International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Well-Being, Health and the Keystone XL Pipeline

August 9 was the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The theme for this year’s day was to ensure the well-being and health of the indigenous peoples. This theme comes curiously timed with events  and decisions that determine whether or not the contentious Keystone XL Pipeline will received needed permits to be constructed.

Pipeline proponents are anticipating a final rejection by President Obama, which, according to this news article, might be delivered sometime in August. 

9 days of hearings were held in South Dakota  on the issue of pipe construction through that state.

The pipeline’s planned route through South Dakota would “pass through Lakota treaty territory”   “[R]epresentatives and expert witnessesfor four tribal governments” provided testimony at the recent concluded South Dakota hearings against the construction of the pipeline.