The Voice of a Generation: Bobbi Jean Three Legs

Bobbi Jean Three Legs is a member of the Standing Rock Nation Sioux Tribe, a mother, and a Standing Rock activist. In March 2016, at the age of twenty-three, she found out about the potential impacts of the twelve-hundred-mile pipeline, called the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) on her community’s land and water. She was compelled to fight and with the guidance of her family, she planned an 11.1-mile youth run to raise awareness about DAPL and went door-to-door in her small town of Wakpala, South Dakota encouraging people to participate. The run gained local attention and members of previous anti-pipeline movements established a resistance camp, which Bobbi Jean and her family moved into to support the movement, #NoDAPL. The movement spread throughout the United States and towards the end of his presidency, President Obama revoked the permits for DAPL, halting construction and protecting the land and water. Sadly, within days of President Trump’s taking office, he reversed the decision and oil now flows through the pipeline, though communities have not stopped fighting in courtrooms. Bobbi Jean’s determination and courage are an inspiration to us all, reminding us to fight for what we know is right and to stand strong in the face of adversity.

“I’m obviously going to stand up for what’s right, and I’m going to try to stand up for what’s best for my people, for my family, and for future generations.”

– Bobbi Jean Three Legs