Standing Rock was an Indigenous-led movement. Why did Greenpeace take the fall?
The Kill Step
In March 2025, a jury ordered the environmental giant Greenpeace to pay $ 666 million to the companies behind the Dakota Access pipeline.
The companies argued that Greenpeace was responsible for protests near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation nearly a decade ago that drew thousands.
But Indigenous leaders, water protectors, activists, and court records agree: Greenpeace played a bit part in the Standing Rock movement, at best.
“They’re trying to point the finger at Greenpeace,” said Honorata Defender, a Standing Rock Sioux tribal member who helped start the movement.
“Because God forbid some Indians think for themselves and make a decision to stand up for themselves and their water and their land.”
- Chapter 1 “They’re waiting for someone to wink.”
- Chapter 2 “What the hell is this bullshit?”
- Chapter 3