Navajo Leader Fights for Sacred Water Rights

Nicole Horseherder, a Diné woman from Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation, is a leading advocate for the preservation of ancestral water resources. She co-founded the nonprofit Tó Nizhóní Ání, which translates to "Sacred Water Speaks," to combat the depletion of springs caused by coal industry extraction and the impacts of climate change. Horseherder witnessed firsthand how contamination and reduced water availability affected her community's traditional ways of life.

Her organization, which began as a volunteer effort, received its first significant grant in 2017. This funding enabled Horseherder to transition to full-time work fighting for water preservation, leading a team of employees and interns. Her dedication and impactful work were recognized with the prestigious 2023 Heinz Award, acknowledging her achievements in environmental justice and securing lasting good for her people. Horseherder emphasizes the importance of living in balance with the land, drawing inspiration from her grandmother's resilience.

As of 2026-08-02, severe drought conditions on the Navajo Nation have led to a state of emergency, further exacerbating water scarcity. Residents are urged to restrict water usage, impacting families with livestock, horses, and crops. Horseherder highlights the tangible, real-time effects of policy and climate change, noting the disappearance of native grasses and the struggle of both wildlife and livestock, which in turn affects mental and physical health. She stresses that solutions must originate from those with intimate knowledge of the land's ecosystems.