Pete Forsyth

“ Twenty years ago, Fergus picked up a Navajo hitchhiker. Their conversation brought the brutality of centuries of oppression into sharp focus for Fergus. When he asked the hitchhiker what he, a nonindigenous person, could do to make amends, the answer was somewhat dissatisfying. The hitchhiker encouraged Fergus to build his own awareness and understanding, and to avoid perpetuating oppressive behavior. But he felt that fighting oppression was a struggle primarily for American Indians. For two decades, Fergus felt there wasn't much he could do. ”

“ With his team forming, Fergus focused on identifying the most useful supplies, to maximize the impact of his visit.
"I wanted to be sure that whatever I brought out would actually help," he says.
Information about what is needed can be scarce and sometimes contradictory, and many people have sent supplies without first researching what is necessary.
"It's not an opportunity to clean out the closet. If it's not for arctic survival, don't send it," says Wendi Anderson, a Milwaukie resident who staffed the donations tent. ”

“ One hundred and fifty miles from camp, he encountered one last stranded vehicle. Its driver, a North Dakota resident presumably unaffiliated with Standing Rock, was likely more sympathetic to the pipeline business than to the protesters. But Fergus wasn't worried about political differences. A fellow citizen was in need. Fergus was equipped to help out, and so he did.
Two decades after his encounter with the Navajo hitchhiker, Fergus says he has found a way to take action in alignment with his beliefs and values. ”