Tribal Collaboration on the Lower Colorado River - Episode 18

What happens to a people when the river no longer flows to them? Or it flows, but no longer supports the associated plant and animal communities so important to their culture? What do they do about it? Today’s podcast features Nora McDowell, former Fort Mohave Indian Tribe Tribal Councilwoman and Jill McCormick, Historic Preservation Officer for the Quechan Tribe and the former Cultural Resources Manager and Archaeologist for the Cocopah Indian Tribe for 12 years. They talk about their collaborative efforts with other tribes in both the US and Mexico towards environmental, cultural, and spiritual restoration of the Lower Colorado River. We also talk about natural resources as cultural resources, improving tribal consultation and representation, and how to manage competing interests from various groups, as well as within a tribe.  

“This episode is dedicated to Mr. Dale Phillips (1946 – 2016), Former Vice-Chairman, Cocopah Indian Tribe.  It was his concept, that is the basis for the creation of the Tribal River Vision project.  Mr. Phillips was a respected Tribal Leader, Bird Song singer, Spiritual and Cultural mentor who touched many lives both inside and outside of Indian Country.  His vision of a “Mighty Colorado River” that once again reached the delta was the inspiration of this work.  His love of both the cultural and natural world and the responsibilities of the Tribes to protect these entities are the guiding force for the vision of the future of the Colorado River.  We are honored to continue this work in his name and dedicated to seeing the Vision shared and realized.”
— Ms. Nora McDowell and Ms. Jill McCormick