Story History - The River Unites & Divides Us

The Standing Rock Nations' Water Protector movement in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) gained worldwide support, but local people of the Dakotas viewed the experience very differently. Throughout history the Missouri River was seen as a connection, a trading point between Indigenous communities and homesteaders. But after DAPL, the river has divided the communities more than ever before.

To understand what happened at Standing Rock, you must first understand the history of the Oceti Sakowin (Očhéthi Šakówiŋ) Territory, the Dakota Territory, and the unique relationships Indigenous and European settlers had with the land, the Missouri River, and each other. 

Overview

The people of the Inyan Woslata Oyate (Standing Rock Nation) and the United States are thrust into conflict when Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), a billion-dollar energy company decided to build the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL) across multiple sites on the Missouri River.  

The Dakotas are made up of Indigenous inhabitants, and European immigrants both rich in culture and community. North Dakota is also the home to six Tribal Nations. These communities share a complex history of assimilation, migration, settlement, turbulence, negotiation, warring, and at times peaceful eras with their neighbors.

This history of our regional cultures and conflicts has impacted societal norms, perceptions, and behaviors as we live and experience them today. These norms informed how the non-Native people reacted to a Tribe’s plea to protect water. Traumas and wounds from the past were reopened on both sides during this conflict.

Understanding Rock shares a unique perspective that has not yet been told.

Synopsis

Our story explores the deep-rooted, unresolved conflict between North Dakota and the Standing Rock Nation, reignited by the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Two filmmakers, who grew up on opposite sides of the Missouri River, Nicole Donaghy (Standing Rock Nation) and Jim Kambeitz (North Dakota), come together to understand how the No-DAPL movement impacted their communities.

Understanding Rock examines why the conflict erupted here, told through the stories of the Standing Rock Nation people and North Dakotans. It delves into the complex history of the Dakotas and its people, the effect infrastructure projects have on communities, and the global influence of this Indigenous-led movement. It also highlights the importance of renewable energy initiatives like solar, and the need to open a dialogue about the future of infrastructure.

Expected Project Outcomes

A Bridge Toward Important Dialogues

There are many dialogues that our communities will need to have to heal the cultural divisions. Our film will facilitate those conversations and also present some possible road maps for how we can create a much healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous future community together. 

Screening Events to Lead Discussions & Get Community Feedback

As a pilot, we hosted an event bringing two leaders from the State of ND and Standing Rock Nation together to listen to, understand, and learn from one another through a unique event. With the help of ND Council on the Arts artist grants, we created a safe space where meaningful, difficult, and thoughtful conversations can happen. We created short North Dakota-made video clips to spark conversation about the cultural differences and misunderstandings brought to light in our community during the DAPL controversy and how to move forward as good neighbors.

Planting Seeds for Future Events

We hope this is the first of a film of events, expanding with other community members to understand DAPL's effect on our communities and begin mending relations. We believe a conversation with our leaders on the journey North & South Dakota and Standing Rock Nation went on during the DAPL/NO-DAPL conflict would provide an opening for healing in the community.