What makes a mountain a “sacred” place in Native American religion?

Edition: US - Today's top story: Why understanding Native American religion is important for resolving the Dakota Access Pipeline crisis [Click here to view this message in your web-browser]. Edition: US 3 November 2016 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair] Editor's note In 2014, Dakota Access proposed a pipeline to carry crude from oil fields in North Dakota to a site in Illinois. Under the plan, a portion of the pipeline was to run through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in Sioux County –– through areas considered sacred by Native Americans. As protests at the site escalate, the University of Montana’s Rosalyn R. LaPier explains the “uniqueness of Native American religions” and [what makes landscapes “sacred.”] And if you reach for an energy drink today when you feel yourself dragging, at least you can be fairly sure it doesn’t come with a side of nuclear radiation. It wasn’t the case in the early 1900s, when [radioactive ingredients literally added the energy] to these kinds of beverages. Kalpana Jain Editor, Education Top story Protestors hold a sign outside the state’s Capitol, in Bismarck, North Dakota., John L. Mone/AP [Why understanding Native American religion is important for resolving the Dakota Access Pipeline crisis] Rosalyn R. LaPier, Harvard University A scholar explains what makes landscapes sacred in Native American religion and why there needs to be a better understanding of the ties to the land. Election 2016 - [Maine ballot initiative would let voters rank candidates] Steven Mulroy, University of Memphis What if you could go into a voting booth and rank your first, second and third choices? It could happen in Maine, if voters approve. Environment + Energy - [Here's why daylight saving time isn't worth the trouble it causes] Laura Grant, Claremont McKenna College Daylight saving time advocates say it conserves energy and wins wars. But studies show that injuries and illnesses rise when we switch the clocks. One solution: staying on DST year-round. - [Global climate talks move to Marrakesh: Here's what they need to achieve] Adil Najam, Boston University; Henrik Selin, Boston University Negotiators face a daunting task at the COP22 climate talks in Marrakesh: Build on the momentum of Paris and resolve difficult questions over money for poor countries. Politics + Society - [Dylann Roof, Michael Slager on trial: Five essential reads on Charleston] Danielle Douez, The Conversation Two major trials in the killings of black victims in South Carolina start this week. Learn about the state's past and present struggle with racial violence in this roundup. Science + Technology - [When 'energy' drinks actually contained radioactive energy] Timothy J. Jorgensen, Georgetown University Back in the early 1900s, if you felt a bit sluggish you could reach for a beverage enhanced with radioactive elements to really add some pep to your step. It wouldn't be a healthy choice, though. Economy + Business - [Why voters don't seem to forgive Clinton, while Trump gets a free pass] T. Bettina Cornwell, University of Oregon; Jeffrey Xie, University of Oregon There often appears to be a double standard in how voters and pundits evaluate the candidates. Being perceived as a leader may have a lot to do with it. - [Should oil companies like Exxon be forced to disclose climate change risks?] Paul Griffin, University of California, Davis; Amy Myers Jaffe, University of California, Davis The SEC and others are pressing Exxon to disclose more climate change risks to investors. But new research suggests shareholders are already pricing in those costs on their own. More - [We're hiring!] Maria Balinska, The Conversation The Conversation is looking for an Education Editor and a Philanthropy and Non-profit Editor. - [The Conversation is hiring an education editor] Maria Balinska, The Conversation Do you have a passion for communicating the latest findings on how children learn language or the history of libraries? Do… - [The Conversation is hiring a philanthropy and non-profit editor] Maria Balinska, The Conversation Are you interested in how philanthropy is influencing education and health care? Are you curious about how charities are… [The Conversation on Twitter] [The Conversation on Facebook] 3.7 million unique visitors a month You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly]. We’ll miss you. 745 Atlantic Ave. 8th Floor Boston, MA 02111