Line 3 & MMIW
The Line 3 pipeline expansion is posing more issues than many within the general public truly recognize. Most take note of the implications to the environment, most notably the water supply within the area, but very few are taking note of the danger to Native women. A bit lost? Not sure of what I am getting at? Walk with me down this road for a short spell. Have you noticed the areas that most Native women go missing or endure sexual assault? No?
Any time there is construction near Native communities, there is an influx of MMIW (missing and murdered indigenous women). Line 3 is NO exception. The decades of hyper-sexualizing Native women and their culture have resulted in male colonizers feeling entitled to their persons coupled with a void sense of consequence.
At this time, the vast majority of people working to protect the lands that are being invaded by the intrusive pipeline expansion are GIRLS and WOMEN. While also enduring physical harm, police detention, harassment, and more, they are being sexually assaulted. By now, I am sure you are sinking into the traditional adage of, "but I didn't see anything on the news about it." I am sure your head in the sand self didn't see a thing. Consider this, how often does your favorite media outlet report on crimes committed against any member of the Native community? When was the last time there was a nationwide alert or a viral story regarding MMIW?
Let me take a WIIIIIILLLLLLLDDDDD guess and say that the answer to what I asked you is a resounding NO. As a society, the United States does not choose to recognize what ails the Native community within its borders. Its citizens continue to overwhelmingly treat the Native community as a costume, sexual fetishes and beneath themselves. This is why there are hushed whispers outside of the Native community regarding MMIW. This is why so many, right now, are arguing that "it's just land" when referring to Line 3.
Within the US, unless it affects the default, colonizers, it's not a viable issue. It is not to be televised. It is not to center any conversation. This needs to change post haste. There should no longer be any pipelines or extensions on sacred lands, treaties need to be honored and most importantly, there should not be any more MMIW!!!! This is NOT an issue of politics, it is HUMANITY. It is RESPECT. The original people of this country that brands itself as the best place on the planet should be respected and protected. No debate.
***If you would like to find out more regarding Stop Line 3 and/or how to assist, the following are resources:
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