One of the largest and far-reaching protests by US indigenous groups is happening right now at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota. In short, the protestors are opposing the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which would run through several states, on the grounds that it'll harm their environment and sacred sites. In September, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council for support.
Since the protest began, several hundred protestors have been arrested. Claims of police brutality has led the United Nations and Amnesty International to send investigators to monitor the site.
Lawrence O' Donnell, an MSNBC talking head, shows that mainstream media occasionally gets it right. He makes some trenchant points regarding the US' historical oppression of Native Americans and notes how the current standoff is reflection of European settlers' earlier discriminatory practices. The oppression of Native Americans is so ingrained in our culture that it inspires very little outrage. I forgive his sometimes melodramatic characterizations.
Sources:
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/rewrite-the-protests-at-standing-rock-751440963846
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/29/us/dakota-access-pipeline-protest.html
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/standing-rock-sioux-takes-pipeline-fight-un-human-rights-council-n651381
http://www.inquisitr.com/3660089/amnesty-international-and-united-nations-send-human-rights-observers-to-monitor-treatment-of-dakota-access-pipeline-protesters-at-standing-rock/
