Alex Piechowski-Begay stands with the Navajo Nation flag at the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota. Photo by Maritza Gutierrez
Alex Piechowski-Begay, a young member of the Navajo Nation, is sharing a moving message about his experience with the #NoDAPL movement. Growing up on his reservation, Piechowski-Begay quickly learned the importance of water. In a post on the Indianz.Com Medium page, he explains why he is showing solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is "People may choose to believe that Standing Rock is only an issue for indigenous people," Piechowski-Begay writes. "But water is a human right." Read more from Piechowski-Begay on Medium: What Growing Up on the Navajo Nation Taught Me About Standing Rock.
Join the Conversation
Related Stories
Native
Sun News Today: Battle continues against Dakota Access (10/13) North Dakota questions legality of Defenders of the Water School (10/12)
Jim Kent: Putting a stop to pollution of our waters and our lands (10/12)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe calls for prayer amid additional arrests (10/11)
Mark Trahant: Native candidates use #NoDAPL as campaign issue (10/11)
Misty Perkins: Continue to stand with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (10/11)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sees setback as court lifts injunction (10/10)
Army Corps promises answer on Dakota Access easement soon (10/10)
Yavapai-Apache Nation News: Hopi boy to run to Standing Rock (10/10)
Mary Annette Pember: Pipeline promises jobs but impacts linger (10/10)
Doug George-Kanentiio: We all must do our part for Standing Rock (10/7)
Gyasi Ross: Interview with founder of Defenders of Water School (10/7)
Mary Annette Pember: Police crack down on #NoDAPL protectors (10/7)
Native Sun News Today: #NoDAPL movement continues to grow (10/6)
Gyasi Ross: Hillary Clinton can't be quiet on #NoDAPL movement (10/6)
Mark Trahant: Climate change and the Dakota Access Pipeline (10/6)
Mary Annette Pember: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe denied access (10/6)
NYT Lens Blog: Photographer documents life at #NoDAPL camps (10/6)
Appeals court takes up #NoDAPL case as pipeline remains in limbo (10/5)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe fires back as court hears #NoDAPL case (10/5)
Dakota Access tries to sneak in report on eve of critical hearing (10/4)
Charles Trimble: Standing on moral high ground in #NoDAPL fight (10/4)
Winona LaDuke: Join us and put a stop to the pipeline to nowhere (10/4)
Another big week as Standing Rock Sioux Tribe heads back to court (10/3)
Brandon Ecoffey: Politicians show their true colors on #NoDAPL (10/3)
David Ganje: Tribes can't remain silent about their water rights (10/3)
Tim Ballew: Tribal sovereignty finally gets attention it deserves (10/3)
Steven Newcomb: Domination system at play in #NoDAPL fight (10/3)
Alex Jacobs: Big media continues to ignore indigenous interests (10/3)
Native Sun News Today: Standing Rock Sioux in fight for 'our lives' (9/30)
Jenni Giovannetti: #NoDAPL inspires mixed-race keyboard warrior (9/30)
Dakota Access enlists big name law firm ahead of court hearing (9/29)
Dave Archambault Sr.: The roots of the battle at Standing Rock (9/29)
Mary Annette Pember: Water protectors rounded up for praying (9/29)
Dina Gilio-Whitaker: A model for tribal consultation with UNDRIP (9/29)
House approves national water bill without #NoDAPL amendment (9/28)
County sheriff announces additional arrests of #NoDAPL resisters (9/28)
Mary Annette Pember: Sheriff is looking into reports of 'gunshots' (9/28)
Mark Fogarty: Young Native journalists cover historic movement (9/28)
Peter d'Errico: Briefcase warriors must defend original nations (9/28)
Judge urges tribal coordination on complaint in #NoDAPL case (9/27)
Albert Bender: Spill confirms fears on Dakota Access Pipeline (9/27)
Sierra Club: More review needed for Dakota Access Pipeline (9/27)
