Water Protection in the Native World: A Case Study at Chief Plenty Coups State Park

Abstract

Indigenous communities may suffer greater impacts from water contamination and scarcity than predominantly non-Native communities, for multiple reasons. A review of publications by Native water scientists and Indigenous communities working to address Tribal water issues illustrates common themes and challenges, and provides perspective on water issues and actions at Chief Plenty Coups Spring on the Crow (Apsaalooke) Reservation. For Tribes, water is not simply a physical “resource;” it is culturally significant to Indigenous people across the world. Their traditional connection to place and respect for the Earth strengthens ties. Hence, many indigenous communities link cultural and language revitalization with environmental restoration. Historical context and jurisdictional complexities are at play with water issues in Tribal communities, complicating restoration and environmental protection efforts. Tribes are in government-to-government relationships with federal, state and County governments, and have their own Tribal political organizations, laws and courts. Land ownership may be a patchwork of Trust, fee and federal lands. In the face of these structural challenges, an environmental health literacy program can inform and motivate Tribal community members about local water issues. Growing awareness about water issues has resulted in a community of Indigenous water scientists and “water protectors” who are working to steward their Tribal waters. Coupled with the motivation of Indigenous identity and world view, science approaches provide data that are powerful in guiding decisions and shaping policy and practices. The Crow Environmental Steering Committee (CEHSC) and collaborators from Montana State University (MSU) have been sampling Chief Plenty Coups Spring at Chief Plenty Coups State Park, along with upgradient wells and surface waters, since 2013. The spring waters, contaminated with E. coli, have also had high nitrate and chloride levels, suggesting septic system influence. The state partners were aware about the issue at the spring. CEHSC, MSU and State Park employees worked together to undertake basic maintenance and improve drainage of the septic system and associated sump pumps. This partnership, the commitment of the Crow Tribal members involved, and the acquisition and presentation of water quality data resulted in the State taking action to address the contamination of this culturally vital spring.