Assistant Professor of Native American Studies Jud Sojourn was filming a Facebook live video when he was arrested for obstruction of a federal function, according to the Morton County Sheriff’s Department at Standing Rock Wednesday, Feb. 22.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set a 2 p.m. Wednesday deadline for the camp to be cleared, citing the threat of spring flooding. In the Facebook live video Sojourn, along with others, asked for more time to assist their grandmothers and pack their things.
Sojourn was still detained at the time of print but was expected to be bailed out by a Standing Rock legal team as soon as he was booked, said Associate Professor of Native American Studies Martin Reinhardt. The two attended demonstrations at Standing Rock over winter break.
Sojourn was at the Standing Rock Camp with Dakota Access Pipeline protesters for two days prior to his arrest. Reinhardt said Sojourn went there to help protect more vulnerable protesters such as elders and children and assist with packing supplies.
“It’s a big concern when you have potential force, possible lethal force, used against people who are vulnerable,” Reinhardt said.
He said he believed President Trump’s pipeline executive orders led to the process being rushed, and the treatment of the protesters was no surprise after events in the past months.
“Today we saw the worst of the worst.”
Roberta E Hoose • Feb 25, 2017 at 6:44 am
It is outrageous what our government has allowed to happen with regard to DAPL. Incredible injustices occurring daily to peaceful, prayerful water protectors. The racism and total disrespect for Native Americans, their culture, and most of all, the complete disregard for safe water that benefits millions is horrible…..absolutely horrible!
I deeply respect all who have aided in the effort to protect the waters and sacred sites…..all who have risked their safety…..all those who have diligently and faithfully recorded history as it happened (despicable as it was) all who suffered physical, financial and emotional pain and hardship….our country and government should be ashamed at what has occurred at Standing Rock….all for profit and greed. UNCONSCIONABLE!!
Carlene Charging Eagle • Feb 25, 2017 at 2:07 am
Thank you so much for helping our people, gather things, helped with much as you can. My family wants to Thank you! Since we weren’t able to make oi out there. Your a good man and you helped protect what God has given us (Water) these people just care for money and not the people. The Creator will thank you, I’m sure when you leave this world to be with him and all the rest of our people. You deserve a Eagle Feather and so does the other protectors. In our way if you received a lot of these eagle feathers for doing something good, helping a life and the list goes on. If you receive a lot of them you will be honored with a War Bonnet full of eagle feathers, from the ones you earned. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one of those? You’d be considered a cheif. Anyway, thank you again. May the Creator be in your heart, mind and soul always.
Tamara Fain • Feb 24, 2017 at 11:06 pm
A friend just asked me about a comment I made about the action:
BUY NO GAS ON SUNDAYS.
BECAUSE I WANT TO LEAVE MY KIDS A LAND THAT SUSTAINS THEM.
After I shared the following with her I decided to post here also.
I just started throwing this idea out there. I figured every effective change started with baby steps.
And it would be great if we could all find just ONE thing to unite on as a country.
Before the latest actions around the country I heard myself repeating a long held belief. Where we spend our money (or not) we vote or speak effectively, especially if EVERYONE acts on one thing together.
It’s Inspired by my cousin Bob Shaffer. He made me realize it’s a good talk without the walk to protest oil development if i/we aren’t willing to make the change ourselves. Also, ‘they’ will only hear money talk so I thought if everyone who truly cares about various aspects concerning oil development all did one thing together it would be felt and powerful. So I thought, what could we all do: we could all quit buying/using gas one day a week and on the same day. Then whether one wanted to do so to make a statement, show our support, and/or technically contribute to weaning off oil/gas, giving less support to potential water contamination, American treaty respect, or contribute less to environmental stress we could all make a difference together. So I’ve just started throwing it out there.
Eric Martin • Feb 23, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Lol get out da way!
Anon • Feb 23, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Hope everyone involved is doing alright