WATER AND CULTURE: Using the Diné Cradleboard Framework and Są’ah Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhǫ́ǫ́n (SBNH) to Understand How Indigenous Origin Stories Direct Indigenous Water Perspectives

Abstract

The phrase ‘use of natural resources by Native Americans (NAs) is denoted in several ways. One is caretakers while another is care for land, others are guardians, stewardship, and others. The other concept is to use only what is needed responsibly. In 2018, a report mandated by Congress stated, “The quality and quantity of water available for use by people and ecosystems across the country are being affected by climate change, increasing risks and costs to agriculture, energy production, industry, recreations, and the environment.” (U.S. Global Change Research Program, 2018). The uncertainty of water available for tribal and non-tribal stakeholders has provoked tensions and disagreements in the process of allocating water among water rights stakeholders. The problem is the declining rate of available water due to the anthropogenic activities’ effect on climate according to the scientific community (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2019; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Board, 2005; U.S. Global Change Research Program, 2018; World Resources Institute, 2020). The specific problem relative to NAs and climate change is the group of stakeholders who are making policy decisions for water allocations is not considering the disproportionately negative effects being forced on the NA communities who hold critical amounts of water rights, moreover, have a contrasting worldview not comprehended by the group of non-NA stakeholders. The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to explore the influence of Indigenous People’s origin stories upon their perception (belief system) of the state of water rights and their relationship with water rights stakeholders. This study involved the analysis of the transcripts of the University of Arizona 2015 Annual Water Resources Research Conference, concerning two research questions: (1) What are the influences of Indigenous People’s origin stories that may have contributed to the perceptions of the state of water rights? (2) What are the influences of Indigenous People’s origin stories that may have contributed to the Indigenous People’s relationship(s) with water rights stakeholders? Relating to the first research question, this study uncovered themes relating to (A) Purpose of origin stories, (B) Places, sacredness, (C) We do not own anything given by Holy People, (D) Water as a sacred element, (E) Spirituality is our way of life. Relating to the second research question, this study found (A) Teaching the future generation, youth, (B) Water resources should flow freely, (C) Conflict over water resources, (D) Water value, (E) We are not all the same. Recommendations for future practice include knowing the Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Future research is recommended in the legal discipline for effectively remaining at the table and having a voice.