Many of us have been following and supporting the Standing Rock Sioux tribal members’ protest over the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which would be placed less than a mile upstream of the reservation, and could impact drinking water for more than 8,000 tribal members and millions who rely on it downstream. Further, it would disturb the site of an ancient burial ground.  In response to the protest, six people — including a child — have been bitten by guard dogs and at least 30 people were pepper-sprayed.

This protest, and the response to it, make me think about the relationship between our values of justice and hope, and solidarity with justice movements throughout the US and the world. The issue also vividly demonstrates the connections between poverty and environmental justice.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.