Catalyst Communication Services

Amplify your voice, your brand, your cause...

  • Home
  • Stories
    • Story Summaries
    • Oil Train to Nowhere
    • Dakota Access Pipeline
    • Uranium Imports
    • Women’s Safety India
    • A Stand Against Tar Sands
    • Redefining Prosperity
  • Services
  • About
  • Connect

Dakota Access Pipeline

The Lakota people have long prophesized the coming of a black snake which carries a darkness and a sickness that will stretch across the land. In 2017 this mythical snake manifested in the form of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The largest gathering of indigenous peoples since the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn came together to stop the black snake at Standing Rock. Thousands of allies from around the world joined to support the Lakota Standing Rock Sioux people in defending their water, land and sovereign rights.

While Catalyst Communication Services was filming at Standing Rock for Earth Wisdom for a World in Crisis, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made an official announcement that the Dakota Access Pipeline would not be allowed. Almost immediately, and in blatant violation of the government ruling, the owner of the Dakota Access Pipeline began drilling under the Missouri River.

Despite massive civil protests and legal challenges, the pipeline was built. It has already leaked at least 11 times on Lakota and other lands. Then, after Energy Transfer Partners tried to DOUBLE the amount of petroleum flowing through their pipeline, a federal judge ruled that the pipeline must be shut down and drained while a full Environmental Impact Statement is developed. But legal wrangling continued and the oil continues to flow.

Before even being published, the Environmental Impact Statement is challenged by Standing Rock, Cheyenne River, and Oglala Nations, due to the contractor working on it having a vested interest in the pipeline continuing to operate.

You can help keep the foxes out of the henhouse by signing this petition from Lakota People's Law Project.

To be determined:
  1. Outcome of the legal controversy and how long the pipeline will continue to operate.
  2. Will cumulative impacts to climate change be included in the environmental review? The Trump Administration removed this requirement for all petroleum infrastructure reviews.
  3. Will the pipeline owner's request to double capacity be permanently denied?

More Information

Watch

Earth Wisdom for a World in Crisis to better understand the worldwide struggle for indigenous rights at the United Nations, juxtaposed with the immediate, on-the-ground struggle at Standing Rock.

Read

Court Halts Dakota Access Pipeline Shutdown As Legal Fight Goes Forward -NPR, July 15, 2020

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Prevails as Federal Judge Strikes Down DAPL Permits -EarthJustice, March 25th, 2020

Energy Transfer Seeks to Double the Capacity of the Dakota Access Pipeline: Sacred Stone Camp Responds - Last Real Indians, October 25th, 2019

 

Do Something

Catalyst Communication Services is a steadfast ally of the Lakota people. We encourage you to join in the fight to stop the expansion of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Support

Join Lakota People's Law Project in their efforts to ensure an unbiased and accurate Environmental Impact Statement is developed for Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
Petition

 

Standing Rock Awakens the World
Standing Rock Awakens the World
Flags from hundreds of tribes and first nations were planted at Standing Rock in solidarity.
Flags from hundreds of tribes and first nations were planted at Standing Rock in solidarity.
Water protectors camped at Standing Rock for months despite extreme winter conditions.
Water protectors camped at Standing Rock for months despite extreme winter conditions.
Stephen Olsson, director or Earth Wisdom for a World in Crisis, at Standing Rock.
Stephen Olsson, director or Earth Wisdom for a World in Crisis, at Standing Rock.
Armed with only a camera.
Armed with only a camera.
Tribal Leaders and supporters gather to hear the announcement that Dakota Access Pipeline permit was denied.
Tribal Leaders and supporters gather to hear the announcement that Dakota Access Pipeline permit was denied.

Women’s Safety – India

While filming for Cause to Wonder in northern India, it quickly became apparent that the life of Indian women is fraught with inequality and the danger of physical and sexual abuse. It’s a cultural norm that is not adequately addressed by government or law enforcement. A new approach is needed.

Lisa Menna, founder of Cause to Wonder, uses magic and comedy to introduce new ideas to her audiences. In India, the idea being introduced was “if you want good luck, don’t beat or kill women.” The hope is to spark widespread societal change by planting these seeds of thought in individuals.

When Lisa told our first translator, a man, about the concept for Cause to Wonder's work, he responded “but we need to hit women, if they disobey or speak too loudly.” Needless to say, his work with us was terminated before it began.

But Cause to Wonder went on to spark kinder, gentler thoughts for at least 24,000 individuals in five cities and 11 villages by producing 36 school programs and 268 street theater events. Massive crowds would gather for the street theater, even entire villages! Men and women alike applauded the efforts, and multitudes expressed their appreciation and the need for this work.

