And i really respect the thinking that suggests we will better enable transformation when we work with leadership and processes that are themselves the result of transformed thinking (and being). To get the change we need to see in the world we need a level of creativity that requires us to work with the kinds of “creative practitioners” you are pointing to. And we need a NEW STORY to provide us the courage, clarity and commitment to get there.

So I say “go for it”!

I have to recommend the book “Imperial San Francisco” by Grey Brechin. Grey’s book is beautifully written with amazing photos, drawings and graphics which help build an understanding of the root causes of much of California’s long term environmental problems. His story spans many centuries as well as continents. His approach gives us hope here at The Sierra Fund where we are trying to bring attention and solutions to what we call “mining’s toxic legacy” — the lasting impact of California’s Gold Rush. We are working to address the long term environmental, health and cultural impacts of mining — I agree with the comment above about the need to address the ongoing injustice meted out to native peoples of this place.

English Translation:

The poem is very interesting, sometimes we are like fire and we can make the world hate us or comfort us. Fire can hurt a lot but to end our suffering, we can express the poems a lot, and often say all we feel, with no need to talk or scream, no matter we are free to say.

I am reading a lot about the settlements involving Indigenous Native water rights in the western US that have been ongoing since an initiative by Native American Rights Fund and Western Governors Association in the 80s that convinced the feds to fund settlements of Indigenous (tribal) unperfected water rights.

There’s a good book on this by McCool from U of Utah, articles, etc. and the settlements themselves (recently Navajo, Nez Perce, Blackfeet) and more in the pipeline (Klamath).

I have become convinced that history will look back on this as the second great swindle of Indigenous Americans by white society. White lawyers are getting cash strapped tribes to give away massive water rights for what is essentially a pittance.

And yet this is mostly passing under the radar screen of progressives, the press, etc.

I’d like to change that; would the CF like to help?

I’m also reading Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko which is in a strange way related. There are so many ways American Culture continues to oppress and exploit Indigenous natives!

WATER. I think all aspects of this seminal western issue – cultural, aesthetic, economic, political – should be a focus for CF. Integrating art into activism seems to be a way forward.