August 24, 2016
Sioux solidarity brings new generation to protest
A group of rangatahi are planning protests in support of Native Americans trying to stop an oil pipeline crossing their land.
The Standing Rock Sioux have asked for solidarity from indigenous people worldwide in their fight against the pipeline carrying fracked oil from Dakota to Illinois.
They see it as a threat to water supplies, as well as a sign of colonisation and environmental genocide by major corporates.
Aaryn Niuapu, who has Ngati Whakaue, Taranaki and Samoan whakapapa, says Racial Equity Aotearoa was formed to allow a new generation to speak out against colonisation and systemic racism.
He says the roopu, which has members in both Tamaki Makaurau and Poneke, was inspired by a panel discussion featuring veterans of the Polynesian Panthers.
"These experienced protesters were giving us this education about what they did in their generation and we felt we needed to do something in this generation. One of the protesters there she said for us to just do something. To take hold of our mana and do something like Nga Tama Toa and the Polynesian Panthers in our parents and grand parents generation," says Aaryn Niuapu.
The protests will take place on September 4 outside the United States consulate in Auckland and its embassy in Wellington.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com