The Western concept of water as a resource for human benefit is only one aspect of the total value of water from the indigenous perspective.  Water and water bodies (lakes, streams, springs, etc) are revered and honored as a fundamental human responsibility toward the Earth. 

Much of the conflict around water rights stems from deeper conflicts about how water is perceived and valued.  Often the conflict centers on economic values clashing with spiritual value, and enters the domain of cultural rights.  How can indigenous value systems, and more generally, indigenous cultures, co-exist with Western culture?  The answer will entail both respect for indigenous water rights, and respect for indigenous water values.

Indigenous understandings of water constitute an aspect of indigenous knowledge that is often overlooked by Western water experts because it is so different from the conventional Western worldview.  Just as indigenous technical knowledge is (however grudgingly) becoming more accepted by Western scientists, there is also a need to recognize indigenous worldviews.

Resources

Spirituality, Worldview, and Indigenous Knowledge (PDF 157KB) by David Groenfeldt (This article is also included in the UNESCO book on Water and Indigenous Peoples, and is based on the author's presentation at the Kyoto World Water Forum in 2003)

Water and Cultural Diversity Project - part of UNESCO's International Hydrological Program.  Website:  www.waterandculturaldiversity.org.