Why Lakes and Rivers Should Have the Same Rights as Humans

• In this video, a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation makes the argument that water should have legal personhood to ensure its health and the health of all people for years to come, citing examples where people of color have had disproportionate access to clean water, as in Flint, Michigan, Colorado, and Palm Springs, California.
• Dr. Leonard explains that some bodies of water have been granted legal personhood, protecting them from pollution, contaminants, and other human-caused problems. 
• The video discusses the Mississippi, Ganges, and Klamath Rivers, and the Great Lakes.

Positives

• The speaker uses photographs and infographics to illustrate her points.
• This video is engaging, and the argument is well-planned and executed.
• Dr. Leonard gives many solutions and explains many actionable ways to help. The resource also includes links to more information.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should have a basic understanding of climate change and water scarcity.
• It would be beneficial for students to know the history of oppression that Indigenous people have faced in the United States and globally.

Differentiation

• This video touches on aspects of climate change, civics, law, history, and science, making it a great resource to use in any of these classes.
• History classes could use this video when learning about the history of Indigenous People in the United States, and students could compare and contrast their treatment by the government in the past and present.
• Science classes could use this video when discussing climate change and possible solutions.