Navajo officials tell lawmakers the government should secure reliable water for tribes
Navajo officials ask lawmakers to work harder to secure water supplies The Arizona Republic
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Navajo Nation Struggles with Clean Water Access
Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley addressed the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, highlighting the ongoing challenge of clean water access for tribal communities. She emphasized that many Navajo citizens still struggle to find clean drinking water and called for help to secure reliable supplies. Curley stated that the challenges facing the Navajo Nation concerning water access are long-standing and coincide with the American presence in Diné Bikeyah.
Investments in Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
The bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act allocated $3.5 billion for water and sanitation infrastructure to Indian Health Services, and about $2.5 billion to fully fund water rights settlements. This funding has assisted in addressing the water access issues in tribal communities.
Water Access Impacts on Navajo Nation
About 30% of Navajo Nation homes lack running water, exacerbating the effects of COVID-19 on the tribe during the pandemic. Curley emphasized that ensuring water access is not only a moral obligation but also the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibility.
Obstacles to a Water Settlement
The Navajo Nation is working towards streamlining the environmental clearance process to expedite the deployment of funding from Indian Health Services. However, there are no federal programs specifically addressing water access for economic development. Curley highlighted that water settlements are crucial for securing federal funding and authorization to design and construct water projects that will provide drinkable water and promote economic development.
White House Seeks Funding for Water Rights
The Biden administration recognizes the long-standing water crises in Native communities and supports the resolution of Indian water rights claims through negotiated settlements. The administration has proposed mandatory funding for over 10 years to fund Indian water rights settlements, including expanding the Indian water right completion fund and covering ongoing costs.
Challenges in Securing Tribal Water Rights
The Supreme Court decision regarding Navajo water claims determined that the United States has no obligation to determine water rights and secure supplies for the tribe, reversing a previous ruling. This decision poses challenges for tribes in securing their water rights. Congress needs to rectify this flawed decision and reaffirm its commitment to the trust responsibility.
Government’s Responsibility in Water Infrastructure
Tribal self-determination requires the federal government to fulfill its trust responsibility. Congress should enhance tribal capacity by passing relevant bills and providing assistance in securing tribal water rights. Funding for water infrastructure is essential, but tribes also need support in acquiring funding and building the necessary workforce to implement projects.
Data Collection and Progress Monitoring
Accurate data collection is crucial for monitoring progress in addressing water access issues. Committee member Sen. Ben Ray Lujan highlighted the need for tribes to share costs and emphasized the importance of working together to reduce the number of households without running water, electricity, or broadband.
Conclusion
The Navajo Nation and other tribal communities continue to face significant challenges in accessing clean drinking water. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, are essential in addressing these issues and ensuring that all communities have access to safe and reliable water sources. It is the responsibility of the federal government to fulfill its trust and treaty obligations and work towards securing water rights for Native communities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
- Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
- Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations. | Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road. |
Analysis
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Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
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What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Under SDG 6, the specific targets identified are Target 6.1: achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all, and Target 6.2: achieving access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
- Under SDG 9, the specific target identified is Target 9.1: developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
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Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
- Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.
- Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.
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Source: azcentral.com
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