“Tears of the Grandfathers” by Leni Wiener
This is one in a series of posts featuring an artist whose work is included in the Threads of Resistance exhibition.
Artist’s Statement:
Sustained for generations by clear waters and abundant resources, the
Lakota and their neighboring tribes lived in respect of the land. Now the
Dakota Access Pipeline endangers these crystal waters and the lives of the
Standing Rock Lakota; in the path of potential destruction also lie their
ancient burial grounds, compromising not just their future, but the
preservation of their past.
After so many broken promises and broken treaties many have raised
their voices this time in protest, to protect and preserve that which sustains
us all. And yet the pipeline, in the guise of progress, threatens everyone in
its path. Perhaps it will never leak, perhaps it will. Who can know?
This is not about jobs, it is not about profits; it is about the right
to stand up and say no; no to intimidation, no to environmental contamination,
no to the loss of self-determination and yes to freedom of choice. Oil in the
pipe will flow like the tears of the grandfathers. Mni Wiconi. Water is life.
Hear a message from Leni about her piece below:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments may not appear immediately, because they will be moderated before being posted. We will not post any rude, insulting or uncivil comments, or any anonymous comments.