The Sioux people call it the “black snake”.
The oil pipeline that cuts right through their area in Standing Rock, North Dakota.
Ever since the oil company Energy Transfer applied to build the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2014, it has sparked protests. They culminated in 2016 when tens of thousands demonstrated on site.
Got the green light from Donald Trump
Sami representatives from the Swedish and Norwegian sides also traveled to Standing Rock to support the indigenous demonstrations. Several organizations got involved – including Greenpeace USA.
After the protests, the pipeline was temporarily halted by Barack Obama as one of his last acts as president. But just months later, when Donald Trump took office, the venture got the green light again.
And shortly after, Energy Transfer filed a lawsuit against both Greenpeace and several indigenous protesters. According to the oil company, Greenpeace has orchestrated the protests. They also say that they have lost hundreds of millions of kroner because Greenpeace, according to them, has spread false information about the company.
Sued for three billion kroner
The balance is at a record high of three billion Swedish kronor. Right now, it is being processed by courts in North Dakota for possible trial next year. If this is the case, Greenpeace risks having to shut down in the United States, according to the organization.
– It could threaten Greenpeace in the USA and the activities it has conducted for over 50 years for climate, environment and human rights, says Rolf Lindahl. campaign leader climate, energy and finance-related issues at Greenpeace Sweden.
“Everyone knows how it started”
Sami parliament member Beaskka Niillas was one of about 15 Sami representatives who participated in the demonstrations on site.
– Everyone who followed it knows how it started, that it was local forces that established the demonstrations. Eventually, Greenpeace came along and helped, but they were in no way the ones who started the protests, he says.
He sees similarities between the process in the United States and what has also affected the Sami in recent years. Where Sami villages on both the Norwegian and Swedish sides have been forced into long legal processes to defend their rights.
– When the billions start rolling, it is difficult to stop it. The turbines at Fosen are still running, he says, referring to the wind farm at Fosen on the Norwegian side, which has sparked large demonstrations in recent years.