Standing Rock Water Protectors Reunite on the Banks of Porcupine Creek

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, September 25, 2026

STANDING ROCK, North Dakota -- On the banks of Porcupine Creek, Water Protectors gathered to reunite, share buffalo stew, and remember those who have been lost in the ten years since the battle for the water brought people here from around the world.

"Ten years ago. My life changed for the better. My circle grew tenfold," Waste Win Young said of her friends, Water Protectors, during the Mni Wiconi Ten Year NODAPL Reunion on Porcupine Creek. Wasté, organizer, was among the first to jump the fence and rush to defend the graves of Lakota when Energy Transfer bulldozers headed to the site.

Then the oil pipeline company let loose dogs on the peaceful water protectors on September 3, 2016. The impact was felt around the world.

Now, ten years later, the Lakota youths who ran for the water to Washington in 2016, ran again to Porcupine Creek to open the gathering.

Dr. Michelle Cook, Dine' attorney said as the gathering began, "Thankful! What a blessing. Hundred people fed today and more in the coming days. Thankful to those who made it and praying for those who could not or can’t."

"We are praying for all and praying for Creation. The sacred fire was lit after 10 years with the ashes and logs of the original fire. People unite after 10 years. Praying for healing for all those who need and want healing. May they find it, those who seek it."

Jean Roach, Lakota, said, "Seeing our beautiful Water Protector relatives together is a great medicine for our souls."

Lakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse carried out a sacred ceremony.

It was the images of the 146 Water Protectors who have made their journey home that brought tears and memories.

One of the first to set up her tipi in the resistance was Joye Braun, Cheyenne River Lakota. Joye sent out the announcement in March of 2016, long before hundreds, then thousands came to defend the water.

Waste Win Young said afterwards, "Memorial Slide Show. 146 Water Protectors that have journeyed to the star camps in the last ten years. 146 that we know of. The slide show was so powerful, I had a lump in my throat the entire time. It showed relatives I didn’t know had made their journey. So many young warriors. Warriors who didn’t get to heal. Didn’t make it here with us. I honor them, I honor them."

"There was a palpable energy, like static electricity all around us during the slide show. I know they were all there," Waste said.

Read more in the series at Censored News

https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/09/in-spirit-of-resistance-mni-wiconi.html