Maori lawyer fighting for indigenous rights in US

Kingi Snelgar is observing a US tribe's action against building a pipeline. Photo/File

A lawyer with links to Ngati Whakaue is helping an American tribe fight the construction of an oil pipeline near its reservation.

Kingi Snelgar, a Maori indigenous rights lawyer, is on the ground at Standing Rock. Mr Snelgar said he became involved with the Sioux Tribe's protest against a North Dakota oil pipeline which would run close to the Standing Rock reservation.

He said the role he has taking on was that of a human rights observer.

He said that involved going to actions and observing the protectors in action and how they interacted with police and just being an observer to ensure that they remained safe.

He said seeing images of people being arrested for protecting the water spurred him to get involved.

"The pipeline threatens the water source of the indigenous people, as well as sacred sites."

Mr Snelgar said for him, it was about protecting the water for future generations and the 1.8 million people that lived downstream along the Missouri River.

"It is also an exercise of sovereignty."

He said Maori needed to foster relationships with other indigenous peoples.

"I would also encourage rangatahi to aim high and keep aiming. An thing is possible and if I can go to Harvard, anyone can! As Maori we have a unique worldview to share that is truly invaluable."

Mr Sneglar said he had affiliations with Ngati Whakaue and hoped to connect with whanau this summer, as he was possibly returning to Rotorua for work.

"My whanau are the Wipaki whanau from Tunohopu. I also descent from Mokomoko on my Te Whakatohea side."

Mr Sneglar studied law at Auckland University where he was the top graduating Maori law student then went on to Havard Law School.