The Wounded Knee Oglala Host Kitchen feeds hundreds of people every day at the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota. Photo from Facebook
Wounded Knee Oglala Host Kitchen Needs Help
By Brandon Ecoffey
Lakota Country Times Editor
lakotacountrytimes.com CANNON BALL -- One of the main kitchens erected to support water protectors is in need of supplies. Allies from across Indian Country have converged in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, in the hopes of stopping the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. While much of the attention has been focused on frontline direct actions, the work behind the scenes continues to sustain the movement. Currently there are four host kitchens in the main, biggest camp at the Standing Rock camp sites in North Dakota. The Wounded Knee Oglala Host Kitchen is the largest and feeds hundreds of people each day and has been in operation since August of this year. On their Facebook page they have asked for help to cover expenses for fuel, food, and supplies to run the kitchen, as well as an enclosed cooking quarters. Acclaimed Oglala ledger artist Joel Pulliam is one of many volunteers who have put their lives on hold to resist the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. At the Oceti Sakowin Camp, Pulliam has spent his time alternating between direct actions, cooking in the kitchen, and updating the oyate on his Facebook account. "What we are in need of is plates, bowls, and utensils," said Pulliam to LCT. He would go on to say that those working in the kitchen are in need a military style tent to house kitchen volunteers who plan to brave the coming North Dakota winter.
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The likelihood of the pipeline being stopped will be aided by the ability of water protectors to sustain direct actions in the harshest of conditions. A looming January 1, 2017, deadline to complete the project under current negotiated rates could be the key to stopping the project altogether. If the project is not completed by this date oil suppliers and pipeline builders will be forced to renegotiate the dollar amounts attached to oil flowing through DAPL. With oil prices already low and expected to fall further, some have speculated that investors could abandon the project. Donations can be sent to Wounded Knee Oglala Host Kitchen P.O. Box 122 Solen, North Dakota 58570 or made online at generosity.com/emergencies-fundraising/wounded-knee-oglala-host-kitchen-standing-rock (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
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