As videographer for Cause to Wonder - India, it was an honor to capture the magic first-hand. Check it out!

More Information

CNN, by Swami Gupta - Dec 3, 2019
A shocking gang-rape and murder of a woman is raising familiar tough questions for India

The Guardian, by Hannah Ellis-Petersen - Dec 2, 2019
Protests escalate in India over gang-rape and murder of woman

Equal rights for women in the United States?

Women in the United States still don’t have equal rights under our constitution. We see ramifications in wage and healthcare discrimination, and inadequate domestic violence laws.

In January 2020, Virginia became the 38th and final state needed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and propel women’s equality forward in America. The Trump Administration blocked its final adoption and we have yet to renew the momentum.

More Information

CNN, by Veronica Stracqualursi -
May 9, 2020
Trump administration asks court to dismiss lawsuit to add ERA to US Constitution

New York Times, by Maggie Astor - November 6, 2019
The Equal Rights Amendment May Pass Now. It’s Only Been 96 Years.

Do Something

INDIA - These organizations are doing important work to help women in India.
Cause to Wonder
Care India

Lisa Menna performs to promote safety for women and girls in Punjab, India.
Lisa Menna performs to promote safety for women and girls in Punjab, India.
Cause to Wonder uses magic and comedy to plant new seeds of thought.
Cause to Wonder uses magic and comedy to plant new seeds of thought.
May the light always shine on the peacemakers. Chandigarh, India.
May the light always shine on the peacemakers. Chandigarh, India.
Officials welcome Cause to Wonder performer, Lisa Menna.
Officials welcome Cause to Wonder performer, Lisa Menna.
Our hosts, with Lisa Menna of Cause to Wonder at back.
Our hosts, with Lisa Menna of Cause to Wonder at back.
This Indian reporter tracked us down for a roadside interview. One of many male supporters of our work to protect women.
This Indian reporter tracked us down for a roadside interview. One of many male supporters of our work to protect women.
Filming women forming cow dung discs to burn in open fire pits as the primary cooking fuel in this village. Punjab, India.
Filming women forming cow dung discs to burn in open fire pits as the primary cooking fuel in this village. Punjab, India.

Redefining Prosperity

Born in the California Gold Rush, Nevada City was once the scene of some of the most destructive environmental practices on earth. By the 1960s, the town was a backwater, its extractive industries dying. Then it was discovered by the "back to the land movement." It was a second gold rush but with a different idea of gold based on nature, community and a sense of place.

A campaign to save the Yuba River from a proposed dam brought conflicting factions of the community together. Not only did they stop the dam from being built, but they began a decades long process to protect the entire watershed. They also increased local food production, developed holistic education systems, attracted world class music and art, and committed to building community.

Redefining Prosperity is recommended as a blueprint for revitalizing places that suffer from economic instability upon the decline of extractive industries. It is the remarkable story of a beautiful California town and the outward-looking, creative people who call it home and forged its new identity.

More Information

The Union, by Chuck Jaffey - January 2, 2018
Redefining Prosperity: Film about Nevada City’s gold rushes to premiere at Wild & Scenic
Includes video interview with co-producer Jennifer Ekstrom, discussing the intent to inspire community stewardship and economic vitality in post-extraction years.

The Union, by Editor Brian Hamilton
Video interview with Jennifer Ekstrom about future community trends and responsible cannabis cultivation.

Do Something

Want to engage your community in conversation about protecting, regenerating or beautifying the environment while fostering a vibrant economy? Looking for a great way to raise money for your cause by hosting a fun and thought provoking community event?

Book a community screening today.
Promotional resources are provided to help ensure your event is well attended and a success in every way!

Purchase a DVD for home use only.
Nevada City residents can purchase discounted home-use DVDs at Harmony Books!

 

Greg Davis and John de Graaf on set in Nevada City
Greg Davis and John de Graaf on set in Nevada City
Mayor Reinette Senum interview
Mayor Reinette Senum interview
Filming waste ponds left over from the Gold Rush
Filming waste ponds left over from the Gold Rush
Organic cannabis farmer Wade Laughter describes his methods
Organic cannabis farmer Wade Laughter describes his methods
Ayla Nereo appears in the film performing at a community benefit
Ayla Nereo appears in the film performing at a community benefit
Greg Davis, Jordan Fisher Smith and John de Graaf on set, Nevada City CA
Greg Davis, Jordan Fisher Smith and John de Graaf on set, Nevada City CA

Copyright © 2023 · Catalyst Communication Services