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in transborder as an active colonizing act, which continues to shape and influence
water policy and decision-making. Reframing the narrative so that Indigenous
communities are in the center of the discussion (rather than the periphery or not
in the dialogue at all) provides an avenue to explore how governance of water (a
lifesource) can lead to wider projects such as decolonization and self-determination.
Mainstream dialogue reinforces colonial borders as fixed, ahistorical, and
unproblematized, while Indigenous spaces are often seen as a historical relic. Thus,
through narrative, I aim to gently recenter the dialogue and open up conceptual
space for a more critical look at transborder water governance.
What makes a good upstream neighbor?
The last question I posed is:
“
What makes a good upstream neighbor?” This
question is generalizable to communities around the world. I started the discussion
listing established characteristics of “good upstream neighbors”:
•
transparency
•
communication
•
respect
•
empathy
•
equality
•
equity.
The cases presented in this topic contribute to another set of core principles that
foster neighborly riparian relationships. These principles help prepare actors for
uncertain futures, or unexpected bends in the river:
•
a commitment to ongoing problem-solving and innovation (even in times of
non-crisis);
•
knowledge of place;
•
inter-generational education;
•
working together (pulling together);
•
honoring water;
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daily reflection on priority areas;
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matching action with values;
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doing what you can, individually;
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being part of the solution (everyone takes ownership of issues);
•
using most available technology, but grounding it in culture;
•
incorporating “old ways” and “new ways” in problem-solving;
•
strength in diversity - diverse worldviews help solve problems;
•
ability to see both locally and globally (frog's eye view and bird's eye view).
These are accomplished by:
•
hard work
•
preparation
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