Hello folks. I've been out of the country for 3 weeks. While I was in Ecuador, loads of hardwood were delivered using the Christmas funds. Pictures to come soon. Thank you for your donations. Wood was low and your donations brought relief to mind, body and spirit.
I want to thank Buck for his hard work on the ground negotiating and organizing these deliveries.
While out of the country, I spoke to people from all over the world. Everyone I spoke to is concerned about our new president and the direction he is taking us. I felt embarrassed to say I was from the United States.......which is better described as the Divided States.
In Ecuador, we were unable to drink water from the tap. Unable to brush our teeth with the tap water even. And I think here, we are so luck to be able to do so (however, not in all areas of the US). Having these clean waterways, why would anyone want to jeopardize them? It makes no sense to me.
I have so much respect for all the people standing to protect our water, our most valuable resource.
I'd like to keep gathering monies to support their efforts. Are you with me?
Standing Rock
Standing Rock Photo Credit: Antonia Ybarra---Antonia's Photography (Check out her FB page)
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Sunday, December 25, 2016
This is the best Christmas EVER!
Another large donation has been delivered today! Wowzers! $1700 raised and donated by Saint Joseph Standing Rock Supporters! Thank you so much.
They sent the following message with their donation:
"These funds were raised by the volunteer work and generous monetary donations of hundreds of people in Saint Joseph, Missouri, at the Stand with Standing Rock Music Festival on December 5th. We stand in solidarity with the water protectors. We send love, strength, and warmth to all in camp. With our deepest gratitude and admiration, Saint Joseph Standing Rock Supporters"
Two of the volunteers of this event were my neighbors at camp. I love, adore, and miss you both so much!
And to all of you that donated----I love and adore you too. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
They sent the following message with their donation:
"These funds were raised by the volunteer work and generous monetary donations of hundreds of people in Saint Joseph, Missouri, at the Stand with Standing Rock Music Festival on December 5th. We stand in solidarity with the water protectors. We send love, strength, and warmth to all in camp. With our deepest gratitude and admiration, Saint Joseph Standing Rock Supporters"
Two of the volunteers of this event were my neighbors at camp. I love, adore, and miss you both so much!
And to all of you that donated----I love and adore you too. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
I do believe in Santa!
A large donation of $1400 just came in from the Mountaintribe Dance Prayer Gathering that took place in Utah. I can not thank you enough. Your donations will bring warmth this winter to our water protectors.
It appears you had much fun while raising these funds. Here's a link to a video of their event:
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Wood Update.
Now that winter is here, the wood game has changed. It's hard to find someone willing to deliver into camp in the winter conditions and prices have gone up (as I knew they would).
So now it's on to Plan C.
When I was in camp, we (my boyfriend and I) helped fund a root cellar. The builder of this root cellar, knows what hard work is gets his hands dirty. I also met many of his "crew". They are also hard workers. Recently they have done a run for wood and are negotiating prices for delivery. They have fallen the trees and brought back what they could but have access to much more. I feel this to be our best option at this time.
We have raised enough for load 7 (which is no longer enough for load 7). I have sent this funding to the above mentioned crew working on wood. I know these people to be good honest people that are there to help the people and have worked so very hard for months making sure the people were ready for winter. And now that winter is here, they are working hard to make sure noone freezes to death.
So thank you to all that have supported "load number 7". Here are some pictures from the above mentioned adventure of wood fetching and negotiating future deliveries.
So now it's on to Plan C.
When I was in camp, we (my boyfriend and I) helped fund a root cellar. The builder of this root cellar, knows what hard work is gets his hands dirty. I also met many of his "crew". They are also hard workers. Recently they have done a run for wood and are negotiating prices for delivery. They have fallen the trees and brought back what they could but have access to much more. I feel this to be our best option at this time.
We have raised enough for load 7 (which is no longer enough for load 7). I have sent this funding to the above mentioned crew working on wood. I know these people to be good honest people that are there to help the people and have worked so very hard for months making sure the people were ready for winter. And now that winter is here, they are working hard to make sure noone freezes to death.
So thank you to all that have supported "load number 7". Here are some pictures from the above mentioned adventure of wood fetching and negotiating future deliveries.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
HELP
DONATIONS HAVE STALLED. Over 800 people have looked at this blog in the last few days. If each viewer had donated 10 dollars, we would be working on sending 4 loads of wood=68 cords of wood. As it stands now......we still need $600+ dollars for load number 7.
ALL DONATIONS ADD UP. NO AMMOUNT IS TOO SMALL!
FIREWOOD IS A TOP NEED!
ALL DONATIONS ADD UP. NO AMMOUNT IS TOO SMALL!
