Poem: Solidarity with Standing Rock

November 14, 2016
Issue 
Elizabeth Jarrett, Sydney, November 10.

In unity with all at Standing Rock today we do stand
To the many First Nations elders, brothers and sisters protecting their water and lands
Protectors not protestors defending Mother Earth
For they know life with no water has no worth.
It's common sense you know, there is no tricks
Basic science teaches us that oil and water don't mix.
Since this pipeline began nothing has gone right
Explosions, spillages and loss of life
The worst spillage 840,000 gallons North Dakota 2013
Over 18 million people living downstream.
Last week Shelby County declared a state of emergency
Another fatal explosion now do you see the urgency.
Wake up world and join the fight
Hello it's simple water is life!

In solidarity with all on the Standing Rock frontline
We say No Dakota access pipeline!

[This poem was read out at the Standing with Standing Rock solidarity protest in Sydney on November 10. Elizabeth Jarrett is a Gumbaynggirr Dunghutti Bundjalung woman who is a leading activist with the Indigenous Social Justice Association (Sydney).]

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