Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative Americans lift up their hands to celebrate their victory after Sioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse, right, announced, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative Americans celebrate their victory after Sioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse announced, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostTroy Fairbanks, right, of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, holds back tears as he hugs a friend after hearing Chief Arvol Looking Horse announce, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostA young Sioux rides his appaloosa horse in the snow near Oceti Sakowin camp at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostUS veterans and Native Americans hold flags on the road near Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have gathered at the camp to try to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostSioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse arrives at the Sacred Circle to announce that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostThe encampment at Oceti Sakowin camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation has grown to the thousands of people on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday announced they will no longer allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under the Missouri river crossing on the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota, marking a huge win for Native Americans and protesters who had long opposed the construction. Instead the Army Corps of Engineers will conduct an environmental review and explore alternate routes for the project.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostMatt Black Eagle Man, a member of the Long Plain First Nation, works on the inside of his teepee as smoke from boiling water rises to the opening at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 1, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostActivist Taj Matuszak, of Denver, helps unload donated produce from a semi-truck at Oceti Sakowin camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday announced they will no longer allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under the Missouri river crossing on the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota, marking a huge win for Native Americans and protesters who had long opposed the construction. Instead the Army Corps of Engineers will conduct an environmental review and explore alternate routes for the project.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative Americans and activists stand arm and arm along the road near the Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 2, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. on December 1, 2016 in Cannon Ball North Dakota, Colorado.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostWaskoness Pitawanakwat, 16, of the Ojibe tribe, heads out for a ride on her horse Sun Cloud at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 2, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNorth Dakota National Guardsmen stand guard on Turtle Island watching activists at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 3, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Seth McConnell, The Denver PostLaw enforcement from multiple agencies stand behind a road blockade on Highway 1806 at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Canon Ball, North Dakota on Nov. 25, 2016.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostTeepees are nestled in the snow and lit by the setting sun at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 1, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Seth McConnell, The Denver PostMichael Cox of Minneapolis, Minnesota warms himself near a fire at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Canon Ball, North Dakota on November 25, 2016.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostMatt Black Eagle Man, middle, a member of the Long Plain First Nation, chats with friends outside his teepee at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 1, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostFlood lights from the North Dakota national guard light up the night sky amid the teepees, tents, RV and cars at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 1, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostPeople make their way through snow, ice and water after long days of bad weather at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 1, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostCape Teal, of the Cheyenne River Sioux nation gets ready to head out for a ride on his horse Sasha at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 3, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostYoung Native American Pita One Feather waits to head out for a ride with other horsemen at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 2, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. on December 1, 2016 in Cannon Ball North Dakota, Colorado.
Seth McConnell, The Denver PostAn American Flag hangs upside down on the side of a yurt still under construction at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Canon Ball, North Dakota on Nov. 26, 2016.
Seth McConnell, The Denver PostFlorcy Romero, left, and Ewok Gia stand and sit on the top of a burned out car along Highway 1806 near the Oceti Sakowin Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Canon Ball, North Dakota on Nov. 26, 2016.
Seth McConnell, The Denver PostTirzah Firestone rides a bike to create energy that will be stored in a battery to help charge cellphones at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Canon Ball, North Dakota on Nov. 26, 2016.
Seth McConnell, The Denver PostMatthew Knippel and Alyssa Demars of Denver attempt to start a small gas stove at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Canon Ball, North Dakota on Nov. 26, 2016.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostEsdee of the Tachi nation prays near the Cannon Ball river at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 3, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostA Native American tepee is lit by the rising sun at Oceti Sakowin camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday announced they will no longer allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under the Missouri river crossing on the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota, marking a huge win for Native Americans and protesters who had long opposed the construction. Instead the Army Corps of Engineers will conduct an environmental review and explore alternate routes for the project.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative American Ken Forkcloud, in the back, of the Crow Creek Nation, riding his horse Black Rose, rides with young Sioux horseman near Oceti Sakowin camp at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have gathered at the camp to try to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative american Ken Forkcloud, middle, of the Crow Creek Nation, riding his horse Black Rose, leads some horseman toward police barricades near Oceti Sakowin camp at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists won their battle with the Dakota Access Pipeline when the Us Army Corps of Engineers decided not to grant access to the land that crossed into the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostUS Navy veteran John Gutekanst holds an American flag towards the police barricade on a bridge near Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have gathered at the camp to try to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostUS veterans and Native Americans hold hands in prayer and solidarity on the road near Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have gathered at the camp to try to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative Americans and activists take part in a prayer service by the Cannonball river at Oceti Sakowin camp on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostYoung Sioux horseman relax with their horses near Oceti Sakowin camp at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have gathered at the camp to try to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostAlmarosa Silva Banuelos, an Aztec, celebrates after Sioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse announced, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative Americans celebrate their victory after Sioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse announced, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver PostNative Americans play drums to celebrate their victory after Sioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse announced, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
1 of 35
Native Americans lift up their hands to celebrate their victory after Sioux Chief Arvol Looking Horse, right, announced, to members of over 300 nations, that the US Army Corps of Engineers will no longer grant access to the Dakota Access Pipeline to put their pipe line on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation at Oceti Sakowin camp on December 4, 2016 in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois.
ExpandBy Helen H. Richardson | hrichardson@denverpost.com | The Denver Post and Seth A. McConnell | smconnell@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
CANNON BALL, N.D. — Native Americans and activists claimed victory Sunday after the in southern North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering for months at the Oceti Sakowin encampment on the boundary of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and environmental activists were concerned that the pipeline construction would disturb sacred sites and pollute drinking water on the reservation.

































