It is our responsibility to actively support BIPOC-led movements for change within our local community, putting into practice our commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and the colonial legacy of white supremacy.
SOLIDARITY
IN ACTION
WHAT WE'RE UP TO
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF THE SISSIPAW RIVER (aka. Haw)
Our organizing efforts are focused on supporting and uplifting local Indigenous leaders from 7 Directions of Service and their allies who are defending the lifeblood of the piedmont bioregional community and leading the fight against the fossil fuel industry in the South, specifically opposing the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).
In 2021, much of our energy went toward learning about the MVP, building relationships with other organizations working to mobilize and educate folks about the pipeline's imminent impacts, and organizing a day-long Ceremonial 100 mile Water Walk along the proposed MVP Southgate Extension route which took place on May 2nd. This was a historical moment for Indigenous communities across the Southeast.
In 2022, our efforts shifted toward supporting Dr. Crystal Calvalier-Keck in her run for the US House of Representative for Congressional District 04 as well as mobilizing community around local Indigenous History Teach-Ins offered by 7 Directions of Service.
As we move into 2023, we are preparing to support their work by getting involved in their Rights for the Haw River Campaign.
RESISTING THE MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE (MVP) & THE SOUTHGATE EXTENSION PROJECT
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a proposed 42-inch interstate natural gas pipeline that would run 301 miles from northwestern West Virginia to south-central Virginia. The route of the pipeline crosses the Allegheny Highlands straddling the border between West Virginia and Virginia, threatening pristine forests, headwaters, and steep fragile terrain, as well as many farms, communities, and other properties all along its path.
The project is facing significant opposition from landowners and citizens along its path.1 The project backers are a consortium of natural gas companies led by EQT, which will be the operator. EQT is one of the country’s top gas producers, producing around 2.5 Bcf/d primarily in the Marcellus Formation in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The pipeline is intended to feed into the existing Transco Pipeline (owned by Williams) that runs roughly northeast to southwest through Virginia. That pipeline is slated to be expanded and made bidirectional so that gas can be delivered along its route from New Jersey to Texas. (Source: Price Of Oil)
LEADERSHIP
NO MVP WATER WALK
On Sunday, May 2nd, 2021, an Indigenous-led coalition of grassroots organizations conducted a Water Walk in VA, to NC. The photos below were taken by various photographers including: Gorden, Myles, Maury, Mara, and folks from the Haw River Assembly.