FIREWOOD IS A TOP NEED!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Update on load #5 and #6
https://www.facebook.com/angela.borup/posts/10210629403632216
Update on wood:
With the threat of a $1000 fine for delivering supplies to camp, my wood contact was unwilling to deliver the wood to camp. (I understand his concerns and have nothing but love for this man and his family)
Having raised the money for load 5 and 6, I was concerned I would not be able to get these loads in.
I was discouraged. But it is important to not let that stop your efforts but rather to get creative and brainstorm solutions.
I called my neighbor, Amy Wicks, and she got to work. She was able to organize an alternate plan. I then called my wood contact and he was agreeable to this new plan. I did a happy dance.
So yesterday morning, 34 cords of wood were delivered to the Cheyenne Tribe in South Dakota. From there, they will buck, load and deliver the wood to our Water Protectors.
The news that came thru yesterday was such a thrill to hear! Finally some good news. A much deserving win.
However, I know this is not the end of this battle. I am still going to work on raising money for loads of firewood and organizing the delivery of those loads (with a little help from my friends).
Please if you are able, donate now to load #7. For those of you just tuning in, each load of firewood is 17 cords of wood. One cord equals 4feet high by 4feet wide by 8feet in length.
Update on wood:
With the threat of a $1000 fine for delivering supplies to camp, my wood contact was unwilling to deliver the wood to camp. (I understand his concerns and have nothing but love for this man and his family)
Having raised the money for load 5 and 6, I was concerned I would not be able to get these loads in.
I was discouraged. But it is important to not let that stop your efforts but rather to get creative and brainstorm solutions.
I called my neighbor, Amy Wicks, and she got to work. She was able to organize an alternate plan. I then called my wood contact and he was agreeable to this new plan. I did a happy dance.
So yesterday morning, 34 cords of wood were delivered to the Cheyenne Tribe in South Dakota. From there, they will buck, load and deliver the wood to our Water Protectors.
The news that came thru yesterday was such a thrill to hear! Finally some good news. A much deserving win.
However, I know this is not the end of this battle. I am still going to work on raising money for loads of firewood and organizing the delivery of those loads (with a little help from my friends).
Please if you are able, donate now to load #7. For those of you just tuning in, each load of firewood is 17 cords of wood. One cord equals 4feet high by 4feet wide by 8feet in length.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Load 6-----FUNDED
*high five*
A giant thank you to all that have donated to load #6 of fire wood. Thank you to all of you that have donated to get us here.
When I was in camp, I was informed organizing the delivery of a product would be so helpful as everyone is so busy. And that is what's we have done together.
WE HAVE RAISED FUNDS THAT EQUAL 102 CORDS OF WOOD!!!!!!
(one cord equals 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long)
I has been my honor to organize these loads as well to have your support.
Without you we wouldn't be moving on to load 7.
Thank you. Thank you for standing with our water protectors. Thank you for assisting in sending firewood for their warmth, the kitchens and the sacred fire.
For those of you that have wanted to donate but have not, do not fret.....your time is now. Your truck load is #7.
A giant thank you to all that have donated to load #6 of fire wood. Thank you to all of you that have donated to get us here.
When I was in camp, I was informed organizing the delivery of a product would be so helpful as everyone is so busy. And that is what's we have done together.
WE HAVE RAISED FUNDS THAT EQUAL 102 CORDS OF WOOD!!!!!!
(one cord equals 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long)
I has been my honor to organize these loads as well to have your support.
Without you we wouldn't be moving on to load 7.
Thank you. Thank you for standing with our water protectors. Thank you for assisting in sending firewood for their warmth, the kitchens and the sacred fire.
For those of you that have wanted to donate but have not, do not fret.....your time is now. Your truck load is #7.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Load Five Funded!
We have now collectively funded load number FIVE! I want to thank all of you that have been donating not only to firewood but to other funds as well, writing or calling your representatives, gathering supplies, traveling to stand with those on the front lines, praying for the water and the rights of our indigenous brothers and sisters to be honored, reporters who are reporting and sharing stories, organizing rallies, attending rallies, and doing your part. We all have a role to play to protect our mother (earth). I offer my thanks for those at camp standing as long as it takes, those sacrificing so much to be there, those that first stood and offered their prayers....if it weren't for them first standing and calling out for us to stand, the pipeline would now be under the river. Thank you!
I also want to thank my wood guy, Mike. He mistakenly underbid these loads but has honored the bid. Not everyone is as stellar as he. He has been wonderful to work with and a great asset to getting wood to camp. I hope to thank him in person one day as I have only spoken to him over the phone.
I want to thank my mother for standing for me yesterday in Ogden, Utah. I was unable to attend due to the passing of my friend. She stood not only for me but for her grandchildren as well. I'm thankful she raised such caring children.
