WASHINGTON, DC | The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) congratulates the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes on their successful defense of their lands and waters against the harms of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), and all of the Tribal Nations who supported their efforts.

“This case is not over but today’s decision demonstrates what tribal leaders have said from the beginning," said NCAI President Brian Cladoosby. "These projects must include tribes early in the process so the negative impacts to our lands, waters, and sacred places can be avoided. Environmental justice demands that the rights of tribes are respected.”

Today's justice for the Missouri River tribes has reinforced the policies, treaties, and statutes upholding the legal obligation the United States has to tribes in their government-to-government relationship. Many Tribes are facing projects with similar impacts. Tribal Nations have governmental responsibilities to protect their people and advance their welfare.

The United States is obligated to ensure that the benefits of infrastructure development are fully shared by Tribes and that the burdens of infrastructure projects do not fall disproportionately on Tribal communities, lands, or resources.

###

About The National Congress of American Indians:
Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information, visit www.ncai.org.