PORT TOWNSEND — Stand with Standing Rock Jefferson County will host two events this weekend to raise awareness of the movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The local branch of Stand with Standing Rock will throw a benefit concert tonight and then march through Port Townsend on Saturday in its effort to highlight the fight to keep the oil pipeline from crossing the Missouri River at North Dakota’s eastern border.
The two events were scheduled originally for the second weekend in October but were canceled because of storm warnings.
Tonight will be a benefit concert at the Highway Twenty Road House, 2152 W Sims Way in Port Townsend. Local musicians will perform and prizes will be auctioned off to raise money to purchase tents for protesters camped on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota, according to Carmen Bitzer, the event organizer.
The event starts at 7 p.m. and will feature such artists as Cruch Proof Juice Box, Knothead, Endgame and DJ Jopa. There is a $5 cover. Attendees will receive a #NoDAPL (No Dakota Access Pipeline) bracelet.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, rally is planned at the ferry terminal, followed by a march down Water Street to Pope Marine Park to raise awareness of the pipeline and its protesters — made up of Native Americans from tribes across the U.S. and environmental activists.
According to Bitzer, the goal is to draw people to an informative rally at the Jefferson Community Center where local activists and protesters coming from North Dakota will speak on the issue.
The Dakota Access Pipeline has been heavily protested .
Bitzer said organizers hope to continue educating people about the issues — both environmental and tribal — and raise funds for the protesters who plan to stay on sight during the harsh North Dakota winter.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
