From Standing Rock to Minnesota: Indigenous Resistance and ICE

For the first episode of this special guest-hosted series, Dallas Goldtooth welcomes Mark K. Tilsen Jr. a poet, educator, and longtime organizer from Pine Ridge whose work is rooted in resistance and liberation.

Dallas and Mark reflect on their shared experiences at the Standing Rock protests, marking a decade since thousands of Indigenous water protectors gathered to defend land, water, and sovereignty against the Dakota Access Pipeline. What came out of that effort was not only the largest gathering of Natives fighting against a pipeline, but a living blueprint for Indigenous resistance in modern times. 

From that foundation, Mark brings us into the present moment, sharing updates from the Twin Cities following the recent ICE surge—an operation that deployed thousands of federal agents, sparked widespread protests, and disrupted communities across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Together, they explore how the lessons of Standing Rock continue to shape Indigenous resistance today—from frontline organizing to community care. This conversation centers the power of collective action, the importance of showing up for one another, and what it means to build toward liberation in the face of ongoing state violence.

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Produced by Matika Wilbur --@matikawilbur

A/V Production & Editing: Pancho Sánchez -- @videosdelsancho

Scoring: Mato Wayuhi -- @matowayuhi

Episode Artwork: Kitana Connelly @creatortwahna

Social Media: Mandy Yeahpau @dontguacbloc