Big Muddy Speaker Series

Presentation by Perry Bigsoldier, Protectors of Land & Water, Columbia; and Christine Ingrassia, St. Louis City Alderwoman.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

• 7 p.m. presentation
• lower floor of the Les Bourgeois Vineyards Bistro in Rocheport, MO
• Map and Directions

If you intend on coming early to purchase an amazing dinner at Les Bourgeois Bistro before the presentation, PLEASE call to make a reservation at: 573-698-2300 and…tell them you are with the Big Muddy Speaker Series!

Presentation is FREE and open to the public!

The protests in North Dakota near the banks of the Missouri River, along the Cannonball, have brought more attention to the Missouri River than any event since the 2011 flood. Communities far downstream are expressing their connection, by this river, with communities far upstream.

With the news that the Army Corps of Engineers has rejected Energy Transfer Partners’ permit to drill under the Missouri River (Lake Oahe), the dynamic of these protests has changed, and the nature of that change is still being developed.

This special presentation will bring together two people from the lowest reaches of the Missouri River to share the work they are doing here to support communities upstream.

Perry Bigsoldier has helped form a new organization in Columbia dedicated to supporting the Cannonball Camps, Protectors of Land and Water – Columbia. He’ll share his understanding of why this struggle is so important at this time and place.

Christine Ingrassia, as a St. Louis Alderwoman, sponsored a successful resolution by the City of St. Louis Expressing Solidarity With Indigenous Resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline   She’ll share her stories visiting the upstream camps as well as her ongoing work on the ground and on the rivers of St. Louis.

We will also be joined by Ashland resident Mike Jones, who will give a brief update from his trip to the Oceti Sakowin camp last week as part of the veteran contingent supporting the camps.

Directions

• 14020 W. Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO
• Take I-70 to the Rocheport, MO, exit (Exit #115). It’s the first exit east of the Missouri River.
• Head north toward Rocheport.
• After about a mile, turn left at the sign for Les Bourgeois Bistro. Follow the signs to the Bistro. You will probably need to park in the lot above the Bistro and walk the trail down.
• The presentations are held in upstairs in the restaurant. The restaurant is no longer open on Tuesdays but the bar is! You are welcome to bring your own food or snacks.