A week ago Tuesday was a “Day of Action” across America by those standing in solidarity with North Dakota’s Standing Rock Sioux in their fight against implementation of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Here in MidCoast Maine that solidarity was displayed by those gathered in Bath’s Waterfront Park. For over an hour, more than a hundred participants came together to form a human circle of shared frustration, protest, hope and kindred spirit for protecting this beleaguered planet and recognizing the commonality of all peoples.

As the Kennebec flowed past and the evening sun slipped westward all were asked to quietly give thanks and feel the wonder of the earth below and the sky above, to take in the primal beauty of the river and the forested shore beyond. Then, anyone wishing to speak their thoughts and concerns aloud were asked to step into the center of the circle and do so.

Many did, and did so with heartfelt urgency. All expressed a common desire to at once return to and move forward towards an appreciation of the essential importance of being one with our natural surroundings, to live in harmony and not harm that which we inhabit and cohabit.

One person spoke to give voice to the voicelessness of all other creatures. Most spoke to give voice to what is now remarkably of concern even outside of tree hugger circles. All brought forth some contributing insight, some personal relevance for themselves and all gathered. As speakers came and went from the center of the ring of peaceful protest, I was somewhat disappointed only in the noticeably advanced years of most of those present. I say “somewhat” because that’s commonly the expectation for many activist gatherings.

Then something totally unexpected dispelled such jaded resignation. Suddenly, a large procession of young adults kept filing into the park, carrying protest signs and smiling while their presence was applauded as they took up positions around the expanding circle.

They joined in listening to both those of Native and non-indigenous heritage speak of the strength in being allies against the destruction of hat still remains of the natural gifts of this nation. Several aligned the plight of the Sioux to ongoing threats right here in our still largely unharmed state. Mention was made of the LePage administration’s promotion of open-pit metallic mining such as proposed for Aroostook’s Bald Mountain. Mention was made of how Maine’s treaty with the Penobscot Nation has yet again been broken, stripping historic rights to the water that flows through its agreed upon “sovereignty.” Truth was told: There has never been a treaty made between the the United States and its indigenous peoples that hasn’t been violated.

The most difficult truth is acknowledging that nothing will change that reprehensible record unless America’s conscience changes, individually and collectively, and that needed change begins here and now. It’s way past time that America owns up to its deplorable past and ends the subjugation of its native peoples. Maine’s Passamaquoddy are right now being confronted with Congressional Bill H.R. 5464, proposed by U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, that would “reduce industry licensing requirements” on the St. Croix River. Opponents fear it will endanger traditional fisheries and access to tribal archaeological sites.

Imagine a 30 inch diameter pipeline carrying 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day being OK’d to run under Nequasett Lake and crossing the Kennebec just north of Bath. How would we respond? We are blessed with abundant life-giving water. Why would we invite its almost certain eventual contamination? If we do not collectively stand and defend our nation’s land, water and air against exploitation, degradation and loss in the name of profit, then who are we as a people?

One elder speaker stepped into the circle and openly apologized to those younger participants for his generation’s unpardonable stewardship: “Now, it’s up to you.”

Another offered the wisdom of this nation’s original stewards: “ When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money.”

The basic message shared in signage slogans and spoken word was that “Water equals life.” More than half of each of us is indeed water. One woman’s T-shirt simply declared: “I am water.”

Much political capital is still being made over Flint Michigan’s water crisis. Black Voters Matter. The Green Party’s Jill Stein and Ajamu Baraka unhesitatingly embraced Standing Rock’s cause. Where is the outrage and support by the two-party presidential candidates? Everybody’s Water Matters. How can one competently lead this nation if they can’t even connect those dots?

Another Native American proverb counsels: “Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.”

As you read this, 21 young people from across the United States are waging a landmark Our Children’s Trust constitutional climate change lawsuit against the federal government.

About time.

Gary Anderson lives in Bath.