Water and colonialism in New Mexico – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 10 – Julia Bernal

Climate change, extractive industries and population growth threaten New Mexico’s water supplies, especially for indigenous communities. We talk to advocate Julia Bernal about potential solutions to these inequities.

Episode highlights

	Introduction   (0:56)
	Julia Bernal Julia Bernal is an expert and advocate on New Mexico water issues. Her work focuses on oil and gas development. She is an enrolled tribal member at Sandia Pueblo and is also from Taos Pueblo and the Yuchi-Creek Nations of Oklahoma. Starts at 1:05
	Tell us about the Pueblo Action Alliance   (1:56)
	What was the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and how is it connected to water issues today?   (3:15)
	What changes to the Rio Grande have you seen in your lifetime?   (6:08)
	What kinds of impacts are we seeing in New Mexico due to climate change?   (7:50)
	Are Indigenous communities in New Mexico especially vulnerable?   (10:29)
	Water Word: “Potable water”   (14:55)
	What are problems with access to drinking water in New Mexico, particularly on Indigenous lands?   (17:21)
	How have racism and colonialism played into water problems?   (20:01)
	What is the impact of oil and gas development in northwestern New Mexico?   (23:17)
	What are the “LandBack” and “WaterBack” campaigns?   (26:11)
	Why is it critical for Indigenous people, particularly women, to have more input on water management policies?   (29:04)
	What does “personhood for rivers” mean?   (31:08)
	What do you see as the biggest water issues confronting New Mexico?   (32:53)
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Share your thoughts – and consider joining us

If you’re interested in appearing on the show, please contact Water Desk Director Mitch Tobin at mitchtobin@colorado.edu. If you’d like to share your comments and questions, you can reach us at waterdesk@colorado.edu, or on Twitter and Facebook.

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