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Tribal perspectives in water resources and education are often overlooked. Only recently, the field of hydrologic sciences began to include people in conducting science (Sivapalan et al. 2012) and to value indigenous perspectives with western science (Huntington 2002; Redsteer et al. 2012). The April 2018 issue of Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education (JCWRE) explores emerging voices in tribal communities related to water resources quality and quantity and impacts to tribal water resources such as climate change and water use. This special issue begins with three foundational papers, providing a baseline understanding on water quality regulation, water quality disparities, and tribal economies as they relate to water settlements. The special issue features articles focusing on various water challenges facing tribes and the role of tribal colleges in addressing these challenges. There are less than 0.3% of Native American graduate students and post-doctorates in Science and Engineering and only a handful in hydrologic sciences and related sciences (NCSES 2016). While tribal lands are rich in natural resources and have significant water challenges (Cozetto et al. 2007; Smith and Frehner 2010), it is very unique that 67% of the lead authors are Native American including three Native American faculty, three Native American graduate students, and one Tribal College and University (TCU) Faculty. A deep discussion on water challenges facing tribes and Native American scientists working on these challenges are emerging voices of tribal perspectives in water resources.
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Perspectives on water resources among Native and non-Native residents of the Great Lakes Region
Abstract: Climate change and human population growth could reduce household water availability in the historically water-rich Great Lakes region. It is critical to understand human-water relationships in advance of policy actions that could result from reduced water supplies. Research on household water conservation typically occurs in a reactionary nature, in settings that are already water-stressed. Furthermore, few studies involve Native American perspectives on this important topic. We used semi-structured interviews to assess residents’ perspectives of Great Lakes water resources and views on household conservation, involving distinct samples of Native American and non-Native residents. Although interviewees deeply value the region’s water resources, few practice household conservation or plan to do so in the future. Few perceive others in the region as conserving water. Beliefs about water-related problems are focused more on water quality than supply. Native American interviewees expressed deeper spiritual values toward water than non-Native interviewees. Findings can help inform policy and outreach strategies and provide a rich foundation for follow-up quantitative research testing the Theory of Planned Behavior’s ability to explain household conservation intentions in the Great Lakes region.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1747709
- PAR ID:
- 10073931
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of contemporary water research and education
- Issue:
- 163
- ISSN:
- 1936-704X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 94-108
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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