KC Council approves resolution supporting Standing Rock Sioux

The Kansas City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday opposing a planned oil pipeline in North Dakota that would run under the Missouri River.

Councilwoman Katheryn Shields, sponsor of the resolution, said that in addition to environmental concerns about possible river water contamination, the resolution had a social justice purpose. She said the proposed pipeline project was moved from north of Bismarck, a predominantly white community, to south of Bismarck, where it would affect fragile Native American landscapes and cultural resources.

“This is really an issue that touches many of us in this community and across the United States,” Shields said.

The resolution proclaims the council’s opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline construction and expresses solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council, which is protesting the project.

The resolution is similar to ones adopted in other cities, including St. Louis; St. Paul, Minn.; and Cleveland.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 5:47 PM with the headline "KC Council approves resolution supporting Standing Rock Sioux."