Turned On

Pool Your Resources

A problem looms

The Lacuna people live on the eastern flanks of the Rocky Mountains. Until recently, water has been the last thing on their mind. There has always been plenty. Now, it seems, it’s the only thing on their minds.

Running out

Nearby farming and residential development has reduced the quality and quantity of water in their reservoir dramatically. This summer, for the first time, drinking water had to be trucked into their community.

Looking for answers

Hank, the band administrator, was desperate for a solution. Turning to New Earth Village, he found others with similar concerns. Together, they pooled their resources and formed SWIPE - Sustainable Water for Indigenous Peoples of the Earth, a research, lobby and direct action group.

Action

The group’s lawyer established that the Lacuna have historic upstream water rights and has filed an injunction against upstream users. The government has funded a mobile water service and beefed up storage tanks as a short term solution. Discussions are underway to find long range answers.

Swiping at injustice

SWIPE now has members across North America and beyond. It serves as a resource centre and advocates on behalf of indigenous communities and the environment on water issues. SWIPE also offers internships to young indigenous students in the areas of environmental law, water management, resource conflict resolution, sustainable practice, and community and regional planning.

The Point:

Multi-community initiatives can lead to the formation of organizations with specialized expertise which can then serve the needs of the greater indigenous community far more effectively than individual communities going it alone.