I want to thank Amy Wicks for organizing the Ogden, Utah rally yesterday. And for donating 1/3 of money raised to this firewood fund.
Here is link to an article written about the rally:
http://www.standard.net/News/2016/11/16/Ogden-stands-with-Standing-Rock-NoDAPL-rally-attracts-150-peaceful-supporters.html
Now onto load number 6!
I also want to thank my wood guy, Mike. He mistakenly underbid these loads but has honored the bid. Not everyone is as stellar as he. He has been wonderful to work with and a great asset to getting wood to camp. I hope to thank him in person one day as I have only spoken to him over the phone.
I want to thank my mother for standing for me yesterday in Ogden, Utah. I was unable to attend due to the passing of my friend. She stood not only for me but for her grandchildren as well. I'm thankful she raised such caring children.
I want to thank Amy Wicks for organizing the Ogden, Utah rally yesterday. And for donating 1/3 of money raised to this firewood fund.
Here is link to an article written about the rally:
http://www.standard.net/News/2016/11/16/Ogden-stands-with-Standing-Rock-NoDAPL-rally-attracts-150-peaceful-supporters.html
Now onto load number 6!
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Load three and four have been DELIVERED!
A giant thank you to all of you that have donated. Look what we have done collectively. Near and Far. I am amazed. When I went to camp, I knew I wanted to help. I just wasn't sure how....look how far we have come. Thank you.
Here is a link to a picture of load three:
https://www.facebook.com/angela.borup/posts/10210297468934056
here is a link to photos of load four;
https://www.facebook.com/angela.borup/posts/10210313703219903
I'm looking for donations for load five. There is PayPal link in the upper right hand corner. Or those not wanting to donate on line email me for I for on where to send payment thru the mail;
crystaldigger@hotmail.com
Please write your representatives!
Here is a link to a picture of load three:
https://www.facebook.com/angela.borup/posts/10210297468934056
here is a link to photos of load four;
https://www.facebook.com/angela.borup/posts/10210313703219903
I'm looking for donations for load five. There is PayPal link in the upper right hand corner. Or those not wanting to donate on line email me for I for on where to send payment thru the mail;
crystaldigger@hotmail.com
Please write your representatives!
Friday, October 28, 2016
Words Can Not Fully Express....
Words can not fully express how I feel about yesterday's events. I am heart broken. My spirit aches. I am shocked, as you all are, at what we've seen and the way our Native People are being treated. This happening to those standing in such strength and dedication to protect our most valuable resource-- WATER!! But some really think our most valuable resource is oil and not being dependent on foreign oil is a priority to them.
Well my priorities are working hard for those standing for our Water. Standing for Life.
Here's the wood update. Load three and four was a big fundraising push in order to fit into the schedule of those delivering and I thank each and every one of you that donated. I'm saddened to report: The man delivering the wood had a loss this week. He lost a friend of his. My heart goes out to him and his friend's family.
So those loads were not delivered this last week for reasons we can all understand.
However, as I type, load three is arriving. Load four, I'm told, will be delivered tomorrow. And we are looking for people to help fund load number five.
If you are traveling to Standing Rock, please bring as much wood and supplies as you are able.
And remember camp rules: No weapons, No alcohol, No drugs.
Well my priorities are working hard for those standing for our Water. Standing for Life.
Here's the wood update. Load three and four was a big fundraising push in order to fit into the schedule of those delivering and I thank each and every one of you that donated. I'm saddened to report: The man delivering the wood had a loss this week. He lost a friend of his. My heart goes out to him and his friend's family.
So those loads were not delivered this last week for reasons we can all understand.
However, as I type, load three is arriving. Load four, I'm told, will be delivered tomorrow. And we are looking for people to help fund load number five.
If you are traveling to Standing Rock, please bring as much wood and supplies as you are able.
And remember camp rules: No weapons, No alcohol, No drugs.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Load #4 Funded
Load Four has been funded!
Thank you to all that have donated. Load three had been delayed until we could fund load number four. Those delivering the wood wanted to take two truck loads together. But one truck has a crane where the other truck doesn't. So it was so important to fund number four. Now, thanks to our donors, load 3 and 4 will be delivered this coming week. That's 34 cords of wood!
Currently I am working on load 5. Please get the word out.
There have been some concerns from those that don't know me as if this a site that can be trusted. My advice, as there are those not to trust, is do your research.
Here is a link from my local paper, Idaho Mountain Express, talking about the work in my county (Blaine County, Idaho):
Thank you to all that have donated. Load three had been delayed until we could fund load number four. Those delivering the wood wanted to take two truck loads together. But one truck has a crane where the other truck doesn't. So it was so important to fund number four. Now, thanks to our donors, load 3 and 4 will be delivered this coming week. That's 34 cords of wood!
