Water Walkers headed for the Capitol: Why They Walk

August 12, 2021

Barbara With

Water walkers bound for the Minnesota State Capitol left Backus, MN this morning after spending the night at the home of an ally along the route. The walk began last Saturday at the Fire Light Water Protector camp situated on the Mississippi River.

Water protectors spent nearly three weeks camping on the roadside near the Upper Mississippi to monitor Enbridge’s drilling activity under the river as they construct the Line 3 Tar Sands pipeline. Enbridge has drilled under dozens of rivers and waterways, causing several major “frac outs” that spilled toxic drilling fluid into rivers and wetlands. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has not appeared to provide oversight or consistently monitor Enbridge’s work.

Walkers plan to make the 235 mile journey to the State Capitol by August 25. They are planning acts of civil disobedience in order to demand that those in power honor the treaties and protect the public water from a foreign corporation.

Walkers will begin their walk tomorrow in Pequot Lakes. Join the walk along the way and come to the rally at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on August 25.