Grass Valley, Calif. November 21, 2016—Nevada County Stands with Standing Rock hosted a fundraising event in conjunction with local nonprofit Water Now/Karuna Apaha Inc. at the Grass Valley Elks Lodge on November 19. This event was held to raise funds for those opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
The community event included Native American Storyteller Johnny Moses, Lawrence Laughing, Windwalker, Mary Anne-Myers, Chris Jones, and KVMR’s Miss Jiff of the Dreamwalk native radio program. Local retirees who recently participated at Standing Rock in non-violent action were included in a panel discussion. There was a meal served as well as music performed by several bands and Native American attendees.
In support of the Oceti Sakowin water protector camp next to the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota, California Solar Electric Company built a mobile solar power station. Designed and constructed by the California Solar team, solar installer Laura Parkes was on hand to explain the importance of renewable energy as a solution to environmentally damaging fossil fuels. The solar system will be taken to Standing Rock this week, where it will serve as a power resource station, allowing journalist Myron Dewey of Digital Smoke Signals to continue reporting by providing a much needed source of electricity for mobile phone and laptop recharging, as well as other essentials.
“One of the things we look for at California Solar in giving is to make a real impact. This project not only educates and provides a service, but points to a positive alternative to fossil fuel.” notes Lars Ortegren, California Solar Director of Operations.
Environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has joined the action at Standing Rock. In her presentation, Parkes referenced a portion Kennedy’s recent talk: “This is kind of the spear-tip of the frontline in the battle over the transition from an old energy economy to a new energy economy.”
To make contributions, visit the Nevada County Stands with Standing Rock Facebook page to see current needs list, which includes non-perishable food, blankets and sleeping bags. BriarPatch Food Co-op is currently collecting food donations. In this season of giving, consider adding a bag of non-perishable groceries for Standing Rock to your holiday shopping. A vehicle is scheduled to leave Nevada County on Friday November 25.