Water

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of life for the Colorado River Indian Tribes?

Water (correct)

Solar energy

Federal projects

Land

What has been the outcome of CRIT's legal efforts regarding artifacts?

Artifacts were returned to the Tribes after lengthy legal efforts (correct)

Artifacts were warehoused in curation facilities at local museums

Artifacts were sold on online websites like Sotheby's

Artifacts were destroyed by mining companies

What is the purpose of the film 'Beyond All Boundaries'?

To promote tourism in the western United States

To raise awareness about the importance of solar energy

To showcase the beauty of the Colorado River

To expose major challenges for CRIT in the present day (correct)

Why are CRIT's water rights more important to uphold now than before?

Because of the increasing value of water in a time of drought Signup and view all the answers

What has been the approach of CRIT's current leaders in dealing with outside entities?

Upholding traditions while challenging outside entities when necessary Signup and view all the answers

What has been the outcome of CRIT's efforts to reclaim artifacts?

The artifacts have been returned and reburyed with tribal customs Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical context of CRIT's fight for its rights?

A history of attempts to subjugate native peoples Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary contention of the Navajo Nation in the treaty?

To ensure they have enough water to maintain their land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the context of the 1868 treaty, according to Justice Neil Gorsuch?

The Long Walk, a forced march by the federal government to relocate the Navajo Nation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concern of the court in relation to water allocation in the west?

That it may lead to decreased water for other parties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated amount of brackish water that Arizona sits on top of?

600 million acre-feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the decline in per capita water usage in Phoenix?

Charging more for water in the summer Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome of conservation efforts in the Lower Colorado Basin?

Municipal water use will decline, but population will continue to grow Signup and view all the answers

What is the biggest problem facing Arizona, according to Ross of New York University?

Denial of climate change Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected growth rate of the Sun Corridor region?

The population will double by 2040 Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for developers in Arizona under state law?

To prove they have a 100-year supply of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of water for the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District?

The Colorado River Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected impact of the withering of Arizona on the state's population?

It will primarily affect the impoverished communities Signup and view all the answers

What is the long-standing understanding of indigenous peoples in North America with regards to their physical environments?

An intimate relationship Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the value and knowledge systems of indigenous communities?

They are based on the ecosystems and sacred places that shape their world Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges that face indigenous people regarding the management of water?

Their opposition to the commodification of water for availability to select individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for external researchers seeking to work with indigenous peoples on water research or management?

To design research or water management projects that respect indigenous cultural contexts Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of indigenous cultural contexts?

The ecosystems and sacred places that shape their world Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration for collaborative water management involving indigenous peoples?

The cultural contexts and histories of indigenous peoples Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of indigenous governance models?

Their connection to the ecosystems and sacred places that shape their world Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of water in many indigenous cultures?

A living entity that gives life and supports individual health Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of water in the creation story of Anishinaabe people?

A source and supporter of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the approach of many indigenous people to their relationship with the environment?

Respect and reciprocity with the natural environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of water in Diné culture?

It is considered essential for life and health Signup and view all the answers

How do many indigenous people view their relationship with water?

As a living entity that requires respect and care Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the guidelines developed by indigenous scholars for the use and integration of traditional knowledge into management planning efforts?

To increase understanding of the role of traditional knowledge in climate initiatives Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of engagement outlined in the guidelines for the use and integration of traditional knowledge?

To ensure fairness, early engagement, and transparency, with the right to engage or disengage at any time Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the five case studies discussed in the context of engaging Southwestern tribes on water management and water topics?

The manner in which tribes were engaged, the effectiveness of engagement, and the desires and concerns resulting from the engagement of the tribe Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of recognizing multiple knowledge systems in the context of environmental research and management?

It recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge in environmental decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing an institutional interface between federal agencies and indigenous tribes in the context of environmental research and management?

To promote the participation of indigenous tribes in federal decision-making processes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Supreme Court Ruling on Navajo Nation Water Rights

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled against the Navajo Nation's request for a court order requiring the federal government to determine the Nation's water needs and devise a plan to meet those needs.
The majority held that the 1868 Treaty of Bosque Redondo established no federal obligation to secure water for the Navajo Nation.

Treaty Interpretation

The majority viewed Indian treaties as establishing rights to resources such as land, timber, minerals, and water, with each property right a "stick in the bundle of property rights that make up a reservation."
This interpretation placed the burden on the Navajo Nation to show that the treaty explicitly required the United States to do more than merely recognize tribal water rights.

