News

Red River Women’s Clinic under siege

October 6th, 2016

By Tom Bixby

On August 26, 2015, an anti-choice protester drove her car up onto the sidewalk in front of the Red River Women’s Clinic, and tried unsuccessfully to get into the clinic. “Had she had full access to the building,” said Director Tammi Kromenaker, who knows?...”

How has the clinic prepared for 40 Days for Life, the largest anti-choice mobilization in history, and its numerous protesters?

High Plains Reader: In the recent BBC documentary, you said that the…

On the backs of our children

October 5th, 2016

By C.S. Hagen

cshagen@gmail.com

Oil, not the state’s children or the elderly, is North Dakota’s primary concern, according to North Dakota legislature and mental health advocates.

Anger against recent budget cuts, despite fierce resistance during the state’s special session of the legislature in August, prompted The Consensus Council, Inc. to arrange a meeting with therapy workers, advocates, mental health professionals, state politicians, and parents. They’re preparing to fight,…

Cruising for a cause

October 5th, 2016

By Ben Haugmo

benhaugmo@yahoo.com

As climate change becomes a more and more pressing issue, it’s become essential that the public be made aware of the danger and what they can do to help. Climate change is a multi-pronged issue with aspects that people sometimes don’t consider. To gain a full perspective, one has to get up close and personal to the people being affected by it.

Mindy Ahler and Ryan Hall are doing just that. Their cycling tour, LowCarbon Crossings, will take them 4,000…

Gray eminence: the power behind Dakota Access

September 28th, 2016

By C.S. Hagen

cshagen@gmail.com

The true power behind the Dakota Access Pipeline extends beyond the private sector and into state leadership. This gray eminence – or power behind the proverbial throne – rivals the story books, both ancient and modern, truth and fiction.

In North Dakota, politicians have been bought by big oil and gas lobbyists, according to statesmen and analysts. Some have invested heavily in Bakken oil interests, declaring profits for the good of North Dakota’s…

A Battle of Chiefs

September 22nd, 2016

By C. S. Hagen

cshagen@gmail.com

MANDAN, N.D. – Two North Dakotan chiefs are pitted one against the other.

One chief, Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, has laws, politicians, the North Dakota National Guard, taxpayers’ money, and a third chief from the private sector, Kelcy Warren, CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, with all the powers money can buy, on his side.

The other, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Dave Archambault II, uses prayer, donations, federal treaties, thousands…

Leonard Peltier’s statement of solidarity to Standing Rock’s Camp of the Sacred Stone

September 21st, 2016

Greetings Sisters and Brothers:

I have been asked to write a SOLIDARITY statement to everyone about the Camp of the Sacred Stones on Standing Rock. Thank you for this great honor. I must admit it is very difficult for me to even begin this statement as my eyes get so blurred from tears and my heart swells with pride, as chills run up and down my neck and back. I'm so proud of all of you young people and others there.

I am grateful to have survived to see the rebirth of the united and…

No more huckleberries

September 14th, 2016

By C. S. Hagen

cshagen@gmail.com

Big Camp, ND – Centuries before the discovery of oil, a hungry bear lumbered into a forest and began gorging on all the huckleberries it could find, according to ancient Native American legends. The forest animals took notice, and held council, for without huckleberries a vital part of the forest would surely be lost.

After reaching a decision the forest animals timidly approached the bear and warned it to stop before the damage was irreparable; a price…

Can’t drink oil

September 14th, 2016

By C. S. Hagen

cshagen@gmail.com

Americanhorse, known by friends as Happi, doesn’t see himself as the local hero he has become in online headlines and print media. He’s well spoken, peaceful in presence, commanding a quiet authority with his six-foot tall, 250-pound frame. Like many his age, he doesn’t know his native language, but intends to learn.

On August 31, the 26-year-old Sicangu-Oglala Lakota warrior pushed aside his fears, and leapt onto an excavator, forcing the driver to…

Confidential source tells HPR Gov. Dalrymple will likely deploy National Guard to protest site

September 8th, 2016

While not yet official confirmed, the High Plains Reader last night received information from a confidential source indicating that North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple will likely be deploying National Guard units to the pipeline protest site near Cannon Ball and just north of Standing Rock Reservation.

HPR has reached out to various state leaders to confirm this report. That said, no official has confirmed it. However, in a statement to HPR, Jeffrey Zent, media spokesperson for the…

Protecting the sacred

September 7th, 2016

I needed to go to Cannon Ball, North Dakota, and see firsthand the Dakota Access pipeline protest site in the heart of Indian Country, a stone’s throw north of Standing Rock Reservation.

When reports Saturday depicted a confrontation between the protestors, who are really protectors, and security personnel armed with dogs and Mace, it was clear I had to go.

Seven of us traveled in two vehicles from Fargo to the Sacred Stones Camp early Sunday morning, arriving there just before 11…