As we stand in this time of climate chaos, rampant colonialism, and the commodification and exploitation of the Sacred Sources of Life, we have a responsibility to align, protect, and act in reciprocity with ALL Relatives, human and more-than-human. We asked ourselves, “What can WE do in the face of such overwhelming imbalance?”
We had a vision. We introduced a possibility. The possibility of forming an Alliance to protect the Rights of Water. We planned, and we were intentional. We incorporated everything we had learned and every connection we had made over the last four years of hosting the Convenings of the Four Winds.
We gathered in community. We shared. We dreamed. WE birthed an Alliance for the protection of the waters that connect us all – the Intertribal Rights of Rivers Alliance (IROR).
💧WE FLOW LIKE WATER
For three days in September, more than 60 Indigenous Peoples, Experienced Leaders, and Emerging Leaders, all with deep connections to climate justice, Rights of Nature, and Water Protection, representing over 40 Tribal Nations from across Turtle Island, arrived at the Ponca Earthen Lodge. Located on five beautiful acres, within the original jurisdictional boundaries of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, the Ponca Pathata Women’s Scalp Dance Society and Movement Rights co-hosted the inaugural gathering of the Intertribal Rights of Rivers Alliance. The land on which we gathered, just over the hill from the Arkansas River, along the banks of Coyote Creek, is a model of Indigenous-led Just Transition – solar power, composting, food sovereignty, and the Earthen Lodge itself are representative of reciprocity and balance.
View the PHOTO GALLERY of the IROR gathering here!
💧WE RISE LIKE WATER
Welcomed by Ponca Tribal Chairman Trey Howe, with good intentions and ceremony, attendees met for three days in intense triple-digit heat to discuss how a long-term Alliance might strengthen Tribal Sovereignty, support communities fighting AI Hyperscale Data Centers, and halt exploitation by extractive economies to build and enhance our collective power to protect the Sacred Waters we share.
On the third day, when Pathata Drumkeeper and Movement Rights’ Board Chair Casey Camp-Horinek asked, “Who is ready to become part of the Intertribal Rights of Rivers (IROR) Alliance?” In unison, the circle of water protectors raised their hands and formally became founding members of IROR.
💧WE ARE WATER
We gathered in ceremony to build a long-term, Indigenous-led Rights of Nature alliance. We departed as Relatives connected by Water. It was truly historic, and it felt glorious. The IROR Alliance has officially launched, and now the work of the Alliance truly begins.
Those assembled stood up to offer their time and talents to architect the Alliance’s structure, to draft a public Declaration, and to strategize the best ways to build power, grow the Alliance, and support grassroots needs to protect the Rights of Rivers and all bodies of water.
Just one day after the IROR gathering, the Movement Rights delegation, including Board Chair Casey Camp-Horinek, Indigenous Programs Director Julia Horinek, and Executive Director Shannon Biggs, traveled to New York City for Climate Action Week, where we hosted a standing-room-only public IROR launch. This event, and others we were honored to attend, will continue to carry Rights of Rivers’ work forward, on a wave of interconnectedness and power.
💧Please join us on this journey! 3 Ways to support the Waters:
- If you represent an Indigenous Community or Organization and are interested in learning more about IROR and how to participate, contact [email protected].
- If you are able to support IROR and the work ahead to protect water, we invite you to become a Raindrop with a contribution of any amount. Please donate here.
- Help us spread the word! Please share our work with your friends, family, and fellow water protectors and ask them to subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.