EXCLUSIVE: 'This could turn out to be a war zone.' More than 6,000 protesters at Standing Rock brave subarctic conditions and 45 mph winds as they face eviction by the US government

  • Thousands are braving the cold and threat of a government eviction notice to continue protesting the $3.8billion Dakota Access Pipeline project
  • An estimated 6,000 people are standing their ground against the pipeline at the main Oceti Sakowin camp near the Standing Rock Indian reservation
  • A sprawling network of tents, vans and communal areas are spread out across a valley where the Missouri and Cannonball rivers meet
  • Snowstorms and freezing conditions have driven out many who were ill-equipped to withstand the conditions
  • Volunteers are working around the clock to ensure food and warmth are provided to protesters 
  • Entire families are living at the camp including dozens of children
  •  Demonstrations take place on how to protect yourself from tear gas and pepper spray and how to act against the greater threat of hypothermia
  • Sessions are held by the camp's legal department on what to do if you are arrested.
  • Doctors and nurses are manning medical tents and three ambulances are on stand-by in case people fall ill or protests turn violent

The Black Hills of North Dakota offered little defense from the snowstorm and 45mph winds that pounded the Standing Rock Indian reservation this week.

But for thousands of people sheltering in teepees, tents and RVs, neither subarctic conditions nor the looming threat of a government eviction notice can deter them from continuing their months-long attempt to block the $3.8billion Dakota Access Pipeline project that they say threatens the Sioux tribe's water supply.

Freda Poorbear, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, told DailyMail.com: 'The authorities think that we are aggressive and violent. That's not how it is.

'We are not here to become famous or to become rich. We are here for a reason and bring a message of peace.'

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Freda Poorbear from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, is volunteering and working security at Standing Rock. She is part of the Oglala Sioux tribe

Freda Poorbear from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, is volunteering and working security at Standing Rock. She is part of the Oglala Sioux tribe

An estimated 6,000 people are standing their ground against the pipeline at the main Oceti Sakowin camp near the Standing Rock Indian reservation

An estimated 6,000 people are standing their ground against the pipeline at the main Oceti Sakowin camp near the Standing Rock Indian reservation

A sprawling network of tents, vans and communal areas are spread out across a valley where the Missouri and Cannonball rivers meet

A sprawling network of tents, vans and communal areas are spread out across a valley where the Missouri and Cannonball rivers meet

Freda hitchhiked to the camp from her home on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She plans to protest against the pipeline until the end.

'This pipeline is not going to go through. We are here for all the millions of people who live down this river, for the children and the animals, to protect them from the water being poisoned,' she said. 

Freda believes that some activists at the camp may not be able to brave the brutal weather conditions ahead. Temperatures are expected to drop to 4F in the area next week.

'We might have very little to survive on if we get stuck down here,' she said. 'Money is real tight but I've lived this life and I can survive. I'm not going anywhere.

'We'll find out who is going to go and who is going to stay come the blizzard. My family know I'm part of the movement and there's nowhere else I can be right now. I have to be here.'

Freda has been praying that the situation 'will not turn out to be Wounded Knee' - a reference to a protest on Pine Ridge reservation in 1973 against a corrupted tribal chairman by the civil rights organization, the American Indian movement. 

Daily meetings are being held to advise campers on how to winterize their living conditions and among the most sought-after donations are small propane gas tanks to provide heat

Daily meetings are being held to advise campers on how to winterize their living conditions and among the most sought-after donations are small propane gas tanks to provide heat

People prepare wood for a fire in the Oceti Sakowin camp. Fire is one of the most sought after goods at the camp

People prepare wood for a fire in the Oceti Sakowin camp. Fire is one of the most sought after goods at the camp

A man from the Comanche tribe sits by a fire in the Oceti Sakowin camp took keep warm in below-freezing conditions 

A man from the Comanche tribe sits by a fire in the Oceti Sakowin camp took keep warm in below-freezing conditions 

Myron Dewey, owner of Media Network Digital Smoke Signals at camp Scared Stone, greets a friend near a solar panel at the camp

Myron Dewey, owner of Media Network Digital Smoke Signals at camp Scared Stone, greets a friend near a solar panel at the camp

Alcohol and firearms not not permitted at the camps. Pictured above is the entrance to Sacred Stone Camp

Alcohol and firearms not not permitted at the camps. Pictured above is the entrance to Sacred Stone Camp

Two Native Americans were killed, a US Marshall was shot and paralyzed and a dozen people were injured during the 71-day protest.

