Chumash Nation stands by Standing Rock Sioux

Members and supporters of the Chumash Nation showed their support for the Standing Rock Sioux during a protest in Ventura on Sunday.

They held a peaceful protest that included Native American dance at the Ventura County Government Center.

People holding up signs said they are standing with Standing Rock out of concern for clean water and burial sites.

They worry the oil industry will take short cuts to save money if they complete a 1,000 mile pipeline from oil fields in North Dakota to Illinois near the Standing Rock reservation.

“We are concerned about the pipeline going underneath the Missouri river, ” said Alan Salazar, a Chumash elder and storyteller.

He said it is time Standing Rock Sioux, the Army Corps of Engineers and the oil company negotiate.

Protestors are not sure what will happen under the next administration.