A Bitter Pill to Swallow
Saint Joseph Villa Zoomers Discuss the COVID-19 Impact on America's Indian Nations
by Julie Gabell, SSJ Associate
“You cannot see the future with tears in your eyes."
This pithy bit of Native American wisdom points an accusing finger at the heart of America—a heart which comes up close and personal to an American past that for centuries has failed to recognize the birthright of its indigenous peoples. This week the Zoomers took a close look at the hardships endured by those who were part and partial of the American landscape long before Ponce de Leon ever put foot on our soil.
Today COVID-19 has taken its toll on the Indian Nations particularly throughout the Southwest. But another public health issue goes hand in hand with the pandemic itself: the lack of access to safe, running water. For a people living on arid terrain deemed worthless by our government, running water is a luxury. Washing hands during a pandemic is not. Survival is bound to take a nose-dive when Native Americans must travel miles to reach a community spigot serving 900 people. How do families manage to carry water over desolate desert roads for drinking, bathing, and simple lifestyle needs?
Relief monies such as the Federal CARES Act come with restrictions that require funds to be repaid by the end of the calendar year. This borders the impossible when it takes an estimated two years and $300 million dollars to get a substantial water infrastructure off the ground. Additionally, in instance after instance, the Federal government has left tribal officials out of key water-policy negotiations, sacrificing Native American needs to personal gain. It remains a Catch 22 situation.
In an effort to increase our understanding of Native American problems, Zoomers viewed two relevant videos: 1) “An investigation into the living conditions of the Navajo nation,” and 2) “Off the grid Navajo residents are getting running Water.” These two eye-opening clips describe a Navajo Nation, 300,000 strong, where over 40% live in extreme poverty– third-world conditions in the midst of an affluent United States of America! When you consider a disenfranchised people for whom harmony with their environment is at the core of their culture, this unwelcome disconnect is a bitter pill to swallow.
“When a man moves away from nature his heart becomes hard.”
The plight of the Native American is just one more notch in a tight belt of community misfortune. One with the air, wind, sky, and WATER, their ultimate survival is firmly linked to a deep respect for Mother Earth and an enviable spirituality that enables them to rise above the daily rubs.
“Be still and the earth will speak to you.”
We, who enjoy the benefits of a privileged world, need to take a hard look at how we can best help those less fortunate. Somehow, we who stripped the Indians of a future that rightfully belonged to them must create a door for the American Indian to walk through.
Note: After a four-year legal battle, a judge has ordered a full-fledged environmental analysis examining the risk the Dakota Access Pipeline poses to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Earthjustice is in court on behalf of the Tribe defending this court decision and pushing for a shutdown. We ask that you consider writing to your members of Congress to advocate for justice and sovereignty for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
