Thread by @ResistLine3

Despite standing up to protect the land, water protectors are being criminalized by the state. We aim to give them their due and share their words.

Today we're hearing from Siihasin Hope, a 25-year-old land defender facing 4 misdemeanor charges. Read on for her story. 🧵

"Defending the water and Mother Earth is neither criminal nor violent. I got involved in the movement to stop Line 3, because I am of the Bitterwater clan in my community, it is my obligation as a Tódích'íí'nii clan member to protect and defend my relatives, such as the Water."

"These charges make life more difficult than it already is. There already is a target on me as I am Indigenous, two spirit and a water protector wherever I go. I'm going to court to get my cases dismissed. Defending the water and Mother Earth is neither criminal nor violent."

"I have found my path into spaces where protectors and land defenders are. I first began by doing my best to be helpful and collecting donations to bring to the frontlines."

"I have strong kinship ties with Anishnaabe territories and peoples, and due to that kinship it is my obligation as a water protector in solidarity with my relatives to stop Extractive Industries, I put my body on the line as I would for my Diné people, my relatives and family."

"Native people all around the world are impacted by the same corporations, capitalist and imperialist system. We are stronger when we rise together because our colonizers are working against us together."

"The state is an embodiment of settler colonialism and white supremacy. It's not new for Native people to protect our relatives and end up against the Settler State, as it steals our relatives, homelands, and bodies. They allow the contamination of Mother Earth in name of greed."

"It's not a coincidence that Native, Black/African, Undocumented, Brown and working class people are in the same struggle. I have to be in solidarity with Water protectors across territories, across borders and across communities. Our struggle intersects, as will our liberation."

"So I move forward, confident as ever, that solidarity is a value we must work towards and show up for time and time again. Not just a saying it but an action and practice."

"It takes discipline and principle to build in solidarity and it takes time to build trust. Continue to center and uplift BIPOC community members, continue to hold us accountable and continue to listen to us as we fight for their lives."

"Join us. Fight individualism, idealization and liberalism in these spaces that so often get co-opted by nonprofits and NGO's. Meet communities where they are at, support the grassroots. Only we can liberate ourselves. Make sure you're being a good relative and comrade."

"Calling for people to support Native water and land protectors facing charges. Support and follow @GiniwCollective and the Coalition calling for #DropTheCharges. Protests, rallies, divest, and organize to stop Extractive Industries and their funders from killing Mother Earth"

Siihasin has asked that you support a dear friend of theirs who needs financial support after a weekslong struggle with COVID-19. You can donate directly to them on the following platforms:

Cashapp: $Seukteoma
Venmo: @/Seukteomaaa

Support defendants in the Line 3 fight like Siihasin and others. Pressure @GovTimWalz and @AGEllison to #DropL3Charges and let the water protectors go free!

bit.ly/drop-the-charg…