An oil well near Tioga, N.D. (Karen Bleier/Agence France-Presse)In recent weeks, protests against the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline across North Dakota have escalated. Historians, anthropologists and religious thinkers continue to learn and write about Native American religious ideas of places. However, despite their contributions to the academic interpretation of religion, these understandings do not often translate into protection of Native American places for their religious significance. But, despite our 200-plus years of contact, the United States has yet to begin to understand the uniqueness of Native American religions and ties to the land. And until this happens, there will continue to be conflicts over religious ideas of land and landscape, and what makes a place sacred.

Source: Washington Post November 04, 2016 15:16 UTC