Pueblo Action Alliance, #WATERBACK (Southwest)
Pueblo Action Alliance identifies itself as rooted in the history of Native American resistance to European colonization in the Southwestern United States. The organization works to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression, including white supremacy, capitalism, imperialism, hetero-patriarchy, and extractive colonialism, while advocating for the “rematriation” of stolen resources. The #WATERBACK campaign focuses on reclaiming unresolved Indigenous water rights in the Southwest. It represents a move toward Indigenous sovereignty, including removing European colonial systems, rejecting the commodification of water, restoring traditional Indigenous water and land management practices, and fostering a resurgence of Indigenous identity and self-determination.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
[ VIDEO ▶ ] Hear about how a Pueblo Indigenous feminist perspective can protect water resources and provide solutions for water conservation in the wake of climate change. #WATERBACK
[ARTICLE] Isleta Pueblo & Aoetearoa: Indigenous Nations’ Actions to Protect their River’s Personhood – Water Back Op-Ed by Danielle Lucero
Facebook page
Instagram page
[ VIDEO ▶ ] The Water Buffs Podcast. Julia Bernal, director of the Pueblo Action Alliance, talks to Water Desk Director Mitch Tobin about the legacy of colonialism in New Mexico and its impact on water issues.

Water Protector Legal Collective
The Water Protector Legal Collective is an Indigenous-led nonprofit that defends the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Earth, and climate justice movements. The Water Protector Legal Collective was born out of a prayer at Standing Rock to protect the Water, not only for Indigenous Peoples and Nations, but for future generations. The organization seeks to reshape the legal landscape proactively, defending Indigenous defenders from criminalization while working nationally and internationally to protect human, spiritual, and environmental rights.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
Board members

NibiWalk- Every Step is a Prayer (Great Lakes)
The Nibi (Water) Walks are Indigenous-led, extended ceremonies to pray for the water. Every step is taken in prayer and gratitude for water, the life giving force. Water Walks, led by Anishinaabe Grandmothers, honor the understanding that water is a life force, and because women also give life, they are seen as the guardians of water. Rooted in faith—faith in water spirits, the Earth, humanity, and love—Water Walks emphasize the belief that no material wealth surpasses these spiritual forces. By taking time to honor and express gratitude to the water for sustaining life, it becomes impossible to mistreat or take it for granted.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
Protocols for Nibi Walks
Media Publications
Nibi songs
[VIDEO] Learn more about Sharon Day, leader of Nibi Walks and Executive Director of the Indigenous People’s Task Force.
Blog
[VIDEO] My Body of Water

DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project (Southwest)
The Navajo Water Project, an Indigenous-led initiative officially registered as an enterprise within the Navajo Nation, provides a community-managed alternative to traditional utilities. Its primary focus is delivering hot and cold running water to homes lacking access to water or sewer lines, primarily through off-grid Home Water Systems. However, its impact extends beyond installation, addressing broader water access challenges within the community.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
YouTube Channel
2021 Annual Report

Movimiento Mujeres Amazónicas (Amazonian Women’s Movement)
The Mujeres Amazónicas movement emerged in 2013 after a significant protest where Indigenous women marched to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, to oppose government plans for expanding oil drilling into protected forest areas of the Amazon. Based in Ecuador, this group comprises Indigenous women advocating against extractive industries like oil and logging that threaten their territories. They emphasize the spiritual and cultural significance of water and the Amazon rainforest while protecting their lands and communities. Mujeres Amazónicas is composed of women from six Indigenous nations of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Kichwa, Shuar, Achua, Shiwiar, Sapara, and Waorani.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
Refinery29 article
[ VIDEO ▶ ] Ene Nenquimo (Versión en Español) – Ene Nenquimo es la vicepresidenta de la Nacionalidad Waorani del Ecuador – NAWE, en este video ella expresa lo que significa para las mujeres indígenas amazónicas que las empresas extractivas invadan sus territorios ancestrales y por qué los defienden /// Ene Nenquimo is the vice president of the Waorani Nationality of Ecuador (NAWE). In this video, she expresses what it means for Amazonian Indigenous women when extractive industries invade their ancestral territories and explains why they defend their land.
[ VIDEO ▶ ] Gladyz Vargas (Versión en Español) – Gladyz Vargas nos cuenta sobre el rol de las mujeres en defensa de los territorios, la importancia de su protección y la necesidad de una lucha en unidad. Gladyz es una lideresa A’i Cofán de la comunidad de Dureno, provincia de Sucumbíos en la Amazonía ecuatoriana y es parte del directorio de la Fundación Alianza Ceibo. /// Gladyz Vargas speaks about the role of women in defending territories, the importance of their protection, and the need for a united struggle. Gladyz is a leader of the A’i Cofán community in Dureno, Sucumbíos province, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and serves on the board of the Alianza Ceibo Foundation.
GoFundMe

Guardianxs del Agua Xalapa
Guardianxs del Agua is a network focused on the defense and protection of water and water bodies in the metropolitan area of Xalapa. It promotes various actions and shares diverse information to support its own initiatives as well as those of other interested parties. /// Guardianxs del Agua es una red movilizada para la defensa y cuidado del agua y de los cuerpos de agua de la zona metropolitana de Xalapa. Impulsa diversas acciones y comparte informaciones diversas para nutrir tanto su propia acción como la acción de otrxs actorxs interesadxs.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
Biblioteca Guardianxs (Library)
Mapas /// Maps
Videos sobre agua y cuencas // Videos about water and watersheds
Objetivos, impacto esperado e información requerida /// Objectives, expected impact, and required information                                                                          
Facebook
Pueblos Unidos de la Cuenca Antigua por los Ríos Libres
Articulación de varios pueblos de la cuenca del río Huitzilapan – Pescados – La Antigua, para defender su río y su cuenca. /// Articulation of several communities from the Huitzizilapan River basin to defend their river and watershed.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
[Artículo/Article] Catarata mexicana de obras energéticas choca con comunidades

Fundación Gaia Amazonas
This Indigenous-led organization works in the Colombian Amazon to protect water resources, focusing on sustainable practices and Indigenous knowledge systems. They emphasize the protection of ecosystems and water sources vital to local Indigenous communities and their cultures. It emphasizes community-driven conservation efforts and the protection of water resources crucial to the livelihood of the Amazonian communities.
RELEVANT DOCUMENTS/LINKS:
[ VIDEO ▶ ] Conoce a Gotica y aprende cómo viajan los Ríos Voladores desde la Amazonía hasta tu casa. /// “Meet Gotica and learn how the Flying Rivers travel from the Amazon to your home.”