Summary of "Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation" | Canadaland Investigates
Introduction In the premiere episode of "Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation," part of the Canadaland Investigates series, Navajo journalist Charlie Edcity delves into the enduring struggle of the Navajo Nation to secure clean and reliable water sources. Hosted by Nouraz Ria, the episode intertwines personal narratives with historical context to illuminate the systemic challenges faced by the Navajo people in accessing this fundamental resource.
The Daily Struggle for Water Charlie Edcity begins his journey on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona, highlighting the stark reality that one-third of Navajo households lack access to clean drinking water. He introduces Kyle Lewis, a 40-year-old retiree from the United States Marine Corps, who has returned to his family's community, Standing Horse, to assist with water hauling and livestock care.
Notable Quote:
"How did the people who were here first end up last in line for water in the driest part of the United States?" – Charlie Edcity [03:32]
Kyle's daily routine involves long trips to a communal water pump located approximately 30 miles away. These trips are not only time-consuming but also financially burdensome, as the cost of hauling water privately can be up to 71 times higher than municipal rates. The lack of infrastructure forces families like Kyle's to rely on manual labor and scarce water sources, often contaminated and unreliable.
Notable Quote:
"We don't rely on the federal government or the tribe. And that's what makes, I think, the Standing Horse culture. We just kind of take care of ourselves out here." – Kyle Lewis [40:47]
Historical Context: The Long Walk and Its Aftermath Edcity provides a historical backdrop, tracing the origins of the Navajo water crisis to the mid-19th century during the era of Western expansion and Manifest Destiny. He recounts the tragic events of the Long Walk, where Brigadier General James H. Carleton and Kit Carson forcibly relocated thousands of Navajo people to Bosque Redondo in New Mexico. This coerced migration not only decimated the population but also severed the Navajo from their ancestral lands and water sources.
Notable Quote:
"It's that that restricted the future of a tribe trying to thrive in the Southwest." – Charlie Edcity [29:19]
Edcity further explains the 1868 treaty that promised the Navajo a permanent homeland but failed to address water rights. This omission has had lasting repercussions, leaving the Navajo Nation without a guaranteed share of the Colorado River's water despite their proximity to its basin.
Modern Water Laws and Their Impact The episode delves into the complexities of Western water law, particularly the Colorado River Compact of 1922, which allocated water based on priority rather than need. This system favored early settlers and states like California, leading to over-allocation and neglect of indigenous water rights. As a result, the Navajo Nation remains excluded from significant water allocations, perpetuating their dependence on unreliable and unsafe water sources.
Notable Quote:
"The Colorado River is the largest river basin in the United States, yet the Navajo Nation has no guaranteed share of its waters." – Charlie Edcity [35:29]
The Human Cost: COVID-19 Pandemic The narrative shifts to recent events, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated water scarcity issues on the reservation. With water sources becoming even more limited, the Navajo faced heightened vulnerability, particularly among the elderly who are the keepers of oral histories and cultural traditions.
Notable Quote:
"It took a pandemic and deaths for people to finally pay attention to what was happening in our community." – Charlie Edcity [38:22]
Personal Stories: Kyle Lewis and His Family Through Kyle Lewis's story, the episode humanizes the broader water crisis. Kyle's commitment to his community is evident as he balances daily water hauling with raising his children. His efforts to install earth dams aim to capture rare rainfall, reducing the dependency on distant water sources and fostering a sense of self-sufficiency within the community.
Notable Quote:
"My job is to not make my kids want to come back. My job is to want them to come back on their own, to feel a part of it, to be proud of it, and to want to carry it on." – Kyle Lewis [43:57]
Kyle's narrative underscores the generational impact of water scarcity, emphasizing the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for his family.
Legal Battle: Arizona vs. Navajo Nation Edcity sets the stage for the ongoing legal confrontation between Arizona and the Navajo Nation over water rights. The episode teases a forthcoming deep dive into this courtroom drama, highlighting its significance in the fight for justice and recognition of indigenous rights.
Notable Quote:
"This series is not about feeling sorry for us. It's about justice. It's about my tribe's attempt to finally have their voice heard." – Charlie Edcity [47:44]
Conclusion and Looking Forward "Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation" offers a profound exploration of the intersection between history, law, and personal struggle. By weaving together individual stories with broader systemic issues, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the Navajo Nation's enduring battle for water justice. The series promises to continue unpacking these complexities in subsequent episodes, shedding light on the resilience and agency of the Navajo people as they seek to reclaim their lifeblood.
Production Credits The episode was produced by Madeline Wood, Camille Peterson, Kiara Powell, and Amirah Williams, with contributions from Emily Schutz and Marwa. Edited by Gianna Palmer, with cultural consultation by Heather Tanana, and music by Evan Viola. Special thanks were given to Liz Alessi, Lakia Brown, Josh Cohan, Laura Mayer, Christine Howard, and Arlene Howard.
Upcoming Episodes Listeners can look forward to an in-depth examination of case 2114 84, Arizona versus the Navajo Nation, where the tribe's right to water will be fiercely contested in court. The series aims to provide an unvarnished look at the legal and human battles underlying the fight for water rights.
Final Thoughts Through meticulous reporting and compelling storytelling, Canadaland Investigates sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked issue. "Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation" serves as both an informative and emotional journey, urging listeners to recognize and support the Navajo Nation's quest for water justice.