Women and Water Reflection

Dr. Karletta Chief, Ruth Pannil, Tina Gargus and Bernice Rodriguez attended the Third Annual Women and Water Convening that took place on November 5-7 on Navajo and Hopi Tribal lands. The convening attracted over 100 Indigenous women and allies, representing more than 15 Tribes. Attendees came together to strengthen Indigenous-led water stewardship, build cross-Tribal partnerships, and create mentorship and leadership opportunities for emerging and established leaders. 

We enjoyed hearing from graduate and undergraduate students during the Strengthening the Indigenous Youth and Women in Water session. Their ideas on how professionals in water and environmental fields can better support them highlighted how we can help pave the way for the next generation of water leaders. We also visited the Little Colorado River, where we learned more about the environmental challenges facing the area. One of the highlights was supporting Dr. Chief during her Navajo Water Hauling presentation. And to top it all off, Jana Schmieding of Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls, comedy set brought a lot of laughs and time for us to unwind. Overall, it was a great few days of learning, connecting and celebrating the work happening across Native communities.