Lakota Country Times: #NoDAPL lands before United Nations (9/26)
Gyasi Ross: Obama's legacy on the line with Dakota pipeline (9/26)
Obama administration asks tribes about infrastructure projects (9/23)
Mary Annette Pember: A young boy's journey to Standing Rock (9/23)
Harlan McKosato: Obama must keep promise to Indian people (9/23)
Appeals court in DC sets stage for October 5 #NoDAPL hearing (9/22)
Republican lawmaker eagerly defends Dakota Access Pipeline (9/22)
Bureau of Indian Affairs role in #NoDAPL 'task force' in doubt (9/22)
Mark Trahant: Politicians can no longer ignore the Native vote (9/22)
Native Sun News Today: Nation rallies to #NoDAPL movement (9/22)
Dave Archambault Sr.: History unfolds on Standing Rock land (9/22)
David Ganje: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe takes stand for water (9/22)
Democracy Now: Sacred Stone Camp founder standing ground (9/22)
Harold Monteau: #NoDAPL movement draws a line in the sand (9/22)
County sheriff leads investigation into #NoDAPL confrontation (9/21)
Federal appeals court sets October 5 hearing in #NoDAPL case (9/21)
Tribes deliver Wisconsin firewood to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (9/21)
Democrats host forum on Dakota Access Pipeline on Capitol Hill (9/21)
Leader of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe speaks at United Nations (9/20)
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe tries to revive #NoDAPL complaint (9/20)
Tribes clash over new casino but agree on #NoDAPL movement (9/20)
Alex Jacobs: Scenes from Standing Rock resemble Selma in 60s (9/20)
Another rollercoaster week as #NoDAPL fight enters new phase (9/19)
Judge dissolves restraining order against Standing Rock leaders (9/19)
Zoltán Grossman: Cowboys are quiet as tribes unite for #NoDAPL (9/19)
Dave Archambault: Disaster placed on Standing Rock's doorstep (9/19)
David Gipp: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe stands up for life and water (9/19)
Terri Miles: That 'information point' at the #NoDAPL encampment (9/19)
Peter d'Errico: Be bold in fighting Dakota Access Pipeline in court (9/19)
Appeals court halts Dakota Access Pipeline work pending hearing (9/16)
Sparring continues in #NoDAPL lawsuit as tribes seek halt to work (9/16)
Bronson Koenig hosts basketball clinic for youth at Standing Rock (9/16)
Senate passes water bill but fails to include #NoDAPL amendment (9/15)
White House to respond to #NoDAPL petition with 203K signatures (9/15)
Doug George-Kanentiio: Prophecy and the people at Standing Rock (9/15)
Mark Trahant: There is something we can do to help Standing Rock (9/15)
Native Sun News Today: #NoDAPL movement forges ahead to win (9/15)
Mary Annette Pember: Indigenous women lead prayers for water (9/15)
Steve Russell: Legal encounters and the Dakota Access Pipeline (9/15)
Emotions run strong as #NoDAPL seeps into debate on lands bill (9/14)
Defenders of the Water School is going strong at #NoDAPL camp (9/14)
Key House Democrats call for hearing on Dakota Access Pipeline (9/14)
Brandon Ecoffey: Pipeline destroys our sacred and cultural sites (9/14)
Jori Kaniehtakohe Rourke: Our people unite in #NoDAPL battle (9/14)
Hundreds rally at White House to block Dakota Access Pipeline (9/13)
Judge won't grant injunction to protect sacred sites in DAPL path (9/12)
Democracy Now: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe creates 'awakening' (9/12)
Mark Trahant: #NoDAPL movement forces long overdue debate (9/12)
Matthew Fletcher: Obama joins tribes on the right side of history (9/12)
Steve Russell: Anonymous makes appearance in #NoDAPL fight (9/12)
Liz Perez Halperin: Why this warrior stands up for Standing Rock (9/12)
Obama steps in with major action halting Dakota Access Pipeline (9/9)
Tribes move quickly to protect sacred lands within pipeline path (9/9)
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe thanks Obama for #NoDAPL stance (9/9)
