Climate change impacts on the water resources of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the U.S.

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of climate change impacts on tribal water resources and the subsequent cascading effects on the livelihoods and cultures of American Indians and Alaska Natives living on tribal lands in the U.S. A hazards and vulnerability framework for understanding these impacts is first presented followed by context on the framework components, including climate, hydrologic, and ecosystem changes (i.e. hazards)

Acts of God: Continuities and change in Christian responses to extreme weather events from early modernity to the present

“…Accordingly, that change has disrupted the political, environmental and spiritual lives of tribes. The authors note that this has been especially problematic because water has been “integral to many Native American practices such as purification and blessing rituals and is used to acknowledge all relations and to establish connection to Mother Earth and Father Sky” (Cozetto et al, , p. 570). The authors find that on a spiritual and cultural level American Indians and Alaska Natives are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions of climate change.…”

“…“They are keepers of complex and extensive bodies of ecological and societal knowledge,” they observe, “passed on through generations. They strongly associate cultural identities and traditional knowledge with their waters and lands and seek spiritual and religious inspiration from them” (Cozetto et al, , p. 574). The destruction of traditional ways of life and spiritual practice are more acute today—with the frequency of extreme weather, drought and unseasonal storms—than at any point in the modern era.…”

“…The destruction of traditional ways of life and spiritual practice are more acute today—with the frequency of extreme weather, drought and unseasonal storms—than at any point in the modern era. The authors contend that “in contrast to the non‐tribal utilitarian view of water, Native Americans revere water and water is life” (Cozetto et al, , p. 570). Indeed, since the period of first contact between colonizers and tribal peoples different understandings of environment, natural resources, weather and ecology led to long‐lasting and brutal conflicts.…”

Using the Washoe Language to Inform Hydrologic and Environmental Models

“…Scientists often find it especially challenging to explain their definitions of uncertainty to nonscientists. While their connection to and dependence on the natural world may make indigenous communities some of the most vulnerable to climate change (Cozzetto et al ), there may be values and lessons inherent in their unique cultures that can increase their ability to remain resilient under extensive climate variability. Climate in the Great Basin, USA, is generally defined by its extreme aridity; however, due to its complex topography it also has one of the most variable climates in the western United States both spatially and temporally (Hatchett et al ).…”

Tribal Water Rights: Exploring Dam Construction in Indian Country

“…24 The resulting impacts of the Pick-Sloan River Basin project on Tribes underscores this vulnerability. Over 550 square miles of Tribal land in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska were destroyed.…”