archembaultdaveBISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault met late Monday to discuss ways to begin rebuilding the relationship between the state and the Standing Rock Tribe.

Dalrymple says, “The meeting was constructive, an important step toward rebuilding long-term relationships. It was also helpful to discuss the public safety concerns surrounding the pipeline protest camp on federal property.”

The meeting, held at the Morton County-Mandan Law Enforcement Center, lasted nearly three hours. Five other members of the Tribal Council also attended the meeting, as well as several state and county officials including Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, North Dakota Indian Affairs Director Scott Davis, Alan Dohrmann, Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard, Col. Mike Gerhart of the North Dakota Highway Patrol and Morton County Commission Chairman Cody Schultz.

Dalrymple and Archambault agreed to begin a process of reducing tensions between law enforcement and anti-pipeline protestors. The population of the main protest camp in southern Morton County has diminished to about 300 people, from a peak of nearly 10,000. During the meeting, Archambault stated that protestors continue to leave the encampment, which may be completely vacated by January 1.

Dalrymple and Archambault agreed that the first step toward reducing tensions should be an effort to provide a safe and secure area around the Backwater Bridge so that the state Department of Transportation can analyze the bridge’s structural integrity. The bridge was closed following an intense fire set by protestors on November 20.  Their plan will be to enlist the help of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to maintain safety on the bridge while a test of the bridge’s safety is conducted. After testing is complete and necessary repairs are made, the plan will be to reopen the bridge and resume traffic on state Highway 1806.

Both leaders agreed that the reopening of the Backwater Bridge will be a strong signal of cooperation to return area living conditions to a more normal state.  Officials also discussed other related issues, including the need to maintain public safety, including the safety of protestors.

 

Dalrymple adds, “Long after the issues surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline are resolved, the state and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council must work together.  We must look beyond current tensions surrounding this pipeline project and value the relationships that are critical to advancing the important work of the state and the Standing Rock Tribal Council.”