Native American Water Rights

As one of the more neglected demographic groups in society, indigenous communities are often not considered when it comes to ascertaining water rights in the United States.

In the following report for the Sierra Nevada Ally, I investigate the history of Native American water rights in the United States through a series of rulings by the Supreme Court over the past century. The lens through which I analyzed the relationship between Native Americans and their senior water rights is the Native Waters on Arid Lands project.

In support of this effort, I interviewed the following subject matter experts:

• Dr. Maureen McCarthy, research professor at the Desert Research Institute and Native Waters on Arid Lands project partner
• Staci Emm, extension education professor with the University of Nevada, Reno, and member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe

The full report as published can be found here. This report found re-publishing opportunities in other relevant non-profit publications like The Daily Yonder and Barn Raiser Media.

‘Prove It or Lose It.’ How Tribes are Forced to Fight to Secure Senior Water Rights.