Currently I am working on load 5. Please get the word out.
There have been some concerns from those that don't know me as if this a site that can be trusted. My advice, as there are those not to trust, is do your research.
Here is a link from my local paper, Idaho Mountain Express, talking about the work in my county (Blaine County, Idaho):
Here is a link to a video of load number 2 being delivered:
Thursday, October 13, 2016
LOAD #3 and UPDATE on load #2 Plus a Second Option
Load #2 was delayed but should be arriving in camp Monday or Wednesday at the latest.
LOAD #3 has been funded and I am currently organizing delivery with our second wood contact working out of a different forest than our first.
Thank you for standing with me in supporting our Water Protectors in North Dakota. You all AMAZE me. When I first started this blog, I knew we could get one load sent in. But here we are now starting on load #4. THANK YOU!
I have recently been talking to a woman from Colorado and a Man from Seattle (I will add their names once permission has been given). Both having been in camp and seeing the need for winter storage. I have agreed to organize donations for this project. So now there is a second option for your donation. If you wish your donation to go towards a shipping container---add that as a note to your donation. If there is no note, I will assume your donation is for firewood.
There is a PayPal donation Button in the Upper Right Hand Corner of the Blog.
For those of you not wanting to donate online, you can mail me your donation to:
Angela Borup
HC 64 Box 9136
Ketchum, ID 83340
Email: crystaldigger@hotmail.com
I'm happy to speak to anyone wanting to donate but would like to speak to me first!
LOAD #3 has been funded and I am currently organizing delivery with our second wood contact working out of a different forest than our first.
Thank you for standing with me in supporting our Water Protectors in North Dakota. You all AMAZE me. When I first started this blog, I knew we could get one load sent in. But here we are now starting on load #4. THANK YOU!
I have recently been talking to a woman from Colorado and a Man from Seattle (I will add their names once permission has been given). Both having been in camp and seeing the need for winter storage. I have agreed to organize donations for this project. So now there is a second option for your donation. If you wish your donation to go towards a shipping container---add that as a note to your donation. If there is no note, I will assume your donation is for firewood.
There is a PayPal donation Button in the Upper Right Hand Corner of the Blog.
For those of you not wanting to donate online, you can mail me your donation to:
Angela Borup
HC 64 Box 9136
Ketchum, ID 83340
Email: crystaldigger@hotmail.com
I'm happy to speak to anyone wanting to donate but would like to speak to me first!
Thursday, October 6, 2016
LOAD TWO!!!!
LOAD TWO OF FIREWOOD HAS BEEN FUNDED. ORGANIZING DELIVERY NOW!
I'm now working on load #3. Still needing $1,400.00 for load #3.
Donate what you are able. It all adds up.
A Giant Thank you to all of you that helped fund Load #2. You all amaze me!
To Dontate to the third Load:
Click the donate now Button on the right side of this blog or Log into your PayPal account, click donate to friends and family, enter my email address: crystaldigger@hotmail.com
I'm now working on load #3. Still needing $1,400.00 for load #3.
Donate what you are able. It all adds up.
A Giant Thank you to all of you that helped fund Load #2. You all amaze me!
To Dontate to the third Load:
Click the donate now Button on the right side of this blog or Log into your PayPal account, click donate to friends and family, enter my email address: crystaldigger@hotmail.com
Monday, October 3, 2016
WOOD UPDATE!!!
THANK YOU to all of you that have donated to this cause.
We have raised enough money for our first load of wood. In fact it is on the freeway heading to camp as I type! I'm still working our second load....
I'll post the pictures of the wood once they are sent to me!
If you or anyone you know wants to assist with fire wood, please direct them here.
NOTE: We have had over 1,000 blog views. Now if everyone would have donated one hour of wages we would be sending in so many more loads by now. Just one hour.....that's something to ponder.
Again, THANK YOU!
We have raised enough money for our first load of wood. In fact it is on the freeway heading to camp as I type! I'm still working our second load....
I'll post the pictures of the wood once they are sent to me!
If you or anyone you know wants to assist with fire wood, please direct them here.
NOTE: We have had over 1,000 blog views. Now if everyone would have donated one hour of wages we would be sending in so many more loads by now. Just one hour.....that's something to ponder.
Again, THANK YOU!
Sunday, September 25, 2016
How we can collectively help.......
The BEST way to help now:
There are many large projects needing funding. The one I would like to focus on first is FIREWOOD! For those standing during the winter.....firewood is a must. Individually this is a hard one to meet. But collectively it can be done.
I have made a contact out of Sundance Wyoming. He has a limit to the number of trucks of wood he can send to Standing Rock. His limit is based on sustaining the health of the forest. He runs a sustainable forest lumber business. But he can bring in several truck loads of firewood (dry). On one truck, he can fit between 16-18 cords of wood. Each truck load is $1700.
