Ready to come up to the frontlines?

Water protectors need you and are ready for you to arrive! There are many pathways and places to plug in, but here’s the information you need to get started.


Click each camp on the map below to find out the most current information, donation links, needs, expectations, and more.

Different camps have different security practices. Some camps welcome you to come directly there, some want to have you vetted first to protect themselves and their work. The linked docs in this map will tell you each camps process. Not all camps are listed here for security reasons.

Don’t know where to start?

Fill out this jotform and someone will reach out directly to you.

Check this Google Doc for many helpful links to different on-ramps to the movement. Check this frequently updated dashboard for current opportunities.

Never done frontline resistance work before? Attend a virtual training.



You are stepping into an area where you are a guest. We ask that you know the practices listed below in order to conduct yourself respectfully in the different communities. 


The Seven Values

GWAYAKWAADIZIWIN (HONESTY)

To achieve honesty within yourself is to recognize who and what you are. Do this and you can be honest with all others.

DABAADENDIZIWIN (HUMILITY)

Humble yourself and recognize that no matter how much you think you know, you know very little.

DEBWEWIN (TRUTH)

To learn Truth, to live Truth, to walk Truth, and to speak Truth.

NIBWAAKAAWIN (WISDOM)

To have Wisdom is to know the difference between good and bad and to know the result of your actions.

ZAAGI’IDIWIN (LOVE/COMPASSION)

Unconditional love and compassion is to know that when people are weak, they need your love and compassion the most.

MANAADENDAMOWIN (RESPECT)

Respect others, their beliefs. Respect yourself. When you practice respect, respect will be given back to you.

AAKWADE’EWIN (BRAVERY/COURAGE)

Have bravery and courage in doing things right even though it may hurt you physically and mentally.

To learn more visit the Mille Lacs Band website.


Be a Good Relative

In your interactions with Water Protectors and local community members, please:

  • Work harder than ever before and be happy

  • Be prepared to take care of yourself – have proper clothing, shelter, sanitation supplies, and food

  • Be respectful

  • Ask permission from knowledge holders to share their stories

  • Look out for children and elders

  • Clean up after yourself

  • Represent our movement well – when you go into town, please clean up. Wash in a lake, wear modest clothing.

  • Have an open mind

  • If you are a guest in our territory (especially a white ally), listen and learn. 

  • If you tend to talk a lot (especially white men), listen. If you do speak, ask yourself, ‘why am I speaking?’

  • Use the pronouns that individuals identify with. Some transgender, queer, and two-spirit Water Protectors prefer to be referred to with gender neutral pronouns of “they” and “them” (rather than he/him or she/her). If you are not sure what pronouns to use, ask. It is best to ask everyone, not just people you are unsure about. This will help normalize the fact that we cannot assume someone’s gender identity by their physical appearance.

  • Utilize and respect holistic thinking and move beyond linear thinking 

  • Honor what it means “to be indigenous” and “of a place.” You are not from here.

  • Respect indigenous sovereignty

  • Know how to be accountable with the experience that you having. How are you going to bring it back home? 


SECURITY

Please note that the militarization of the water protector camps at Standing Rock occurred under President Obama. President Trump is much less sympathetic to the goals of Water Protectors. Some of the counties in northern MN are convinced to support Line 3 by the promise of jobs (however short term). Their lack of support for our cause is exacerbated by media that tries to divide our communities, painting those opposed to Line 3 as radical environmentalists and failing to point out that Line 3 puts the hunting grounds, fishing spots, and lakes cherished by most Minnesotan families at risk. Our number one priority at water protector camps is safety. Please be prepared for government officials to escalate police presence quickly and know that tribal police are understaffed and under-resourced. There are few ambulances, health care services, and stores or gas stations in much of the region that needs protecting, so it is vital that you come prepared to support your own safety and that of others.