City College students stand with Standing Rock activists

Shaylyn Martos

San Diego City College students from M.E.Ch.A. are holding a fundraiser on Dec. 17 to raise awareness and take donations for the Standing Rock Dakota Access Pipeline fund.

On Dec. 4, the Army Corps of Engineers denied part of the pipeline that was planned to go through the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation after months of protest.

The “San Diego Stands With Standing Rock” event will have food, local music, art and a silent auction. The fundraiser will be held from 3 tol 11 p.m. at the People’s Lot in Barrio Logan.

The representatives are asking for donations of winter necessities, such as blankets, socks and hand warmers. First aid supplies are also suggested, such as suturing and trauma kits. A $5 donation is suggested at the entrance.

Thousands of protestors gathered on the proposed site of the pipeline. The Oceti Sakowin Camp served as their base of operations and home throughout the fight against the company building the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners.

The Army Corps of  Engineers will be looking into alternative routes but the Trump administration could decide to use the original route come January, according to The New York Times.

The protesters considered this decision a major victory in the fight for preservation but the future of the pipeline is unclear. The protesters say they will remain steadfast in North Dakota despite the harsh environment.