Water Is Life

Ricky Gray Grass

Learn ABOUT (deep listening, information)

  1. What is the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL)? Where does it run?
  2. What is the KXL Pipeline? Where does it run?
  3. What is the Oglala Aquifer? Where is it?
  4. What does it mean to “put our feathers in”?
  5. What does Mni Wiconi mean?
  6. What is the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1858/1861?
  7. Why didn’t Bismarck, ND want the pipeline to run near their city? How was the reservation land chosen for the pipeline?
  8. Who is Energy Transfer?
  9. Why were things like tear gas, rubber bullets, sound cannons, and water hoses used against peaceful protesters?
  10. What are the names of some of the camps that were started to defend the water?
  11. Mr. Gray Grass shared much of his own personal story of his involvement with the camps…are there other stories I can learn about in regard to the camps?
  12. Why has PTSD become an issue for the water protectors?
  13. Where did the 17,000 plus people come from who were at the camp?
  14. Why is it important to continue to teach about the use of renewable resources?

Learn FROM (deep sharing, transformation)

  1. What did I know about the Dakota Access Pipeline prior to hearing Ricky’s interview? How did I learn about it?
  2. How do I feel about the use of pipelines to transport oil? Are there possibly better ways?
  3. Have I ever been a part of a protest or had an opportunity to stand in peaceful solidarity for a cause? What was it like? How did or didn’t it help?
  4. What is my own experience of violence or police brutality?
  5. Have I ever experienced someone going back on their word in a way that affected my very way of life?
  6. Do I have any personal connections to people who were at the camps? What did I learn from them?
  7. How do I feel about the statement, Mni Wiconi, Water is Life?