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President Joe Biden proposes $111 billion to help solve persistent drinking water access problems, including for tribes. The Water & Tribes Initiative found the Navajo Nation and other tribes in the Colorado River Basin are up to 67 times more likely to lack running water compared to other Americans. Researchers recommend sustainable and comprehensive water projects with assistance from the federal agencies to address the long-standing problem. Biden’s plan offers hope but there’s no guarantee it will get through Congress.
Guests:
Bidtah Becker (Navajo) – attorney at Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and co-lead of the Water & Tribes Initiatives in the Colorado River Basin’s universal access to clean water effort
Heather Tanana (Navajo) – research professor and Stegner Center fellow at the University of Utah Law School
Jackie Schaeffer (Inupiaq from Kotzebue) – community development manager for community environment and health with Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Break 1 music: Traditional Side Step Song (song) Little Otter (artist) Side Step Songs (album)
Break 2 music: Bring The Water (song) Digging Roots (artist) We Are (album)
