We are the International Indigenous Youth Council (IIYC). This council was formed at and in response to the call of Youth from the Sacred Stone Camp resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. We are Youth from all nations, tribes, and races. We know that each of us everywhere have our own struggles to protect our land, water, and people. We follow in the tradition of our elders and the American Indian Movement in coming together nationally and internationally to form a solidarity movement that builds people power.
The IIYC protects land, water, and treaty rights. We work towards the end environmental racism. We empower youth in tradition. We rise as leaders through: Non Violent Direct Action and advancing our voices in decisions made about the future of Indian Country.
9/28/16 The IIYC stands in solidarity and strength with our brothers and sisters that were at the action today. We ask the Creator and ancestors to continue to protect you and keep you strong. We've stopped to pray for you and send our love. - IIYC - 1:16 https://www.facebook.com/IIYCstandingrock/videos/303785506659872/
10/10/16 A member of our youth council recorded one of the 27 arrests that took place today during a peaceful sunrise prayer ceremony at a Dakota Access Pipeline site. She dutifully reminded the protectors to remain in prayer and to pray for the police working against the people - IIYC - 0:34 https://www.facebook.com/IIYCstandingrock/videos/310161132688976/
11/25/16 Wambli called me from jail. He's being held in Fargo. He said that the police split his lip and bruised his chin when they slammed him to the ground. He also complained of a back injury from being held down with their knees to zip-tie him though he was complying with arrest. He's 19. Pray for our brother when you send out your prayers tonight. He said he's okay and that he loves his family (immediate, IIYC and beyond). I'll update you when I know more. - Erin Wise https://www.facebook.com/dasnotkompute/posts/10211268243765661 11/25/16 No Black Snake Friday - IIYC 0:19 www.facebook.com/IIYCstandingrock/videos/335432466828509/
12/7/16 Last night we had a meeting for the first time in a long time and came to a unanimous decision:We will not be leaving until the snake is dead! We respect our elders but respect our Unci Maka the most and are here first and foremost to honor her. Please continue to pray for the water protectors and spread the word that we are still here and in need of your continued support. We're seeing sun for the first time in days after our second big winter blizzard and we're gearing up for a second. Don't forget we're out here remaining peaceful and in prayer. ESPECIALLY don't forget that it's the December MONTH of action. Register your action or join one in your town here: everydayofaction.org We love you all our relations! #NoDAPLever#SnowDAPL#itsagooddaytobeindigenous Photo by Auntie Patty aka Patricia Arquette. - IIYC https://www.facebook.com/IIYCstandingrock/photos/a.290942567944166.1073741828.290912727947150/341497892888633/
12/13/16 (more...) Though I will make my way to a different space to remember all that’s happened and rest for a while, I can’t fully leave this place behind. The fight is not over and the people still stand. Though other fires in camp have been extinguished, the flames in our spirits blaze. (more.... long, beautiful story) - Eryn Wise , IIYC https://www.facebook.com/erynwisegamgee/posts/10211476249085664
1/31/17 #NoBanOnStolenLand - We have fought with every ounce of our beings to protect the future of all our relations. To the men and women in office right now that think they have the right to ban our relatives we say: Why don't you kick yourselves out? You're immigrants too. You have no right to expel those in need when you came to OUR lands begging for shelter, food, warmth and family. We have the right to invite whoever we wish into our territories and it should be known that we, as the 7th generation, stand in direct opposition of the xenophobia that runs rampant in our country. We welcome you, our immigrant relatives. We welcome you, our Muslim relatives. We welcome you, our indigenous relatives from all around the globe. #NoBanOnStolenLands #standupfightback- IIYC https://www.facebook.com/IIYC1/photos/a.290942567944166.1073741828.290912727947150/369199963451759/