I also have another contact for wood out of Rapid City. Offering the same deal to this cause.
For those of you not familiar with a cord, one cord equals a stack of wood that measures 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet. The above cost is a good price being offered to this cause.
I first looked into a Go Fund Me page. I learned they keep 5% of all donations plus a 3% service fee.
By clicking on the Pay Pal button on my page, they keep 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation.
By logging into your Pay Pal account linked to a credit card---our test run showed a $50.00 donation came directly to the cause but the donor was also charged $1.75 to process.
For convince and the lowest fees----Pay Pal Seems to be the best.
I tell you all of this because I want to be transparent. I want you the donor to be informed.
I've set up a paypal account for this cause.
The link is on the main page of my blog----upper right hand corner.
Or you can log into your pay pal account and enter my pay pal email address:
crystaldigger@hotmail.com
Be sure to click it's a donation to family or a friend.
For those of you wanting to help fund this project but don't want to do it on line, My address is:
Angela Borup
HC 64 Box 9136
Ketchum, ID 83340
For those of you wanting to send in individual donations directly to camp, they can be mailed to:
Sacred Stone Camp
P.O. Box 1011
Fort Yates, ND 58538
Right now my target is 3-5 loads of wood delivered. If we are successful in this, I would like to use additional funds to help with other projects needed for winter survival. ***I am not currently certain on what those projects may be as the needs of camp shift. Firewood is not one that is going to shift anytime soon. Once the firewood goal has been met, I will communicate with my contacts in camp to assess priority camp needs.
For those of you sharing your resources through this page, please send me your name as the tribes wish to do a prayer/blessing on your names to show appreciation and send blessing back to you.
There are many large projects needing funding. The one I would like to focus on first is FIREWOOD! For those standing during the winter.....firewood is a must. Individually this is a hard one to meet. But collectively it can be done.
I have made a contact out of Sundance Wyoming. He has a limit to the number of trucks of wood he can send to Standing Rock. His limit is based on sustaining the health of the forest. He runs a sustainable forest lumber business. But he can bring in several truck loads of firewood (dry). On one truck, he can fit between 16-18 cords of wood. Each truck load is $1700.
I also have another contact for wood out of Rapid City. Offering the same deal to this cause.
For those of you not familiar with a cord, one cord equals a stack of wood that measures 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet. The above cost is a good price being offered to this cause.
I first looked into a Go Fund Me page. I learned they keep 5% of all donations plus a 3% service fee.
By clicking on the Pay Pal button on my page, they keep 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation.
By logging into your Pay Pal account linked to a credit card---our test run showed a $50.00 donation came directly to the cause but the donor was also charged $1.75 to process.
For convince and the lowest fees----Pay Pal Seems to be the best.
I tell you all of this because I want to be transparent. I want you the donor to be informed.
I've set up a paypal account for this cause.
The link is on the main page of my blog----upper right hand corner.
Or you can log into your pay pal account and enter my pay pal email address:
crystaldigger@hotmail.com
Be sure to click it's a donation to family or a friend.
For those of you wanting to help fund this project but don't want to do it on line, My address is:
Angela Borup
HC 64 Box 9136
Ketchum, ID 83340
For those of you wanting to send in individual donations directly to camp, they can be mailed to:
Sacred Stone Camp
P.O. Box 1011
Fort Yates, ND 58538
Right now my target is 3-5 loads of wood delivered. If we are successful in this, I would like to use additional funds to help with other projects needed for winter survival. ***I am not currently certain on what those projects may be as the needs of camp shift. Firewood is not one that is going to shift anytime soon. Once the firewood goal has been met, I will communicate with my contacts in camp to assess priority camp needs.
For those of you sharing your resources through this page, please send me your name as the tribes wish to do a prayer/blessing on your names to show appreciation and send blessing back to you.
This is 6ish cords of wood.
This is the amount of wood it takes to keep
this man warm through the winter in a 1 bedroom cabin.
Smiley Creek, Idaho
Contacts, Research, What I helped Fund while in camp.
NOTE: I'm not using anyone's name I have not yet asked permission to use.
A big push for me wanting to go to Standing Rock is to find out what the current needs are. From afar, the needs seemed to move so quickly. I wanted to get there. Research current needs. Help fill some of those needs and learn how I could continue to help from afar.
Sunday I put on my "Protect the Bears Ears" tee shirt. This teeshirt opened doors.
It assisted in my contact with:
Thru the above I learned of the following needs:
A big push for me wanting to go to Standing Rock is to find out what the current needs are. From afar, the needs seemed to move so quickly. I wanted to get there. Research current needs. Help fill some of those needs and learn how I could continue to help from afar.
