32. Land of Flowing Water: Indigenous Knowledge & The Theft of Owens Valley w/ Seth Bizardi Tsosie

Join us as we explore the Eastern Sierra Nevada with Seth Bizardi Tsosie, a Native American monitor from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, whose ancestral knowledge reveals the profound relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land of flowing water. Seth shares what it means to grow up with generations of traditional ecological wisdom about this remarkable region, as well as the devastating story of how the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power systematically exploited and diverted the Owens Valley’s lifeblood. As we approach Thanksgiving, this essential conversation challenges us to confront the true history of American land and water rights, and to understand the ongoing impacts of environmental injustice on indigenous communities whose connection to these waters spans millennia.

 

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when Indigenous voices have been historically silenced and their lands exploited, Seth’s willingness to share the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe’s knowledge and perspective stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that Indigenous wisdom and resilience persist despite centuries of injustice.

This dedication to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: Indigenous communities reclaiming their narratives and educating others about their connection to the land, growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing modern environmental challenges, and a new generation learning to honor and protect the relationship between people and water—ensuring that these stories and this wisdom continue to guide us toward more just and sustainable futures for all communities.

 

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era when water rights battles continue and Indigenous communities still fight for recognition and justice, understanding the history of the Owens Valley water grab reminds us that the stories we tell during holidays like Thanksgiving matter, and that real American history includes reckoning with exploitation and learning from those whose knowledge of the land predates colonization.

 

Take Action:

• Educate yourself about Indigenous history and land rights in your region.
• Support Indigenous-led environmental justice organizations, like @indigenouswomenhike, along with the advocacy movement to Protect Conglomerate Mesa. 
• Be informed on the true history behind Thanksgiving and share accurate narratives.
• Advocate for Indigenous water rights and tribal sovereignty.
• Listen to and amplify Indigenous voices on environmental and conservation issues.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Follow Seth on Instagram: @indigenous.technology 
• Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod
• Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast