A group of Winnipeggers gathered around Portage Ave and Main St around 4:30 p.m. on Nov 15 in a show of solidarity with protests in North Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have led a movement known as NoDAPL which, over the last few months, has opposed construction of the Dakota Access pipeline through their sacred sites. 

The movement has also voiced concerns about potential pipeline failures, which could contaminate a large portion of the water supply. The preservation of water supply has been a focal point of the movement, leading to slogans such as "Water is life" and "Water is sacred." While they are commonly referred to as protestors, members of the movement define themselves as water protectors.

Members of the Winnipeg rally began on the four corners of the intersection, eventually moving onto the street. The intersection was closed to traffic until approximately 6:30 p.m.