Jasilyn Charger was one of the first people to set up camp at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in April 2016. Along with youth from neighboring tribes, the then-19-year-old helped raise awareness about construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline by staging a 2,000-mile run from North Dakota to Washington. By the time the group returned to Standing Rock, the camp population had swelled into the thousands. One year later, she reflects on the protests and how the movement has changed the course of her life.
Remember that time the U.S. government encroached on sovereign native land Standing Rock? Oh yeah, it wasn't just one time, and it's still happening. From the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, to the construction of dams in the Missouri River, and now the oil pipeline near Standing Rock, the U.S. government has a long and not-so-pretty track record of broken promises when it comes to Native Americans' land rights. National Affairs Correspondent Jorge Rivas went to Standing Rock to learn more.
This is what Thanksgiving means to thousands of Native Americans at Standing Rock. "It was the beginning of tragedy for us."
Native activist Dallas Goldtooth on the irony of being told you're trespassing on your own land at Standing Rock. "We’re being persecuted protecting our land that was stolen from us."
Dear Hillary Clinton, "Start treating us with respect in our own land." A message from Native Americans at Standing Rock to the presidential hopeful.
More pepper spray, more rubber bullets. More police attacks on peaceful NoDAPL demonstrations.
Trailer for PAPARON, a short documentary directed and produced by Romin Lee Johnson.
Oakland-based hip-hop artist J.LATELY reflects on identity and the immigrant experience as he prepares for an upcoming show.
Shot, directed, and produced by Romin Lee Johnson.