'This could turn out to be a war zone but that's not what I want and I hope it won't come to that,' she said. 

She added: 'We are here as one family and one community to pray and stay strong. I tell people who come to the camp, we don't want your drugs or your alcohol, come to be focused and stay humble.

'I believe this is not going to end in violence but in a professional, calm way.'

The 1,172-mile oil pipeline, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), is in its final stages of construction apart from a section tunneling under Lake Oahe, a half-mile from the reservation.

The pipeline will allow half a million barrels of oil to flow from North Dakota to Illinois each day.

Protesters, who prefer to be called water protectors, believe the pipeline is a threat to the reservation's drinking water supply and has destroyed sacred Native American burial sites. 

Scott Levy, right, carries Spain Carlson, 3, of Fort Hall, Idaho, after releasing tobacco at the edge of the Cannonball River during a Native American water ceremony at the Oceti Sakowin camp

Scott Levy, right, carries Spain Carlson, 3, of Fort Hall, Idaho, after releasing tobacco at the edge of the Cannonball River during a Native American water ceremony at the Oceti Sakowin camp

Campers photograph a signpost with the names of various tribes written on it inside the Oceti Sakowin camp

Campers photograph a signpost with the names of various tribes written on it inside the Oceti Sakowin camp

People donate food and equipment to campers inside of the Oceti Sakowin camp

People donate food and equipment to campers inside of the Oceti Sakowin camp

Hawk Laughing,  originally from northern New York, helps to build a teepee at Oceti Sakowin camp

Hawk Laughing, originally from northern New York, helps to build a teepee at Oceti Sakowin camp

Military veterans confront police on a bridge near Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Friday

Military veterans confront police on a bridge near Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Friday

Charles Wise Spirit, a Dakota Native American, picks up his son, Charley, two, who fell in the snow while playing along with his sister Lakoya, five, at the Oceti Sakowin camp

Charles Wise Spirit, a Dakota Native American, picks up his son, Charley, two, who fell in the snow while playing along with his sister Lakoya, five, at the Oceti Sakowin camp

People wait to have their propane tanks filled at the Oceti Sakowin camp

People wait to have their propane tanks filled at the Oceti Sakowin camp

Members of the Oglala Lakota tribe put up a teepee inside of the Oceti Sakowin camp

Members of the Oglala Lakota tribe put up a teepee inside of the Oceti Sakowin camp

A camper works on her tepee, which is surrounded by snow, inside the  camp on Friday

A camper works on her tepee, which is surrounded by snow, inside the camp on Friday

Benji Buffalo shovels snow, which has been building up inside the camp. A snowstorm and 45mph winds have pounded the nearby Standing Rock Indian reservation this week

Benji Buffalo shovels snow, which has been building up inside the camp. A snowstorm and 45mph winds have pounded the nearby Standing Rock Indian reservation this week

They also contend that millions of people who live downstream from the pipeline are at risk of crude oil leaks and spills.

A decision is pending by the US government on whether to allow ETP to move ahead. 

The projected start date is January 1 – and any delays could cost the company around $84million each month, according to court papers.

This week, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple said it was 'probably not feasible' to reroute the pipeline - which was originally intended to run north of the city of Bismarck, around 50 miles from the Sioux tribe's land.

An estimated 6,000 people are standing their ground against the pipeline at the main Oceti Sakowin camp (the original name of the Sioux, meaning Seven Council Fires). 

