Chairman David Archambault II

Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council

Bldg. #1 N Standing Rock Ave.
P.O. Box D
Fort Yates, ND 58538
September 28, 2016
To the honored Chairman Archambault and the Sisters and Brothers of the Standing
Rock Sioux Tribal Council and Community:
Greetings of peace!
We are the United Religions Initiative (URI), a global grassroots network of 804 Interfaith
Cooperation Circles in 96 countries, working across religious and cultural barriers to
create cultures of peace, justice and healing for Mother Earth and all living beings. From
our inception, URI has recognized and honored the fundamental importance of including
the wisdom and leadership of the Indigenous Peoples of the world in the work of
peacebuilding. We are deeply moved by the peaceful displays of solidarity, sovereignty
and strength at Standing Rock in Protecting Mother Earth and the Sacred. We offer our
heartfelt affirmation of your efforts.
Representatives from our Global Council will be journeying to stand alongside our sisters
and brothers at Standing Rock and to share our Warm and Loving Greetings and
Statement of Support. Elders Phil Lane Jr. and Audri Scott Williams are both Global
Council Trustees, serving as members of our Board of Directors who offer oversight and
wisdom to URI.
Elder Phil Lane Jr. is an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe and Chickasaw
Nation and is an internationally recognized leader in human and community
development. His father was born at Wakpala. Elder Audri Scott Williams is a celebrated
Vision Keeper, Peace Walker and co-convener of the URI Global Indigenous Initiative,
an esteemed gathering of Indigenous spiritual leaders from six continents around Mother
Earth.
Together, they are bringing a message of support on behalf of our global network. They
will be at Standing Rock from September 30 - October 2 . Please advise us of any
protocols to be observed in their visit to your sacred land.
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In peace and loving gratitude,

The Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian, Jr.

Executive Director of URI

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