Standing Rock - # NO DAPL Movement -
Photographs by Nob Toshi Mizushima

Feb. 2 to March 1, 2019

009_Mizushima

In 2014, the proposal was passed to construct the Dakota Access Pipeline (The Black Snake). The plan was to build a 1,172-mile underground oil pipeline crossing from North and South Dakota, through Iowa, and Illinois.

The Standing Rock Sioux elders were concerned about the environmental impact to Native American’s sacred lands and pollution of the Missouri River and Lake Oahe, the source of water for their reservation. In early 2016, a camp was made as the center for cultural preservation and spiritual resistance to the construction. After first protesters were arrested in the spring, the number of people opposing the pipeline increased tenfold. In addition to the Standing Rock community, supports included more Native American tribes, national and international environmental groups, and other concerned citizens. The  #NO DAPL Movement spread across the country and awakened the world to their plight. In December of that year, President Obama's administration halted the construction under the Missouri River. However, in February 2017, newly elected President Trump signed an executive order to resume work on the pipeline, which was completed in April 2017.

Nob Toshi Mizushima was born in Tokyo in 1973 and moved to NY in early 90s. After dropping out of ICP (International Center of Photography) in 2007, he started working as freelance photojournalist, publishing his original articles and documentaries. Mizushima's interests range from ethnic, environment, energy and economy. He has been based in Santa Fe, New Mexico since 2013.
https://nobutoshimizushima.com

FCCJ Exhibition Committee