Tó éí iiná translates to “water is life,” an essential aspect for all Indigenous people. It encompasses the importance of nature and recognizing Indigenous people as the original caretakers of the land that they reside on. Water is an essential part of understanding the land and preserving the history & memory it carries. Nothing can exist without water and many Indigenous communities today still struggle for access to water.
This series focuses on understanding the changes happening to waterways here in the United States and the many Indigenous people who continue to fight for its protection. Current situations such as the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline and access to clean water for over 30 tribes in the southwest are just a few examples of the ongoing fight to protect water and land. Water is an essential part of many Indigenous practices, and respect is needed for what it continues to provide for all. Each piece is a dedication to our ancestors, the land we reside on, and the memories that exist within.
