Reflection

Reflection

Contaminated water is a global crisis, causing nearly a million deaths every year from sanitation and hygiene-related diseases. Because indigenous communities rely on traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, and harvesting, they are disproportionately affected by this crisis. Additionally, forms of infrastructure associated with pollution, like mines and pipelines, are often located on indigenous lands. Studies show that many cases of ill health in indigenous people are linked to pollution and poor water quality in their territories. Nevertheless, even in the face of these challenges, indigenous peoples have shown perseverance, wisdom, and ingenuity, thinking several generations ahead and enacting climate action plans to protect their way of life. Reports indicate that habitats in their communities are degrading less rapidly than in other areas. Indigenous peoples manage natural resources better and play important roles in maintaining biodiversity. I was inspired to address the issue of water pollution for indigenous communities and people of color because, as a Mexican-American with indigenous blood, I am a member of these communities myself. I admire and take pride in the stewardship of land and water by my people, and I hope to continue this legacy by taking action in my own life. I eat a mostly vegetarian diet and conserve water at home, and I'd like to have an organic garden in the future. For my painting, I used trash like food wrappers and plastic bags to emphasize the damage that water pollution—especially plastic pollution—does to indigenous populations. By echoing the Black Lives Matter slogan "I can't breathe," I wanted to drive home the point that water pollution is not just an environmental issue but also a social justice issue. We should look to indigenous populations as a model for what we can all do to protect land and water resources for future generations.