The nonviolent rally, organized by Unite Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Council for Justice, was a response to President Trump’s recent signing of executive orders assisting progress on both pipelines.
Last week, the president ordered the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review and approve the DAPL “in an expedited manner, to the extent permitted by law and warranted.” Depending on whether a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is conducted, the construction could start as soon as next month.
Concerning the KXL, Trump signed an order encouraging TransCanada to reapply for its border-crossing permit, one that former President Obama rejected in 2015. Once TransCanada reapplies, the State Department will have 60 days to issue a final decision.
In attendance on Sunday were speakers Jane Ard-Smith, Political Chair of Sierra Club – Rocky Mountain Chapter, Amy Gray, local activist with 350 Colorado Springs, and Ruthie Markwardt, representative for Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). The speakers emphasized the necessity of showing up, staying nonviolent, and recognizing our land’s history.“We are peaceful people. We are protectors,” said Gray. “We never, ever, respond with violence or hate. Our movement must stay rooted in love, rooted in prayer. We will still peaceful, we will stay prayerful, and we will defeat this pipeline.”
The keynote speakers were followed by Dennis Apuan, former Colorado HD17 representative and founder of Colorado Springs Council for Justice. His longer speech touched on respecting the earth, the implications of Trump’s recent actions, and how to proceed forward in the fight for the earth.
“We must all work in defense of climate progress,” said Apuan. “We must lobby, write, and pressure U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Congressman Doug Lamborn to protect our climate policies and block environmental roadblocks.”
Closing remarks were given by Ryan Barry, local activist and president of Unite Colorado Springs. He talked about transforming the U.S.’s relationship with Indigenous People, converting our energy system to renewable energies, and maintaining balance in all our ecosystems.
After the speeches, a six-block march moved north on Nevada Avenue. To ensure everyone’s safety, people were sent in waves of 40-50 people accompanied by a marshal to stop cars as the protesters crossed the streets. The march continued west on Platte Avenue, then south on Tejon Street, passing Acacia Park and walking through downtown. The protesters then proceeded back to City Hall via Kiowa Street.
The march received mixed reactions from passersby. Some cars honked their horns to show their support and solidarity, while others revved their engines to intimidate or aggravate. One man shouted obscenities at the protesters while buying girl scout cookies with his daughter. Other pedestrians commented that the group was intimidating and scary.
Nonetheless, the participants were not deterred by the negative feedback. The mood stayed positive and optimistic, despite the uphill battle that their fight entails. “To all of those who thought we would go quietly into the night,” said Barry, “we have a clear message for you. We are empowered, we are united, and we are just getting started.”
In attendance on Sunday were speakers Jane Ard-Smith, Political Chair of Sierra Club – Rocky Mountain Chapter, Amy Gray, local activist with 350 Colorado Springs, and Ruthie Markwardt, representative for Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). The speakers emphasized the necessity of showing up, staying nonviolent, and recognizing our land’s history.
“We are peaceful people. We are protectors,” said Gray. “We never, ever, respond with violence or hate. Our movement must stay rooted in love, rooted in prayer. We will still peaceful, we will stay prayerful, and we will defeat this pipeline.”
The keynote speakers were followed by Dennis Apuan, former Colorado HD17 representative and founder of Colorado Springs Council for Justice. His longer speech touched on respecting the earth, the implications of Trump’s recent actions, and how to proceed forward in the fight for the earth.
“We must all work in defense of climate progress,” said Apuan. “We must lobby, write, and pressure U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner and Congressman Doug Lamborn to protect our climate policies and block environmental roadblocks.”
Closing remarks were given by Ryan Barry, local activist and president of Unite Colorado Springs. He talked about transforming the U.S.’s relationship with Indigenous People, converting our energy system to renewable energies, and maintaining balance in all our ecosystems.
After the speeches, a six-block march moved north on Nevada Avenue. To ensure everyone’s safety, people were sent in waves of 40-50 people accompanied by a marshal to stop cars as the protesters crossed the streets. The march continued west on Platte Avenue, then south on Tejon Street, passing Acacia Park and walking through downtown. The protesters then proceeded back to City Hall via Kiowa Street.
The march received mixed reactions from passersby. Some cars honked their horns to show their support and solidarity, while others revved their engines to intimidate or aggravate. One man shouted obscenities at the protesters while buying girl scout cookies with his daughter. Other pedestrians commented that the group was intimidating and scary.
Nonetheless, the participants were not deterred by the negative feedback. The mood stayed positive and optimistic, despite the uphill battle that their fight entails. “To all of those who thought we would go quietly into the night,” said Barry, “we have a clear message for you. We are empowered, we are united, and we are just getting started.”