Using an Indigenous methodology to assess past present and future water sources in the Cho'ho'tsoi valley

In the southwestern part of the United States, tribal people are facing severe droughts, shifts in seasonal climate, increases in storm surges, and regional temperature increases. Water security is a significant concern for the Navajo Nation, who have been experiencing a drought for more than a decade. To understand past, present, and future water sources within the Cho’ho’tsoi valley on the Navajo Nation, in a culturally appropriate manner, I adapt a Diné Bike’ji (Diné paradigm) to develop a Diné methodology to conduct research that addresses water security concerns of a community living in a rural and arid landscape. This this project uses ground surveys, archival research, water quality testing, and a living memory map to create a holistic understanding and genealogy of the Cho’ho’tsoi valley’s water resources. This research responds to Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s request to ground and have our research guided by the values, epistemologies, and original teachings of our respective Indigenous nations.