The #NoDAPL water protectors in North Dakota are right now being pepper sprayed and shot with rubber bullets while trying to protect sacred sites (including at least two graves) and prevent drilling underneath a body of water. Some say it's a creek, others are calling it a lake.

This photo is from Unicorn Riot, which reports that the white residue floating on the water is from the chemicals that have been sprayed at the water protectors.

One reporter has been shot in the back with a rubber bullet: @ErinSchrode. We don't know who else has been harmed.

Meanwhile, the sheriff has "returned" the people's possessions that were illegally seized the other day during the invasion of the north camp. Here is a 40-second video of the authorities using dump trucks to simply leave piles of possessions by the side of the road. There are reports that some of the stuff, including ceremonial items, are splattered with fresh paint and mouse droppings. This is a graphic example of the dehumanization and disrespect aimed at the Native people. https://www.facebook.com/eva.vincent1/posts/10154711268374846

The best twitter feed I've seen about today's events is Jacqueline Keeler: https://twitter.com/jfkeeler She's not at today's protest, but she seems to have really good sources.

I've seen numerous livestream links, but I haven't been able to get any of them to work for more than a few seconds. There is this firsthand report though. https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.keeler/posts/10154620585573446 (3 mins)

By now, you've probably heard that President Obama doesn't seem to think this is urgent, and he is still not opposing the pipeline or standing up for the people. He wants to "let the situation play out for the next few weeks," which is absolutely appalling, given the violence being perpetrated by the cops and national guard. And he is talking about rerouting the pipeline, which of course would just push the danger of pollution downstream. The DAPL and all pipelines must be stopped, not simply moved somewhere else. Right now, the pipeline construction is within a few yards of the Missouri River, and the drilling pad is ready to go. Supposedly, the company has not been given permission to drill under the river, but I think they're going to do it anyway.

The current direct action is so close to the main camp that children and elders have been moved. The reports that the main camp was being invaded have been denied. (Again, my source is Jacqueline Keeler)

Red Owl Legal Collective has debunked the claim that a huge donation ($2.5 million) was made for bail, etc. You can read their statement here (and you can also donate at the same link). https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/11B5z8

After significant protest by local people, it looks like Hennepin County (Minnesota) has decided to recall its troops from ND. Putting pressure on the municipalities that are participating in the repression is a good way for those of us who are not in ND to help. Here's a good list of names and contact info of cops and sheriffs' departments that are denying people's civil rights. Give 'em a call! http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/dial-a-cop-20161031

Finally, below is a map that shows the Sioux Nation's current reservation, the extent of its treaty lands according to the 1851 treaty, and the route of the DAPL. The map is already slightly dated because the frontline has moved much closer to the river, but this map is the basis for the Sioux's claim that this is their land. They are not "trespassing" on private property, but really the cops and the corporation are trespassing on their land. They have claimed eminent domain as the original protectors of the land, and since the people who say they "own" it have destroyed and desecrated it, the Sioux Nation is taking it back -- for the land's protection and actually for the protection of us all.

If you have other information, pls. post it in the comments.

**personal note as of 4:30pm AZ time: I'll be away from all electronics for 5 or 6 days starting in a few hours (lucky me!). I hope that many of you here will continue to watch what's going on in ND and post videos and links as they are available. Our cyber-presence is actually very important to the Standing Rock Sioux and all the other indigenous water protectors. See you next week!**