A sprawling network of tents, vans and communal areas are spread out across a valley where the Missouri and Cannonball rivers meet. There are other smaller, offshoot camps - Sacred Stone, Rosebud and Red Warrior.

The camp was founded by a Sioux family in April but now non-native activists outweigh Native Americans. Hundreds of tribes are represented at the camp and their flags line the perimeter and fly from individual dwellings.

At one point, numbers were believed to have swelled to around 8,000 but snowstorms and freezing conditions have driven out many who were ill-equipped to withstand the conditions.

Rosemary A Schiano a wildlife field biologist is volunteering at Standing Rock. She said that there is a concerted effort going on to make sure people are prepared

Rosemary A Schiano a wildlife field biologist is volunteering at Standing Rock. She said that there is a concerted effort going on to make sure people are prepared

Schiano, pictured above, said volunteers are working toward winterizing the camp and preparing the elders for the cold

Schiano, pictured above, said volunteers are working toward winterizing the camp and preparing the elders for the cold

Myron Dewey is part of the indigenous effort to tell the story of Standing Rock and defend the sacred burial sites he says the pipeline will disturb

Myron Dewey is part of the indigenous effort to tell the story of Standing Rock and defend the sacred burial sites he says the pipeline will disturb

Faith Spotted Eagle from the Ihanktonwan Dakota Territory and South Dakota, has been staying at the camp

Faith Spotted Eagle from the Ihanktonwan Dakota Territory and South Dakota, has been staying at the camp

Lana Jack, of the Celilowy'am tribe in Oregon, is in charge of coordinating the donations. She sounded a note of warning after the blizzard this week left many on the camp in dire situations

Lana Jack, of the Celilowy'am tribe in Oregon, is in charge of coordinating the donations. She sounded a note of warning after the blizzard this week left many on the camp in dire situations

The campsite is littered with flimsy summer tents which have collapsed beneath piles of snow, while stoves and portable heaters are being moved in by those who remain. Tent and teepee walls are being lined with blankets and sleeping bags to retain warmth.

People are being drawn to the sacred fires burning at the camp both as a constant source of heat and to listen to drumming, prayers and Native American songs.

Vats of free, hot tea are positioned outside a number of tents as an aid to the 'camp cough' which many activists have developed after months in the cold.

Around seven free kitchens dish out plates of pasta and stews, cooked and served by volunteers. More than $3million in donations has poured into the camp to keep operations running.

Entire families are living at the camp including dozens of children, and three babies have been born there.

This coming Monday, an eviction notice from the Obama administration will 'close' all lands where the camps have been established. The camps are located on US Army Corps of Engineers land.

The Corps said that they had no plans 'for forcible removal' of people but added: 'Those who remain will be considered unauthorized and may be subject to citation under federal, state or local laws.'

State officials ordered activists to leave the camp on Monday, due to 'state of emergency weather conditions'. However they are not planning to enforce that order. 

Mary Zeiser is the Art director at Scared Rock. Mary Zeiser is helping the Creative Resistance at the art camp located at Scared Rock

Mary Zeiser is the Art director at Scared Rock. Mary Zeiser is helping the Creative Resistance at the art camp located at Scared Rock

Designs by indigenous artists are printed by volunteers on to jackets, T-shirts and patches for those on the frontlines

Designs by indigenous artists are printed by volunteers on to jackets, T-shirts and patches for those on the frontlines

The designs are also shared for free online in the hope that the environmental message spreads beyond Standing Rock

The designs are also shared for free online in the hope that the environmental message spreads beyond Standing Rock

Mary said that no matter what happens when the eviction notice comes into effect, she will be standing her ground

Mary said that no matter what happens when the eviction notice comes into effect, she will be standing her ground

Many at the camp say they are being misrepresented and claim authorities have engaged in bullying tactics.

The Standing Rock tribe filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that the US Army Corps of Engineers failed to properly consult them.