Sunday I put on my "Protect the Bears Ears" tee shirt. This teeshirt opened doors.
It assisted in my contact with:
- The woman over all press and reporters coming to camp.
- A man over community events in camp
- The man that has set up a solar communications van--radio program and documenting interviews with those in camp.
- Ladonna (land owner where original camp was set up)
- Ladonna's Sister (Working in one of the Kitchens)
- I was also was led to a man that had prepared the ground and had designed a root cellar but needed help getting building supplies.
- A man from Seattle working on donations being stored properly.
- I also met with the man over all of the mail coming to Sacred Stone Camp
- A man that is a 6th Generation Decendant of Sitting Bull <-----with wood contacts! :)
*****all of the above people are doing way more than what's on my simplified list.
Thru the above I learned of the following needs:
- Solar generators---I called my hardcore outdoors friends. Their opinions is best one on the market currently: Goal Zero. I was unable to find said solar generator in Bismarck as they can't keep them in stock. But I've also learned they are made in Utah!
- Long distance radios for better camp to camp communication.
- Batteries for the solar panels arriving to better serve the communication van.
- Shipping containers to better store donations. Currently they are stored in tents. (As of two days ago).
- Building Materials for a winter ready kitchen, a root cellar to best store winter food, etc.
- Tepees- to better house water protectors staying the winter
- Meat
- FIRE WOOD. FIRE WOOD. FIRE WOOD! FIRE WOOD!!!!
One of the biggest needs is someone that can research the above needs, fund said needs, and coordinate getting those items on the ground. As camp has grown so fast, everyone has become stretched thin.
I was able to help fund the following projects while in camp:
- 4 golf cart batteries to support the solar panels for the communications van ($600)
- 4 radios for camp to camp communication (they best ones available to any lay person)
- I purchased a LOT of building supplies to get the root cellar started. ($1,600)
- I left my Spring Bar Tent (10'X10') for a man and his family pulling more than their own weight.
So I now need YOUR help. Together let's pull OUR resources.
The Pictures below will show you how camp has grown. It's so very lovely but also demands more resources.
Photo Taken August 19, 2016
by Antonia Ybarra
Photo Taken September 11, 2016
By Antonia Ybarra
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Some of my experiences....
MARCH TO THE SACRED BURIAL SITES
Morning of Day One in Camp (Friday): I met an Elder camped near us. I didn't know this at the time but he came to be a great teacher not only to me but others camped around us. He informed us of a march being led by native veterans to the burial site that had been plowed by the pipeline workers Labor Day Weekend. He told us where to meet for the March. So a little before the march, we gathered our protest signs and met at the main gathering spot. Around a thousand people were gathered to march.
It was then we learned during sacred ceremonies, no photography was allowed.
Men with beautiful sacred staffs (no photos allowed) led the march and we all followed the three ish miles from camp to the sacred sites. Along the walk there were signs tied to the fence as well as little bits of fabric. One of the signs caught my attention as it was placed there by my friends of the Kanosh Piutte Tribe. I knew I missed them by only a few days but it warmed my heart to see some of the steps they walked while there.
To honor my mothers wish, I did not enter the site but rather stood on the side of the road to watch the ceremonies from afar. I held a sign made by my mother that said, "Mother Matters More Than Money."
As we walked back, we were offered a ride in the back of the truck. Those in the cab handed us drinks and jerky to share. We picked up others along the way and shared the gifts with them as well.
SEVEN DIRECTIONS
The seven directions were shared with me by Antonia (several photos on this blog were taken by her----in camp she was my neighbor for a weekend when camp was estimated at 7,500)
There are men that have dedicated their lives to the horse. A man and his horse represent the seven directions.
These are the seven directions:
The four hoofs represent North, South, East, and West
The tail of the horse points down to the earth and represents the direction toward the land--toward the earth.
The horses head reaches toward the sky, the heavens, the Creator.
The seventh direction is represented by the horseman. This direction is the direction that comes from within.
These men are the protectors. The messengers. It was then I learned these men circle camp on horseback in shifts 24 hours 7 days a week. They are their to ensure the safety everyone in camp.
ELDER'S FIRE
One night several of my neighbors were around an Elder's fire. Late in the evening three young women entered the circle surrounding the fire. They had been at this fire before had returned for more stories. The Elder shared a story but then asked for those of us around the fire to share as well. One young woman told a fun story about how the coyote got his tail. Another young woman sang us her prayer song--so very lovely--and then told us the story of how she had come to write it. Another young woman, a sister to one of the younger, thanked the elder for sharing his stories and igniting an excitement in her younger sister....not only about his stories, but to share them with others, as well as returning home to hear the stories of her tribe's Elders. Then she sang a song. Her voice drew me in as did all the young women. I was so thankful to have been invited around this fire.
