The principles of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans and Unitarian Universalists around the world call for us to respect the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.  Our historic and sacred traditions have roots in the earth-based spiritual traditions of our many ancestors which call us to care for our planet.  In these times, when the well-being of our entire ecosystem is threatened, we honor the leadership of Indigenous and First Nations peoples towards creating a more beneficial relationship to the earth and all beings of the earth.

We rise in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Nation, the Lakota people, and all Indigenous Peoples who are fighting to preserve and protect their homes and lands.  We are in solidarity with all who declare these things sacred: clean water and air, heathy forests, meadows, prairies and wetlands, and vibrant ways of life that honor people over profit.

We support the courageous actions against the Dakota Access Pipeline.  We understand that the pipeline as proposed will cross treaty lands, burial grounds, and the Missouri River, the water source for the tribe as well as for millions of others.  We are appalled that this project was approved and construction begun without any meaningful consultation with the tribe, counter to federal law and treaty obligations. We honor the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous Peoples. We join our voices with those demanding that no projects which affect indigenous lands, territories, or resources be undertaken without free, prior, and informed consent as written in the treaties. We support the efforts of indigenous peoples to protect the sacred land and water, as well as to create a future for all of the earth people’s grandchildren.  

It is said that prayer is best expressed through action. Our statement is a call for all members and friends of CUUPS to show our support through letters, phone calls, and donations. We must protect the water which is so utterly necessary for all life on earth. Water is life.

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The water supply of the Standing Rock Sioux is threatened by construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, which was permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in late July, despite the objections of three federal agencies including the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.