RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-486

A resolution supporting Native American Opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline.

WHEREAS, the Dakota Access Pipeline is a 1,172-mile-long underground oil pipeline project currently under construction which begins in the Bakken oil fields of northwest North Dakota and travels through South Dakota and Iowa to Illinois; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline would carry as much as 570,000 barrels of fracked crude oil per day for more than 1,100 miles from the oil fields of North Dakota to Illinois, passing through fragile land areas including American Indian treaty land and across or under 209 rivers, creeks and other waterways including the Missouri River which provides drinking water for millions across the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, despite vehement opposition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a permit in July, 2016 allowing construction of the oil pipeline to move forward without tribal consultation; and

WHEREAS, in a show of historic cooperation, members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have united with the Seven Fires Council and established a peaceful, non-violent encampment known as the Sacred Stones Camp to resist the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline; and

WHEREAS, On August 15, 2016, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council, led by Tribal Chairman David Archambault II called upon Tribal nations and Indigenous people and others throughout the world to issue resolutions in support of the Standing Rock Sioux and the unified peaceful, non-violent resistance to the pipeline ; and

WHEREAS, the city of Nashville is the home of thousands of Native Americans from around the country and is in the historic homeland of the Cherokee Nation and has a legacy of activism which continues to this day as many Nashville residents, both Indian and non-Indian, have been inspired to take action by going to North Dakota to support the resistance to protect the environment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting the Native American opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline

Section 2. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby further goes on record as encouraging residents of Nashville to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in its efforts to stop the pipeline and to otherwise raise awareness of this struggle.

Section 3. That the Metropolitan Clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to David Archambault II, tribal Chairman of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota; and to Sally Jewell, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Erica Gilmore, Bob Mendes, Mina Johnson, Karen Johnson