Indian Country eagerly anticipates decision in #NoDAPL lawsuit (9/9)
Lakota Country Times: Henry Red Cloud takes stand for #NoDAPL (9/9)
Ernestine Chasing Hawk: A history of resistance at Standing Rock (9/9)
Steve Russell: Legal encounters and the Dakota Access Pipeline (9/9)
Obama dodges #NoDAPL query as youth question commitment (9/8)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe urges calm ahead of #NoDAPL ruling (9/8)
Mark Trahant: White House must get involved in #NoDAPL fight (9/8)
Native Sun News Today: Law clamps down on #NoDAPL resisters (9/8)
Ivan Star Comes Out: #NoDAPL movement is about sacred water (9/8)
Jim Gray: Mainstream media is missing the major #NoDAPL story (9/8)
Gyasi Ross: Doing your part to ensure #NoDAPL keeps on winning (9/8)
Sheriff recruiting more law enforcement for #NoDAPL campsites (9/8)
#NoDAPL movement takes center stage at North Dakota summit (9/7)
Lakota Country Times: School going strong at #NoDAPL campsite (9/7)
Mark Charles: The #NoDAPL struggle continues after hearing in DC (9/7)
Dave Archambault II: The Dakota Access Pipeline musn't be built (9/7)
Eastern Cherokees contribute $50K to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (9/7)
Jill Stein of Green Party faces charges for standing with #NoDAPL (9/7)
Dave Archambault: Dakota Access Pipeline destroys sacred sites (9/7)
Steven Newcomb: Vicious dogs unleashed on #NoDAPL resisters (9/7)
Mike Myers: Historic ties between the Haudenosaunee and Sioux (9/7)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe disappointed with ruling in #NoDAPL case (9/6)
Dakota Access fires back at tribes ahead of hearing in federal court (9/6)
Lakota Country Times: Tribes still united at #NoDAPL encampment (9/6)
Native Sun News: Death highlights dangers of Dakota Access work (9/6)
Hearing ordered after Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reports destruction (9/5)
Army Corps backs restraining order against Dakota Access Pipeline (9/5)
Quinault Nation sends Grandfather Canoe to #NoDAPL encampment (9/5)
Sarah Sunshine Manning: Dogs attack peaceful #NoDAPL resisters (9/5)
LaDonna Brave Bull Allard: We have no choice but to defend water (9/5)
Jacqueline Keeler: #NoDAPL resistance is part of something bigger (9/5)
Steve Russell: Federal Indian law and the Dakota Access Pipeline (9/5)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reports cultural finds near pipeline path (9/2)
Mark Trahant: #NoDAPL poses test for Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine (9/2)
Native Sun News: Cartoonist brings humor to #NoDAPL movement (9/2)
Tribal activists cheer demise of controversial pipeline in Minnesota (9/2)
United Nations Forum backs Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on #NoDAPL (9/1)
Native Sun News: Northern Cheyenne Tribe joins #NoDAPL efforts (9/1)
Jim Kent: The real truth about the #NoDAPL resistance movement (9/1)
Mark Trahant: Candidate shows support for #NoDAPL movement (9/1)
Lakota Country Times: #NoDAPL roadblock remains a major issue (8/31)
Brandon Ecoffey: #NoDAPL resistance is the start of a movement (8/31)
Dave Archambault: Struggle unfolds on Standing Rock Sioux land (8/31)
Terri Miles: Indian Country unites to stare down the black snake (8/31)
Joel Heitkamp: Officials in North Dakota need a lesson in respect (8/31)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe confirms lack of easement for pipeline (8/30)
Supplies needed for #NoDAPL Defenders of Sacred Water School (8/30)
Lakota Country Times: Students witness history at pipeline camp (8/30)
Vi Waln: Media distorts peaceful nature of sacred #NoDAPL camp (8/30)
Mike Myers: Historic ties between the Haudenosaunee and Sioux (8/30)
Mark Anthony Rolo: Tribes remain at mercy of bad federal policies (8/30)
Defenders of the Water School opens at pipeline resistance camp (8/29)
Lakota Country Times: Resisters dispute emergency declaration (8/29)
