La Crescent and Winona taking part in Dakota Access Pipeline protests

Over 25 gathered in La Crescent on Tuesday

LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline have spread to La Crescent.

Over 25 gathered Tuesday outside the Army Corps of Engineers office to voice their displeasure over the pipeline.

Chuck Davis, youth coordinator with the Ho Chunk Nation, said people need to get educated on the environmental impacts the pipeline would have. 

“Eighteen million people of all races, ethnicities are effected,” Davis said. “It’s not a matter of if this pipeline will break, it’s when and the results will be catastrophic.”

Native tribes in the Dakotas say it would harm their water supply and desecrate sacred burial sites.

The group chanted, “Water is Life,” and “Shame on Them,” as they heard from Native American and environmental leaders. 

“We’re calling on president Obama, while he’s still in office to be committed to recognizing tribal sovereignty and environmental impact,” Davis said.

Another large protest took place in Winona.