PBS | Aug 2, 2021 6:30 PM EDT
Vast stretches of the Western U.S. are suffering under scorching temperatures, rampant wildfires and a years-long drought that's depleting lakes and reservoirs. The water scarcity is tearing apart one southern Oregon community where farmers, native tribes and endangered species are all struggling to survive this summer. Stephanie Sy has the story.
Read MoreLow oxygen levels in the ocean can wipe out crabs and bottom-dwelling fish. Scientists worry it could create a large “dead zone” off the coast of Oregon and Washington this year.
Oregon is experiencing a shortage of chlorine, the chemical used in small amounts by water treatment facilities to prevent harmful bacteria growth in drinking water supply. State officials say they have a plan to help water districts across Oregon get the chlorine they need if their stockpiles run low and there’s no threat to the water the public depends on.
Read MoreNew solar system provides much-needed drinking water for people on the Reservation.
The Warm Springs Reservation has had long-term, stubborn water issues. This latest solution comes as a collaboration between the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and SOURCE Global, a company that designs off-grid water systems throughout the world.
Read MoreOn March 30, Native News Online published an article about the water crisis on the Warm Springs Reservation, home to the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. The residents of the reservation have had to live with contaminated water for almost five years and the federal and state government has only provided “Band-Aid” fixes, according to one tribal official.
The Warm Springs water crisis reminded me of the long-lasting water crisis in Flint, Mich.
Read MoreIn mid-May, Klamath Tribal members and supporters stood at Sugarman’s Corner in downtown Klamath Falls, Oregon, holding signs like “Ecocide is Cultural Genocide,” “Save the Klamath” and “Honor the Treaty” as part of a caravan rally. The goal was to highlight Indigenous voices and priorities for the Klamath River basin, like protecting culturally important c’wam (Lost River suckers) and koptu (shortnose suckers) endemic to shallow Upper Klamath Lake.
Read MoreATNI’s Changing Currents initiative aims to elevate a tribally-led movement for our waters. We heard early on in this work that storytelling and sharing Native perspectives and experiences of water would be central to building a collective vision. Our latest video features the powerful voices of our youth leaders, The Klamath Tribes’ Chairman Gentry, who has been a champion for this work from the beginning, and Changing Currents co-founder, Direlle Calica.