Dave Archambault: Stopping the desecration of our Mother Earth (8/29)
Mark Trahant: State erects roadblock at peaceful #NoDAPL camp (8/29)
Latoya Lonelodge: Witnessing history at Camp of Sacred Stones (8/29)
Jon Eagle: Land remains sacred to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (8/29)
Albert Bender: Tribes join together at Camp of the Sacred Stones (8/29)
Steven Newcomb: Law of Christendom at play in #NoDAPL battle (8/29)
Arvol Looking Horse: Saving our Earth from energy development (8/29)
Tribal Tribune: Unity at Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's #NoDAPL camp (8/26)
Winona LaDuke: Corporate interests come to destroy our mother (8/26)
Sarah Sunshine Manning: #NoDAPL campaign awakens our people (8/26)
Dakota Access Pipeline lacks key approval to build by reservation (8/26)
Lummi Nation sends totem pole to #NoDAPL camp in North Dakota (8/26)
Dave Archambault: Why the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is fighting (8/25)
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chair dispels rumors about camp site (8/25)
Sen. Bernie Sanders joining opposition to Dakota Access Pipeline (8/25)
Native Sun News: Thousands join #NoDAPL resistance movement (8/25)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sees strong support at pipeline hearing (8/24)
Kayla DeVault: Navajo Nation must take a stand on Dakota Access (8/24)
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe seeks prayers ahead of pipeline hearing (8/23)
Lakota Country Times: Oglala Sioux Tribe joins fight against pipeline (8/23)
Brandon Ecoffey: The Horse Nations prepare for battle over pipeline (8/23)
Simon Moya-Smith: Hillary Clinton remains silent amid pipeline feud (8/23)
Steven Newcomb: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe challenges domination (8/23)
Sheriff mistook sacred pipes for pipe bombs at pipeline protest site (8/23)
Tribes prepare for critical hearing in Dakota Access Pipeline lawsuit (8/22)
Mark Trahant: Pipeline fight highlights power of political organizing (8/22)
Lakota Country Times: Tribes unite to stop Dakota Access Pipeline (8/22)
Vi Waln: Our water system is being threatened by energy pipelines (8/22)
Winona LaDuke: Bigger problems ahead for Dakota Access Pipeline (8/22)
Dallas Goldtooth: Tribes shut out of Dakota Access Pipeline process (8/22)
Native Sun News: Resistance grows against Dakota Access Pipeline (08/18)
Harold Frazier: Obama must put a stop to Dakota Access Pipeline (08/15)
Tribes and Native youth join forces in campaign to stop oil pipeline (08/11)
Democrats embrace tribal sovereignty in platform for convention (07/08)
Dakota Access Pipeline to go underneath tribal burial site in Iowa (06/22)
Native Sun News: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe battles oil pipeline (06/08)
Iowa board approves energy pipeline work amid tribal objections (06/07)
Native Sun News: Tribes score big in fights against energy projects (05/26)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe seeks halt to construction of pipeline (05/12)
Native Sun News: Youth run 500 miles to protest new oil pipeline (05/11)
Native Sun News: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe aims to stop pipeline (04/27)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Army Corps to discuss oil pipeline (04/26)
Native Sun News: Tribes gaining traction in war against pipelines (04/20)
Brandon Ecoffey: Tribes continue battle against energy pipelines (04/19)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe sets up sacred camp to oppose pipeline (04/15)
Native Sun News: Tribes organize against Dakota Access Pipeline (04/13)
Iowa Tribe joins fight against oil pipeline on aboriginal territory (3/24)
Native Sun News: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe battles pipeline plan (3/14)
Native Sun News: Tribes fight another pipeline through Great Plains (07/07)
Meskwaki Tribe opposes oil pipeline through aboriginal territory (03/17)