There are so many stories and I will share them as I unpack them from my memory.
Morning of Day One in Camp (Friday): I met an Elder camped near us. I didn't know this at the time but he came to be a great teacher not only to me but others camped around us. He informed us of a march being led by native veterans to the burial site that had been plowed by the pipeline workers Labor Day Weekend. He told us where to meet for the March. So a little before the march, we gathered our protest signs and met at the main gathering spot. Around a thousand people were gathered to march.
It was then we learned during sacred ceremonies, no photography was allowed.
Men with beautiful sacred staffs (no photos allowed) led the march and we all followed the three ish miles from camp to the sacred sites. Along the walk there were signs tied to the fence as well as little bits of fabric. One of the signs caught my attention as it was placed there by my friends of the Kanosh Piutte Tribe. I knew I missed them by only a few days but it warmed my heart to see some of the steps they walked while there.
To honor my mothers wish, I did not enter the site but rather stood on the side of the road to watch the ceremonies from afar. I held a sign made by my mother that said, "Mother Matters More Than Money."
As we walked back, we were offered a ride in the back of the truck. Those in the cab handed us drinks and jerky to share. We picked up others along the way and shared the gifts with them as well.
SEVEN DIRECTIONS
The seven directions were shared with me by Antonia (several photos on this blog were taken by her----in camp she was my neighbor for a weekend when camp was estimated at 7,500)
There are men that have dedicated their lives to the horse. A man and his horse represent the seven directions.
These are the seven directions:
The four hoofs represent North, South, East, and West
The tail of the horse points down to the earth and represents the direction toward the land--toward the earth.
The horses head reaches toward the sky, the heavens, the Creator.
The seventh direction is represented by the horseman. This direction is the direction that comes from within.
These men are the protectors. The messengers. It was then I learned these men circle camp on horseback in shifts 24 hours 7 days a week. They are their to ensure the safety everyone in camp.
Photo Credit: Antonia Ybarra
Antonia's Photography
ELDER'S FIRE
One night several of my neighbors were around an Elder's fire. Late in the evening three young women entered the circle surrounding the fire. They had been at this fire before had returned for more stories. The Elder shared a story but then asked for those of us around the fire to share as well. One young woman told a fun story about how the coyote got his tail. Another young woman sang us her prayer song--so very lovely--and then told us the story of how she had come to write it. Another young woman, a sister to one of the younger, thanked the elder for sharing his stories and igniting an excitement in her younger sister....not only about his stories, but to share them with others, as well as returning home to hear the stories of her tribe's Elders. Then she sang a song. Her voice drew me in as did all the young women. I was so thankful to have been invited around this fire.
Our Arrival....
I left Idaho for Utah on Labor Day (Monday), organized donations and made protest signs with friends (Tuesday), loaded van and left Ogden (Wednesday), arrived in Standing Rock at 5 pm on Thursday.
Arriving at Standing Rock:
As we came over the hill and the view of camp opened up to us, I was hit with this feeling of love, awe and gratitude that so many people had come to stand for water. Cars lined the road, North and South, waiting for their turn to get into camp. We followed the other cars till ground opened up for us to camp. People started setting up camp with haste as a storm was approaching. As we set up camp, we met our new neighbors that like us, we're just arriving. Our closest neighbor was a freelance writer for Huffington Post and her boyfriend.
Once we were set up, the rain started. Trevor and I quickly grabbed the rain gear and headed to the donation tent. We took several trips back and forth of tents, sleeping bags, tarps, and rain gear. The rest could wait till morning. We had some exploring to do to get our bearings and learn about our surroundings.
As we walked around, in the rain, we found the main gathering area, a side stage set up for youth performances, a volley ball court, the row of Flags representing the tribes and nations that are in solidarity with Standing rock, a seven tepee (in one) set up that had a lovely glow from the fire within, horse corrals, port potty stations, water stations, firewood stations, collective art areas, fire rings throughout camp, and so on.
The rain lightened then stopped. We wandered camp listening to the drums, the singing, watched the performances and dancing, heard stories shared from tribes across the country and world, and enjoyed the glow and warmth of the fires until exaughstion of our travels took over. As I lay in bed, the sound of all the above lulled me to sleep.
Seven Tepee:
Above Photo Credit: Antonia Ybarra Photography (Check out her FB Page)
Arriving at Standing Rock:
As we came over the hill and the view of camp opened up to us, I was hit with this feeling of love, awe and gratitude that so many people had come to stand for water. Cars lined the road, North and South, waiting for their turn to get into camp. We followed the other cars till ground opened up for us to camp. People started setting up camp with haste as a storm was approaching. As we set up camp, we met our new neighbors that like us, we're just arriving. Our closest neighbor was a freelance writer for Huffington Post and her boyfriend.
