UWM’s Sociocultural Programming kicked off its “Share the Earth Environmental Film Series” last Wednesday by introducing two films exploring the connection between culture and the waters surrounding them.
Featured in the series was Nateya Taylor’s “Something in the Water” and Mary Mazzio’s “Bad River.” Both films draw attention to the environmental issue of how certain elements of their communities are harming the waters they depend on.
Something in the Water
“We are all tied together by water,” said Taylor. “Without it, there isn’t life.”
Taylor’s “Something in the Water” addresses the issue of lead poisoning occurring in Milwaukee’s black communities. It features multiple advocates for water justice who detail their personal experiences and plans for future change.
The advocates explore the connection between lead poisoning and the injustice endured by those in black communities. Although lead poisoning arouses many concerns, one most alarming is the health of residents.
The film leaves viewers and community members with hopes to see equitable change aimed at mending the water and its relationship with black communities. Taylor went to great lengths to share the importance of providing healthy and clean water for the community.
Bad River
Similar to Taylor, “Bad River” by Mary Mazzio also tells the story behind a certain indigenous community and efforts to save their water. The story delves into the Bad River Band’s struggle against injustice upon the discovery of an exposed pipeline on the property.
“This is yet another chapter to a very long story,” says a band member in the film.
The film features personal anecdotes from those in the band and their team to help share the history and richness of the culture. For the band, Bad River itself is a cultural keepsake that has been passed down through generations.
Removing the pipeline ensures that the river can continue to be a significant token for the band. The fight to remove the pipeline directly embodies the fight Native Americans have faced to provide experiences and opportunities for future generations.
While the pipeline fuels this story, the real theme is to call to and recognize the Indigenous experience of the Bad River Band. The film holds significant emotional appeal, leaving viewers with mixed emotions and a strong urge to support.
Film Discussion
Following the films was a discussion with filmmaker Nateya Taylor and Indigenous Activist Mark Denning.
Taylor sparked the discussion by introducing the similarities of both indigenous and black communities. She discussed the connection between both communities, noting that they are minorities still fighting against injustice and capitalism.
Denning added to the discussion by highlighting the role of the pipeline and its effects on the Bad River Band through personal experiences and thoughts.
“If we don’t protect our land and waters from this pipeline, our fight would have been for nothing,” says Denning.
Denning left viewers emotional but also with a motive to create awareness of the fight that continues and how people can get involved to support.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, the “Every Child Matters” walk is being held to remember a piece of Indigenous history, in Indigenous boarding schools. Denning urges community members to join to commemorate the Indigenous community and spread further awareness.
Check out UWM’s Sociocultural Programming to find similar events and learn how to get involved.