Lakeport >> After six days at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, where protests are currently underway against the Dakota Access Pipeline, Mark Ruzicka returned to Lake County a changed man.
While at Standing Rock, he witnessed what he described as a militarized police force that had people running scared, himself and his father included. Friends who had paid for three nights in a hotel room left after only one day. A mail delivery man Ruzicka talked with claimed he’d been pulled over and questioned seven times. Local reports called the protests riots, even though Ruzicka said what he witnessed was far from unruly.
“The civil rights abuses that are happening there and the constitutional violations that are going on there are ridiculous,” he said.
He was appalled, but he was also inspired. Before arriving, Ruzicka was opposed to the pipeline, but he continued to question the protests. But upon leaving, he came to realize he had no reservations. “When I went there I felt the spirituality, I felt the peacefulness, I felt the unity,” Ruzicka said. “Going there and seeing it for myself changed me.”
On his trip home, he was nearly in tears as the full spectrum of emotions ran through him. He felt happy, because he’d met so many wonderful people. But he was sad too, and disappointed in the government. Plus he was angry at the poor treatment of Native Americans in Standing Rock.
Influenced by his sister, a humanitarian worker who was killed in Iraq, Ruzicka always possessed a desire to make a positive impact in the world. His time at Standing Rock moved him to take action.
“I got that from her,” he said. “She chose to risk her life helping others. That motivates me. I’ve always had that in me.”
So about three weeks ago, Ruzicka got together with Nancy Zabel and Samantha Hodge, and the three decided to plan Lake County Stands with Standing Rock, an event occurring at Konocti Vista Casino in Lakeport on Sunday. With a raffle, food, drinks and music, the day is a fundraiser to support the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Individuals who have been to Standing Rock will speak, and there will be ceremonial dancing by local Pomo Indians.
It’s not only a fundraiser, but an effort to create unity, which Ruzicka sees as especially important in today’s divided political climate. He hopes Lake County Stands with Standing Rock will spread awareness about the events that are occurring at the reservation, and encourage people to take action in regards to the Dakota Access Pipeline, in any way they can.
“Some people, they want to help but they don’t know how,” Ruzicka said. “There are ways to help without money or going there.”
Although there’s a $10 suggested donation for kids, and a $20 suggestion for adults, those who can’t afford to donate much, if anything, are still encouraged to attend the event.
“If you don’t have any money, you’re welcome to come and learn,” Ruzicka said.
Lake County Stands with Standing Rock takes place from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Konocti Vista Casino. John Paul Hodge will perform western soul music and the owner of Park Place will be catering.
For more information, check out the Lake County Stands with Standing Rock Facebook page.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
