We are all happy that President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers have halted the construction of a huge snake pipeline into Sioux Nation territory: aka Standing Rock.

But, not so fast. The halt might be temporary and the battle will most likely continue. Now, we here on Vashon can do our part. Pipelines cannot be built without big banks providing the cash.

According to democracynow.org, here are the amounts our three local big banks (US Bank, Chase and Bank of America) extended to DAPL builders. USBank is in for $275 million while Chase and Bank of America have each promised over $300 million. The current front of defense for the Sioux Nation, and for the planet, is now called divestment — moving all monies out of big banks and instead into smaller, local credit unions.

Information about how to divest is on yesmagazine.org and an article about why to divest is provided in an article by Bill McKibben on 350.org.

The big banks that have an island presence have extended close to $900 million to support the dirty black oil pipeline proposed to snake through our country. Let us stand now for the indigenous people of America and for our beloved planet earth. No more pipelines.

— Sheila Brown