Climate Change Is Exposing the Racism Behind an Oregon Water War

This video resource from Al Jazeera explores disputes over water resources in Oregon’s Klamath Basin and the history of colonialism and racism at its root. The history of white settlers displacing Native Americans is framed by largely impossible promises that the U.S. government made to both farmers and Indigenous peoples over one hundred years ago. This resource thoroughly explains how poor hydrologic assumptions made in the early twentieth century led to the current water scarcity issues across the west. The video provides a nuanced look at the racism that underpins the water conflict. The heartfelt city council testimony by equity task force member Joey Gentry was the most powerful moment of the video. She highlighted racism against Native Americans and the systemic inequality in the Klamath Basin. In an act that perfectly represents the troubled history of the area, the city council disbanded the equity task force shortly after this testimony. This resource gives a clear analysis of how the history of racism, poor hydrologic planning, and limited resources has led to the current intractable situation. This resource is recommended for teaching.