People around the country and the world watch in horror as militarized police in North Dakota attack peaceful Water Protectors led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who are putting themselves on the line to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline from invading their lands and contaminating the Missouri River. This epic clash is riveting, but we should also remember that behind the front lines hundreds of Native people and allies are living in tepee and tent encampments, engaged in the countless daily tasks needed to sustain this movement: cooking, processing donations, making banners, healing, childcare, tending fires, bringing water, driving … endless work both material and spiritual to sustain this community that is an integral part of the struggle.

Join us for this brown bag discussion where Juliana Barnet will share observations and experiences of life at the Oceti Sakowin encampment at Standing Rock. Jay Winter Night wolf will offer insight into the spiritual context and reality that sustains the struggle. We’ll also look at how allies can support the Standing Rock community in this historic struggle.

Juliana Barnet is an anti-colonial anthropologist recently returned from a visit to Standing Rock. Her focus is communities of struggle, liberated zones people carve out to sustain their movements and work on living the principles of justice and equality they want to see in the world.

Jay Winter Night wolf (Jay Gola Wahya Sunoyi) Cherokee, Taino and Shoshone, is a registered member in good standing of the Echota Cherokee Nation of Alabama. Raised by his parents in Washington, D. C. Nightwolf is the originator and host of “The American Indian’s Truths – Nightwolf – the Most Dangerous Show On Radio” WPFW 89.3 FM – Pacifica Radio.