Originally broadcast 12/02/2016
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As the last bit of 30-inch Dakota Access pipe is pulled through the bore hole under the Des Moines River, we hear from two Lakota elders who have been contesting the company's presence on treaty land in North Dakota: Emmanuel Red Bear, a 7th-generation descendant of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, and Winona Gasteau, the head cook for Oceti Sakowin camp on the Missouri River, where thousands of water protectors have gathered in prayer to support the Lakota in their struggle against a black snake that their prophecy said would come to threaten their very existence.
Jessica Fears, a young mother from Ames describes the nonviolent direct action she participated in on Thanksgiving Day in the city of Mandan. Local whites shoved and shouted at water protectors; local police towed legally parked cars identified as anti-pipeline. Then, Bruce Espe, a Vietnam War veteran from Des Moines, explains his reasons for joining the contingent of some 2000 veterans traveling to the Oceti Sakowin camp in support of the Lakota this weekend.
Susan Gwiasda of Ames introduces Donald Kom of Ames Electric Department, who describes the city's comprehensive efforts to reduce demand for power. The peak demand has remained stable, not exceeding its 2012 levels despite the growing population and industry base. Susan reminds us that Ames Humanitarian Award nominations are due December 16, and announces the Nada Silent Night concert December 17.
