Protests supporting a North Dakota tribe's opposition to the construction of a multi-state pipeline have spilled over into Manitoba.

Late Friday afternoon along Highway 75 near the Emerson border crossing protesters could be seen holding signs and waving flags apparently in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

The Tribe has indicated pipeline construction work near Lake Oahe is in a sacred area, and is putting artifacts at risk. Officials with the Tribe have also stated the pipeline threatens the water supply.

Meanwhile, it appears the Tribe's concerns have been heard by President Barack Obama's administration, because also late Friday afternoon the U.S. Department of Justice, the Army and the Department of the Interior asked the pipeline company involved to “voluntarily pause” construction.

In the same statement, U.S. government officials indicated they are willing to “reconsider” construction permits for the area in question.

 

Picture submitted by Terri Baraniuk