Warm Springs couple head back to Standing Rock

Things seem to be heating up again at the Dakota Access Pipeline. Authorities began blocking roads to protester campsites Tuesday.

The action isn’t stopping Warm Springs tribal members Elke Littleleaf and his wife, Alysia Littleleaf from heading east.

“We’re heading to Standing Rock because we want to put our voice out there,” Elke said Tuesday.

They stopped in Bend before their trip to pick up supplies.

“We’ve got a little list: basics like gloves and hats, socks, thermals, ponchos, rain gear, because they’re using a lot of water cannons on those people over there,” he said.

This is the second time the couple has made the trip to North Dakota.

“Of course, people think we’re crazy, because it’s super cold and it’s getting more violent and aggressive down there,” Alysia said. “But that’s not going to stop us or hinder us from going. As soon as we got another invitation it was instantly, ‘Yes — we’re going to go.,'”

Tensions are mounting and law enforcement has announced they will not only block people, but also supplies from entering.

“Us natives are used to that technique, because it’s kind of like going back to the slaughter — the buffalo starve the Indian technique,” Elke said.

But the couple said they — and many others — won’t back down.

“All these tribes coming from all over the world and nations, they’re all going down there,” Elke said. “It’s making the voices louder, so now we’re finally getting recognition for what we’re trying to do.”.