Climactic acid reflux is causing the Earth to belch with alarming regularity. Already we’ve seen wildfires in Texas burn so vast that one almost forgives the state for their poor past policy with Native people. That’s not all--floods are deluging Vermont, a state that is rarely awash. All the while, cyclones are mowing across our backyards like a drunken Tasmanian Devil at a wedding. And this is just in the United States.
This past month, I saw news stories that seemed to echo from the comic books of my past. At a recent meeting of the United Nations (UN), leaders of small countries in the Pacific said they are mapping out a mass exodus because of the rising seas levels caused from melting glaciers. Basically, some island people intend to relocate to higher ground or another country. They were utterly serious.
Then there’s a story on how destructing the forests are eradicating one of the planet’s great climate regulation systems. My stomach dropped. Similar to when you hit a nail on the highway and you hear the flap of your tire at the same time. That sure, sinking feeling.
Now with that in mind, I read an addendum on an environmental impact status report from the U.S. Department of State about the Keystone XL pipeline. It contained edits to the original version that amounted to changes of roughly 100 words total. These minutiae did not comfort me about the overall environmental impact this mega-ton pipeline would have on Indian Country.
The 1,700 mile pipeline plan is to run from the tar sands in Alberta, Canada clear through Cushing, Okla. (Sac & Fox jurisdiction). The nutshell idea is to extract oil from the sand and transport it to the refineries of Texas.
If only it were simplistic. The crux of the terrible process requires tearing up the landscape to get to the sand and glean its oil. Not only is this a raping of forest and plains terrain, the sludge will also be transported over the Ogallala Aquifer (water supply for millions) and through Indian lands. I read that the resulting product will only increase carbon dioxide in our atmosphere to even more toxic levels if used.
I aim to keep this simple. The pipeline’s faint selling point is the creation of jobs. That number is sketchy at best and varies depending who you’re reading. A proper analogy are the hapless landowners who sold their allotments when poverty (and hunger) hovered nearby. After signing over their deeds, they were able to buy that 50-lb. sack of flour that lasted a season. When the thaw came, however, they realized that the land was irretrievable.
The circumstances indicate that a misguided decision on the Keystone pipeline will be similar. After we’ve awakened from last century’s oil binge, we’ve seen the most erratic weather ever recorded. The real cost has been surging wildfires, pitiless heat waves and uncontested flooding. Any money made on continuing the pipeline will likely be extracted in other ecological penalties. Such is the karma of bad decisions.
In a dusty little book about my tribe, there was a small portion devoted to mythology. I glanced at it but the words “End of the World” caught my attention. To summarize this chapter, my people believed in various types of “worlds” as we roll through this caper called time. It was noted in the last era, Earth and the animals would talk to humans. Which is what I think is happening right now. “Alive,” they cried.
It should be a no-brainer to stand against the pipeline plan. The tribal voices I’ve heard are against the violation of the land. Meanwhile, the pipeline is a chance for the federal government to look after tribal interests as a worthy trust benefactor or trust worthy benefactor. And it is imperative that Indian officials reject status quo updates.
Imagine ourselves in the last few minutes of a tensely drawn movie about apocalyptic circumstances. Yes, the sun still sets; the moon breaks and ebbs but things are quickly changing on our planet. No, Indians didn’t cause the ecological mess but our voice on this pipeline should be clear: We chose to live the way of Earth.