The lawsuit alleged that the Corps were in breach of the Clean Water Act by allowing the pipe to go so close to their reservation.

Myron Dewey, owner of indigenous media network Digital Smoke Signals, told DailyMail.com: 'The pipeline has destroyed 86 documented burial sites but they are treating us like domestic terrorists.

'We are the original environmental activists. We have been protecting water and the land for generations and now in the 21st century, we are doing the same. Our existence is our resistance.'

At the camp, preparations are underway to bed in for the rest of the winter amid calls by tribal elders for protesters to remain calm.

On Thursday, Faith Spotted Eagle, from the Ihanktonwan Dakota Territory in South Dakota, urged activists not to engage in direct actions against the pipeline workers or authorities which could risk the Treaties of Native American tribes.

She asked that those at the camp follow the advice of the Oceti Sakowin leadership and remain in ceremonial prayer.

But a violent flare-up last month has left many activists feeling the need to be prepared.

On November 20, several hundred protesters tried to force through on a barricaded bridge toward the construction site. 

According to protesters, they were hit with rubber bullets, tear gas and concussion grenades in a stand-off that last into the early hours of the morning. Water cannons were sprayed on demonstrators in freezing conditions.

Smokey, a member of the Sioux Native American tribe, rides the horse Prophecy, a descendant of the horse belonging to war chief Crazy Horse, at the Oceti Sakowin camp

Smokey, a member of the Sioux Native American tribe, rides the horse Prophecy, a descendant of the horse belonging to war chief Crazy Horse, at the Oceti Sakowin camp

Dan Nanamkin of the Colville tribe in Nespelem, Washington waits for the arrival of other Colville tribe members who were traveling from the headwaters of the Missouri River in a dugout canoe to Oceti Sakowin Camp

Dan Nanamkin of the Colville tribe in Nespelem, Washington waits for the arrival of other Colville tribe members who were traveling from the headwaters of the Missouri River in a dugout canoe to Oceti Sakowin Camp

A 21-year-old protester, Sophie Wilansky, was left with an injury which might cause her to lose her arm. Protesters say she was struck by a police flash grenade, while police have suggested that protesters may have caused the explosion.

At Oceti Sakowin, doctors and nurses are manning medical tents and three ambulances are on stand-by. 

Demonstrations take place on how to protect yourself from tear gas and pepper spray and how to act against the even greater threat of hypothermia.

Sessions are held by the camp's legal department on what to do if you are arrested. 

According to the Morton County Sheriff's Department, more than 500 people have been arrested in the last month.

One woman has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to shoot dead a cop as one of the camps was cleared.

According to the Morton County State Attorney, Red Fawn Falls, 37, fired three shots at police officers and had to have her gun wrestled out of her arm by cops as she was arrested.

Falls allegedly hit one officer in the knee which caused it to 'explode' before she was wrestled to the ground.

She has now been charged with attempted murder among other offences and faces 20 years in jail.

On Thursday, the Morton County Sheriff's Department released video of two female deputies describing how protesters attempted to use ropes and grappling hooks to break the wiring set up to stop trespassing on private property.

According to the sheriff's department, the protestors, who identified themselves as veterans, threatened the female deputies saying law enforcement officers 'should be ready for what's coming'.

Native Americans from Washington state arrive at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation after traveling from the headwaters of the Missouri River in a dugout canoe

Native Americans from Washington state arrive at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation after traveling from the headwaters of the Missouri River in a dugout canoe

People celebrate after making the 150-mile canoue trip from Washington to Oceti Sakowin Camp

People celebrate after making the 150-mile canoue trip from Washington to Oceti Sakowin Camp

Daily meetings are being held to advise campers on how to winterize their living conditions and among the most sought-after donations are small propane gas tanks to provide heat, sleeping bags and firewood.

Lana Jack, of the Celilowy'am tribe in Oregon, is in charge of coordinating the donations. She sounded a note of warning after the blizzard this week left many on the camp in dire situations.

