Ecocultural equality in the Miwko? Waali?

Abstract

California's water infrastructure relies heavily on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) for supply and conveyance to a multitude of users. This reliance conflicts with the ecological importance of the Delta for critical functions and services it provides as the largest estuary on the west coast of North America. At risk are entire ecosystems, which provide habitat for a diversity of resident and migratory species, and includes culturally-significant endemic species such as the Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Furthermore, the Delta is situated within the Miwko? cultural landscape, which is founded on the relationship between the region's Indigenous people and the ecological system. This paper illustrates the ecocultural context and significance of this landscape, which has largely been overlooked in addressing demands for water resources and influence on environmental policy and stewardship within the Delta. It provides some examples of how a more holistic view might achieve ecocultural equality based on Miwko? traditional cultural practice and law, as has been practiced and observed in this landscape for millennia.