Creation Covenant Alliance

The Leaders Will Be the Water Protectors

Indigenous communities lead crucial environmental battles, showcasing resilience and challenging harmful industries.
Rebecca Jim

Indigenous Communities Lead Key Environmental Efforts

Rebecca Jim

Contamination from lead, arsenic, and other toxins in northeastern Oklahoma’s Tar Creek has impacted many children of the Quapaw Nation. This community exemplifies resilience, as do many Indigenous communities facing similar challenges.

The Tar Creek Superfund site is the first to have its cleanup led by an Indigenous tribe. Once part of the Tri-State Mining District, it supplied over 75% of the lead and zinc for American munitions in both World Wars.

By the early 1970s, mining ceased, leaving hundreds of open mines and boreholes. Toxic metals surfaced, contaminating the creek and harming the local community. In 1979, the creek turned bright orange due to iron in the water, highlighting the environmental devastation.

The mining operations left behind “chat” piles containing lead and other metals. Children unknowingly played on these hazardous piles before the dangers were understood.

In the 1990s, tests by the Indian Health Service revealed high blood lead levels in 35% of Native American children in the area, with one study showing levels 11 times the state average.

Rebecca Jim, of Cherokee descent, began working in Tar Creek’s schools in 1978. She witnessed the environmental impact, saying, “One of my students had been fishing the day before it happened. The next day all the fish were dead.”

Jim’s advocacy was pivotal in the EPA designating Tar Creek as a Superfund site in 1983. Thirty years later, the Quapaw Nation took the lead in remediation efforts, removing over 7 million tons of mine waste and restoring 600 acres, according to Summer King of the Quapaw Nation Environmental Office.

Indigenous-led environmental efforts extend beyond Tar Creek. The Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations oppose a $3.1 billion hydropower project on the Kiamichi River, while Indigenous activists, like Okcate Evita Smith McCommas of the Mvskoke Creek Nation, work to clean up the Arkansas River in Tulsa.

Cheyenne Skye Branscum, a Citizen Potawatomi Nation member and Sierra Club treasurer, emphasizes the sacred duty to protect water systems, stating, “The struggles over these waters are the very real battles we are still fighting today.”

Indigenous leaders challenge the nation to confront its historical treatment of Native peoples. Across the country, tribes like the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Nez Perce, Lummi, and Yurok, are engaged in efforts to protect natural resources from threats such as the Line 5 Pipeline and to restore salmon populations.

As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month, these communities inspire us to prioritize protecting waters, lands, and wildlife.

More stories about:

indigenous communities, activism, dirty fuels

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024