She told DailyMail.com: 'For three days we didn't have any donations, we were completely cut off. We have not been able to keep people warm. I had a 78-year-old man who came in desperate for help after lying out in the cold.

'We had no propane gas tanks to provide heating for elders and families who were collapsing in the snow. We were seeing people with pneumonia.'

She added: 'We were totally lacking but our people have come together. But we don't have the capacity to take care of more people. We need heavy tents, lumber and propane.'

Lana claimed that three trucks had been confiscated by police while bringing supplies to Standing Rock from Bismarck.

On Tuesday, state officials said anyone bringing prohibited items into the main protest camp would be fined.

There had been threats of a physical blockade on the way to the camp but authorities seem to have retreated from that plan.

Instead officers will stop vehicles which appear to be heading to Standing Rock with building supplies and food. Drivers will be told they are committing an infraction and could be fined $1,000 fine.

Rosemary Schiano, a wildlife field biologist, told DailyMail.com that there is a concerted effort going on to make sure people are prepared.

Kyle Machulski a volunteer builder from Washington State has come to Standing Rock to lend a helping hand in building shelters and residences at Standing Rock

Kyle Machulski a volunteer builder from Washington State has come to Standing Rock to lend a helping hand in building shelters and residences at Standing Rock

She said: 'The winterization crew is working with elders and Lakota people and guests here at Standing Rock.

'We're winterizing shelters because of course we are going into sub-zero weather and a very cold winter. 

'Our priority first is elders, older people, dwellings that are going to be here for a long time for the Lakota people and then pretty much everybody. The winterization crew are awesome people. 

'They are constructing shelters and then renovating shelters that we already have in place. They have put up kitchens, you name it. Everyone is pitching in and doing good work here at Standing Rock. We're a big community helping everyone.'

She said that she didn't believe that the harsh weather or the eviction notice would cause many to leave.

'I don't see anybody leaving… I keep getting texts from people who are coming and asking me what we need,' she said. 'People are coming to Standing Rock and there are thousands of us and thousands of packages coming daily. So nobody's leaving. We're all here.'

Small homes, constructed from plywood and padded with insulation, are popping up around the camp.

Kyle Machulski, a roofer and builder, traveled to North Dakota from his home in Washington State. 

A keen snowboarder, this year he decided to place his belongings in storage and drove to North Dakota 'to help support the cause'.

He has spent the past two weeks volunteering projects around the camp approved by elders in order to help winterize living conditions.

Flags border the area surrounding the camp, which sits just on the edge of the Standing Rock reservation

Flags border the area surrounding the camp, which sits just on the edge of the Standing Rock reservation

'We are working with donated materials that have been delegated for this project in order to help winterize living conditions,' he said.

'Each house is approved by the tribe's elders. This one will sleep four elders on bunk beds with room for a table.'

Art coordinator Mary Zeiser arrived at the camp two months ago as part of creative direct action group, Ruckus Society.

She told DailyMail.com: 'Our message is this is a safe space for people to come and heal. Everyone is welcome. We work through a creative resistance.'

Designs by indigenous artists are printed by volunteers on to jackets, T-shirts and patches for those on the frontlines. The designs are also shared for free online in the hope that the environmental message spreads beyond Standing Rock.

Mary said that no matter what happens when the eviction notice comes into effect, she will be standing her ground.

'No matter what happens on the 5th, I'm staying to defend our art space,' she said. 'This is a sanctuary for expression. I'm staying until the last piece of trash is collected.

'Some people are worried but preparations are being made, such as organized efforts to get mothers and children to safety if something happens. People are preparing go-bags.'

Starting Friday, more than 2,000 US veterans will join the camp in a show of solidarity with the Standing Rock reservation. 

Among them will be Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii who has served two tours in the Middle East and continues to serve as a major with the Army National Guard.

The North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council has denounced the involvement of veterans.