practical logistics that can literally save lives. This is just one of the myriad details that are required to keep an historical event like this safe and functional. Kudos to Leta. She created a beautiful thing within a beautiful and peaceful event. Not a protest, but a protect.

Our feature documentary, A Different American Dream will premiere on Oct. 15, 2016 at the Margaret Mead at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City,  This film focuses on the neighboring Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and members of the MHA Nation who are trying to save their land from exploitation by big oil companies. It will screen at other Festivals across the world. Check our website Facebook pages for news and updates.  At 3 Generations we are dedicated to gathering and sharing the stories of Native Americans.

Links:

• Footage with David Archembault II
• 3G Blog Post: 3 GENERATIONS GOES TO STANDING ROCK