Title:

Native Peoples and the Water Nations I: Hydroscapes and Identities

Description:

The relationship between native peoples and water is complex and diverse, depending on culture and climate, but is always one of intimacy and respect. Elders speak of the "water nations" as another group with whom societies interact in important and reciprocal ways. But State policies have often seized control of water, changing courses of streams, building dams, allocating water rights, and other practices that interfere both with the course of water and with the relationships that native peoples have to water—from decreasing availability to flooding native lands. Climate change is now exacerbating water issues in many parts of the world, and Indigenous peoples tend to be particularly vulnerable to these changes. This first of two sessiosn presents papers concerned with water issues and Indigenous peoples, explore issues of "hydroscapes" and identity.

Anticipated Attendance:

100

Organizers:

Chairs:

Participants:

Sponsorships:

Indigenous Peoples Specialty Group, Water Resources Specialty Group;
Cultural and Political Ecology Specialty Group