Photos: Nebi Bemetesiani (Water is Life) Rally

Rain didn’t stop nearly 70 people from making their way to the University of Iowa Pentacrest to attend a protest organized by the Native American Student Association.

The irony of the pouring rain falling on the Nebi Bemetesiani (Water is Life) banner was not lost of those in attendance. Huddled on the steps of the Old Capitol Building, protesters listened to several speakers including members of the Meskwaki tribe and farm owners who have been directly impacted by pipeline construction.

The rally was cut short because of lightning, but the Native American Student Association is planning another rally on Oct. 10; more details can be found at Nasa.org.uiowa.edu.

Christine Nobliss and Jacki Rand stand wrapped in flags of native tribes on the Pentacrest. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Protesters brave the pouring rain and display tribal flags on the Pentacrest. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

University of Iowa History professor Jacki Rand adresses a crowd of protesters on the Old Capitol steps. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Co-chair of the Native American Student Association Dawson Davenport addresses the crowd of protesters on the steps of the Old Capitol. Davenport will speak at the Wildwood Saloon event. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Luke Tweedy speaks about the impact of the pipeline on his family farm in Montrose, Iowa. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Dick Lamb speaks about the pipeline construction on his farm. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann

Mississippi Stand organizer Jason Livingston encourages people to continue protests in Sandusy, near the Mississippi River. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann