Promoting Connection to Local Water
Our water helps us to live. Whether all is well with our water or we are facing challenges related to it, it is always valuable to revisit our connection to our water. Recognizing our cultural ties and connection to our local water has the potential to influence our attitude towards it and also provides us the opportunity to start important water-centered conversations.
The resources below include some of our favorite approaches to engaging the community, celebrating water culture, sharing knowledge, getting a message out and starting important conversations about water.
Water Is Life – Celebrating Water Culture Through Art
At the Tribal Water Center, one of our favorite ways to celebrate local water culture is through art. Click on the link below to learn more about the Water is Life project, an art-based approach that engages the community in a week of water-related activities culminating in the reveal of a large scale work of art representing the local water culture.
Tomorrow’s Ancestors Speak – Sharing the Traditional Water Knowledge of Elders
The Tomorrow’s Ancestors Speak project helps to share the knowledge carried by Native Elders. The project carries their water-focused messages primarily through videos shared on various social media platforms. Many of their videos are in Spanish, but you’ll also find videos by Houston Cypress of Miccosukee Tribe and Anishinabeg Elder, Chief Al Baker in English. Uniting youth to help record the knowledge of Elders in your community could serve as a powerful avenue for re-connecting with your local water.
Water, Use It Wisely – Games, Activities and Concrete Tips for Conservation
The Water – Use It Wisely campaign was developed to offer clear tips for water conservation in Southwest. The campaign website offers a variety of games and activities to help children learn more about water.
Crucial Conversations – A Guide for Effectively Discussing Challenging Topics
Because water is so essential to our survival, we tend to take discussions surrounding our access to it very personally. The following guide offers advice on engaging in conversation when opinions vary, stakes are high and/or emotions run strong.