American Indian Leaders in Denver to Oppose Keystone Pipeline

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

DENVER – One day before the first presidential debate of the 2012 campaign, several American Indian leaders opposed to the Keystone XL Pipeline will host a press conference on the west steps of the State Capitol in downtown Denver.

The press conference begins at 11:00 am mdt.

Among the featured speakers are: Vice President Tom Poor Bear, Oglala Sioux Tribe; Debra White Plume, director of Owe Aku, which means Bring back the way; Percy Deal, Navajo elder; and others.

The press conference is intended to bring attention to Native Voices who oppose the tar sands pipeline because of the danger it poses to the Mni Wiconi water pipeline, the source of clean drinking water for the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations and the Ogllala Aqifer, the source of one-third of America's irrigation water, including water used by many Colorado farmers and drinking water for people in eight states.

President Barack Obama has not supported the northern portion of the Keystone XL pipeline and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has said on the first day of his presidency he will sign an executive order to build the Keystone pipeline.

Following the event, Tom Weis, president of Climate Crisis Solutions, will deliver an open letter signed by prominent individuals ranging from tribal officials to Bill McKibbon to Daryl Hannah.

WHAT:
Press Conference in Opposition of the Keystone XL pipeline

WHO:
Tom Poor Bear, Debra White Plume, Percy Deal

WHEN:
: Tuesday, October 2
11:00 am, mdt

WHERE:
Colorado State Capitol, west steps
200 East Colfax
Denver, Colorado 80203

posted September 29, 2012 6:30 am edt