INDIAN ISLAND – “Water is life.” The community of the Penobscot Nation shouted as they gathered together for a picture before heading off to Standing Rock. They packed their cars and are making the journey across the nation to support the “Water Protectors.”
Stan Neptune is one of the community members heading west. “It’s just something that we have to. We have to go out there and help these people you know help protect the water because water is the life blood for all peoples.” he said.
Once they get to North Dakota they plan to set up a long term camp with tepees that have been in the tribe for decades. Some plan to stay for a week while others for much longer, but all are making the trip with their own waters in mind.
“I think living here on the island you see the importance of water and “Mni Wiconi” is how they say water is life out there.” said Ben Huerth, Tribe Clinic Physician, also heading to Standing Rock.
Although they aren’t talking about pipelines here in the Penobscot Nation they value their water just the same.
Huerth added “Here were talking about a community that is surrounded by the lifeblood of the tribe. This movement starts out there but its probably going to continue here too.”
From more than 2,000 miles away the protection of water still hits home for this community.
“Our people are from the river. All our land we have left is just islands in the river we have a battle also with the state of Maine about water rights so I would like to go out there and help them.” concluded Neptune.
As the Penobscot Nation continue their journey across the country to Standing Rock we will bring you updates on this story.