Navajo Nation's Argument

The Nation argued that the 1868 treaty did more than establish bare property rights, establishing an ongoing relationship between the tribe and the United States.
The Nation claimed that the treaty created a duty of protection, obligating the federal government to act to fulfill the purposes of the treaty.

Justice Gorsuch's Dissent

Gorsuch argued that the court should have applied the canons of construing Indian treaties, which require interpreting treaty language as tribal treaty negotiators would have understood it.
He emphasized the historical context of the 1868 treaty, which arose from the Long Walk in 1864, and noted that the treaty promised the Navajo Nation adequate resources, including water, to fulfill its purposes.

Climate Change and Water Allocation

The decision was released amidst a severe drought in the desert southwest, and the court acknowledged that water allocation in the west is a zero-sum game.
The majority noted that Congress has agreed to establish water infrastructure for the Navajo Nation, at a cost of billions of dollars.

Justice Thomas's Concurrence

Thomas concurred with the majority opinion and suggested that the court revisit foundational principles of federal Indian law, including the canons of construction of Indian treaties.

The Hohokam Civilization

Lived in the arid Southwest, now buried beneath modern-day Phoenix, Arizona, and its suburbs
Characterized by farm fields irrigated by the Salt and Gila rivers with a sophisticated system of canals
Only prehistoric culture in North America with such an advanced farming system
Collapsed due to a 23-year drought in 1276, causing people to disperse across the landscape

Modern-Day Phoenix and Water Crisis

Phoenix faces water scarcity due to drought and climate change
City relies on Colorado River water, which is dwindling
Water services director, Kathryn Sorensen, says Phoenix is prepared to cope with water scarcity
City has alternative water supplies, but needs to build $500 million infrastructure to pipe it to northern parts of the city
Phoenix may need water sooner than planned, with the possibility of hitting "dead pool" in four years

Water Conservation Efforts

Phoenix has decoupled growth from water use, using the same amount of water as 20 years ago despite adding 400,000 more people
City has increased water rates in summer to discourage water usage
Per capita water usage has declined 30% over the last 20 years
Phoenix recycles almost all wastewater, with most going to cool the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant

Arizona's Water Future

Arizona has a unique system of underground water storage, with seven water banks storing 3.6 million acre-feet of water
State has considered desalination of seawater, but it's energy-intensive and environmentally problematic
Arizona sits on top of 600 million acre-feet of brackish water, which could be treated in the future

Growth and Climate Change

Arizona's growth continues, with a new tech city emerging west of Phoenix
The state is expected to double its population by 2040
Climate change poses a significant threat to Arizona's water security, with impoverished communities likely to be affected the most

Indigenous Peoples' Relationship with Water

Indigenous peoples in North America have a long history of understanding their societies as having an intimate relationship with their physical environments.
Their cultures, traditions, and identities are based on the ecosystems and sacred places that shape their world.

Water in Indigenous Cultures

Water is considered sacred and is part of religious and cultural practices for purification, prayers, and various ceremonies.
Water is integrated with respect for the water as a living entity that gives life and supports the health, integrity, and character of an individual.
In Diné culture, water is part of their identities and origin stories, with deities and clans named after water.

Indigenous Values and Knowledge Systems

Indigenous people have unique value and knowledge systems that differ from the dominant United States settler society.
These values and knowledge systems are based on their relationships with the environment and cosmos.
Indigenous people believe that human and nonhuman individuals come from the earth and that harmony is dependent on being a steward of the natural environment.

Southwestern Tribes and Water Management

There are 182 federally recognized tribes with tribal lands in the six states of the Southwestern United States.
A group of indigenous scholars has developed guidelines for the use and integration of traditional knowledge into management planning efforts.
The guidelines outline principles of engagement and protocols for engaging tribes when it relates to traditional knowledge and understanding the risks tribes face.

Guidelines for Engagement

The eight guidelines are: (1) understand traditional knowledge, (2) know that tribes have a right not to participate, (3) communicate risks to tribes, (4) establish an institutional interface, (5) train federal agency on traditional knowledge, (6) establish specific directions to uphold TK protections, (7) recognize multiple knowledge systems, and (8) develop guidelines for review of grant proposals.

Case Studies

Five case studies involving engaging Southwestern tribes on water management and water topics will be discussed.
The case studies will cover the manner in which tribes were engaged, the effectiveness of engagement, and the desires and concerns resulting from the engagement of the tribe.

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What is Traditional Ecological Knowledge and how is it related to Academic Ecological Knowledge and the science of people (a.k.a., Anthropology) TEK related to AEK and people?