Once we were set up, the rain started. Trevor and I quickly grabbed the rain gear and headed to the donation tent. We took several trips back and forth of tents, sleeping bags, tarps, and rain gear. The rest could wait till morning. We had some exploring to do to get our bearings and learn about our surroundings.
As we walked around, in the rain, we found the main gathering area, a side stage set up for youth performances, a volley ball court, the row of Flags representing the tribes and nations that are in solidarity with Standing rock, a seven tepee (in one) set up that had a lovely glow from the fire within, horse corrals, port potty stations, water stations, firewood stations, collective art areas, fire rings throughout camp, and so on.
The rain lightened then stopped. We wandered camp listening to the drums, the singing, watched the performances and dancing, heard stories shared from tribes across the country and world, and enjoyed the glow and warmth of the fires until exaughstion of our travels took over. As I lay in bed, the sound of all the above lulled me to sleep.
Seven Tepee:
Flags
The View From Our Campsite
AfterStorm Rainbow
The Plan.......
Allen asked me to come up with a plan, I did so.
Protest Signs:
THE PLAN:
Find a traveling partner----Check.
Contact friends to see if they wanted to donate as I could deliver-----Check
Gather my camping supplies-----Check
Call neighbors to help Allen with fire wood and my dog while I am gone-----Check
Locate Standing Rock on a map and best way to get there-----Check
Load car and head from Idaho to Utah to pick up donations and traveling partner----Check
Organize donations------Check
Load donations----Check
Make protest Signs------Check
Get some SLEEP------Check
Hit the open road------Check
(Drive over half way the first day and arrive the next day in the light of day)
(Drive over half way the first day and arrive the next day in the light of day)
I must give credit to the many people that helped with the above. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. They helped send me off not only to represent me but to represent all of them. I took that responsibility on with respect and great care.
Protest Signs:
Sign made by my mother
Sign made by Briden
Sign made by Briden
Sign made by Taime
Sign made by Taime and held by Trevor
Car Loaded!!!
Why I got involved.......
I had been following the stand of Standing Rock for weeks but only thanks to independent media sources. I couldn't understand why this wasn't being covered by the main stream media.
During that time, I kept feeling a pull to go stand with the water protectors in North Dakota but, with so many responsibilities at home, I ignored the pull. I kept going back and forth on whether I could or should go.
One afternoon I was on my kayak in the middle of Perkins Lake in the Sawtooth Nation Recreation Area of Idaho. My back yard. I was surrounded by lovely mountain views, large pines, and crystal clear water. It was then I knew I could no longer stay in my paradise while someone else's was at risk.
I approached the topic yet again with my boyfriend. He too had the desire to go but with so much on his plate could not go. But he supported me going as long as I had at least one other traveling partner and a plan. So a traveling partner I found----our long time friend Trevor in Utah----and a plan was developed.
As I was preparing for my trip, news hit about court cases in Wahington DC, Happy and others attaching themselves to bulldozers, and dogs were forced at crowds of native people trying to stop the bulldozers from destroying sacred burial sites.
Suddenly it felt as if I could not get there fast enough.
I am thankful for the people of Standing Rock. If it were not for them, none of us would know of this threat to the water. It is in fact our Native American Brothers and Sisters that have been and are on the for front of protecting Mother Earth. Protecting our resources. Not just for them, but for all of us.
My Paradise:
During that time, I kept feeling a pull to go stand with the water protectors in North Dakota but, with so many responsibilities at home, I ignored the pull. I kept going back and forth on whether I could or should go.
One afternoon I was on my kayak in the middle of Perkins Lake in the Sawtooth Nation Recreation Area of Idaho. My back yard. I was surrounded by lovely mountain views, large pines, and crystal clear water. It was then I knew I could no longer stay in my paradise while someone else's was at risk.
I approached the topic yet again with my boyfriend. He too had the desire to go but with so much on his plate could not go. But he supported me going as long as I had at least one other traveling partner and a plan. So a traveling partner I found----our long time friend Trevor in Utah----and a plan was developed.
As I was preparing for my trip, news hit about court cases in Wahington DC, Happy and others attaching themselves to bulldozers, and dogs were forced at crowds of native people trying to stop the bulldozers from destroying sacred burial sites.
Suddenly it felt as if I could not get there fast enough.
I am thankful for the people of Standing Rock. If it were not for them, none of us would know of this threat to the water. It is in fact our Native American Brothers and Sisters that have been and are on the for front of protecting Mother Earth. Protecting our resources. Not just for them, but for all of us.
My Paradise:
Alturas Lake, Idaho
Little Mountain Stream
Smiley Creek Idaho
Hell Roaring Lake, Idaho
My Private Idaho
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