Round dance shows Saskatchewan support for Standing Rock
Hundreds of people took part in a round dance at the Midtown Plaza
They may be hundreds of kilometres from the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota, but people in Saskatoon came together Thursday night to show their support.
Hundreds of people took part in a round dance at the Midtown Plaza.
"I think it just opens up our eyes, for sure, especially with the people that are not aware yet," Chris Standing, who organized the flash mob, told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "And I think it just brings us together in a good way, a peaceful way."
Standing said the round dance was a chance to send love and good energy to the people of Standing Rock who are protesting a proposed pipeline through their reserve.
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Opponents of the 1,900-kilometre pipeline being developed by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners say it threatens the Missouri River, a source of drinking water for several American states.
"Water is a real important thing not just for First Nations, but for all Canadians, all Saskatchewan — Saskatoon — residents. And we do have pipelines that are here in Saskatchewan," Standing said as he pointed out the province experienced a pipeline spill in a river this summer.
"It really opens our eyes around the country and in Saskatoon and all over the world that water is important."
There was also a solidarity vigil planned in support of Standing Rock set for Regina's Victoria Park on Thursday night.
With files from CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning