Kelsey Leonard

Kelsey Leonard, a water policy expert and Shinnecock Nation member, shares the urgent need for equitable water rights. LaToya Ruby Frazier, a visual artist, documents environmental injustices affecting vulnerable families, illustrating the human impact of the Flint water crisis. Colette Pichon Battle emphasizes resilience in Southern Louisiana's communities while advocating for legal personhood for water. The discussion highlights the deep connection between identity and water, urging listeners to rethink their relationship with this vital resource.

Kelsey Leonard, a legal scholar from the Shinnecock Nation, unpacks the intricate ties between indigenous rights and water policy. LaToya Ruby Frazier, a visual artist, shares poignant stories of resilience amid the Flint water crisis, highlighting environmental racism. Climate activist Colette Pichon Battle emphasizes the need for inclusive advocacy for marginalized communities. Together, they discuss personal connections to water, the urgent call for ethical stewardship, and the vital role of art and activism in restoring our relationship with this essential resource.

In this insightful talk, Kelsey Leonard, a legal scholar from the Shinnecock Nation, explores the urgent need to grant lakes and rivers legal personhood. She argues that viewing water as a living relative can transform our relationship with this essential resource. Leonard also highlights global water injustices, emphasizing the disparities faced by Indigenous communities in accessing safe water. By advocating for rights similar to those of corporations, she calls for a fundamental shift in how we value and protect our waterways, framing them as vital allies in our survival.