LA WALKS: NOV 2023 REPORT
Context
In collaboration with the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission (OVIWC) and Annie Mendoza, Tongva community member, we held the 4th series of Walks of Resilience and Accountability along the Los Angeles (LA) river in November. Our intention with this series of walks was and continues to be to invite elected officials, community members, representatives from nonprofit water organizations, young and old and walk together, listen together and share the stories of water we each hold. Additionally, we have wanted to bring to the fore those voices that are often marginalized in current water management systems. We walk with the question of what accountability looks like for each of us.
Route
Each day we began at Lewis MacAdam park and walked 2 miles along the river to the Steelhead park. We circled up at Steelhead park and then walked the 2 miles back to Lewis MacAdam park.
Along the way we witnessed a part of the river where the concrete has been broken up and nature returning – blue heron, egret, osprey, geese, ducks …. There were also parts that are home to the houseless community.
There was as well quite a lot of trash along the river path and even though we were inspired to pick it up we were informed that there is a requirement for official letters from the Army Corps of Engineers in order to do so.
Community
Gradually over the 2 years we have been holding these day walks, a wider, more diverse community has joined us. Some walkers share how they have lived for many years in LA and never visited the river, others share how their families have been dispersed from their homes along the river because of gentrification, while others speak of how visiting there often has inspired and offered a special place to be within LA. Many other stories and perspectives emerged in the lunchtime conversation where care, suggested actions and prayers emerged.
We had significant sharings, especially leaders from OVIWC and the Tribal Youth Council, many of whom drove all the way from Payahuunadü. As well, Annie Mendoza, member of the Tongva community, came on Friday to welcome us and share some of her knowledge.
We encourage all to see Annie’s film The Aqueduct Between Us. and also, of course, the film Paya available through OVIWC
Some of the organizations that were represented on the walks were: Council for Watershed Health, Heal the Bay, Metropolitan Water District, Native American Indian Commission, LADWP, Mayor’s Office, LA WaterKeeper, Urbano Strategies, Dig Deep, CA Water Board, 51 miles.
Also, joining us were many individuals, educators and students, who heard or saw an invite and found themselves to be in the right place. Although some only walked part of the way, that is a start in joining a movement of care, accountability and responsibility that began long before us.
In total we walked with 80 people …
Rain
On both days we were blessed with beautiful weather. The first day, clear skies and on the second day, it rained for roughly 2 hours.
As we walked with the question of how LA can become water independent, we are reminded of the work of Andy Lipkis (Founder of TreePeople & Director of Accelerate Resilience L.A) who has advocated for many years that capturing rainfall in LA would have a significant impact on the amount of water LA relies on from elsewhere. A report by UCLA confirms this.
Accountability
Throughout the 2 days we continually returned to the question of what accountability really looks like for each of us. We discussed how for many in LA they/we do not know where their water comes from. Many are also unaware of how entities like LADWP are answerable to the citizens of LA, not the other way around. Water rights are an on-going theme and concern in many parts of the US and the world especially where many marginalized communities have little to no access to clean drinking water. The situation for the Nummü/Newé peoples in Payahuunadü/Owens Valley is similar in that much of the water and land is owned and managed by LA, some 300 miles away. The environmental and social impact on Payahuunadü has been devastating for many.
How can we each support LA to become more self-sufficient in its own water needs? How can those with voting rights in LA hold the elected officials/the decision-makers accountable ? How can we support a way of relationship with water that centers and honors Indigenous practices? What will it take for more voices from the tribes in both Payahuunadü and LA to be present, heard and respected at decision-making tables?
Resilience
In closing, we trust the walks were nourishing for people to be with the river and all who came. Many of us know or are continuing to learn how we must take care of ourselves and our families as well as all that supports and sustains life around us. It is not one or the other if we are to make this very long walk to a more healthy world. Being with children on this journey, seeing how they were watering the plants coming up through the cracks in the pavement – was a strong comment about resilience, offering us joy and a reminder of why we continue.
Next Steps
- Come and walk … In 2024 we intend to hold 3 “day walks” in Payahuunadü in the Spring and 2 more “day walks” in Los Angeles in the Fall. Please sign up to the Walking Water mailing list (walking-water.org) or instagram (walking_water_collective) to stay informed.
- Come join us for the year long Water Learning Series: Los Angeles – our virtual monthly conversation focusing on the water stories of LA.
- Come be part of Talking Water – a space where we get to imagine what our restored relations with water could like.
Please also send us your ideas, suggestions and any ways we might bear witness to your efforts and support collaborations to continue…
With appreciation for shared care, prayer and action
The Walking Water Collective
***All photos by Claire Potin***