Native Issues
Water Stories
Jul 31, 2025

ASU project highlights tribal water connections through interactive exhibits

A team of Indigenous scholars at Arizona State University is working with tribal communities across Arizona to create water-centered exhibits that reflect each tribe’s stories, rights and relationships to water, according to ASU News. The Indigenous Water Stories Research Cohort, led by assistant professor Liliana Caughman, collaborates with the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative to build immersive displays in rural areas.

The exhibits feature language, oral history, technology and cultural revitalization. One South Phoenix exhibit, “Agua es Vida: Honoring Mothers and Water,” incorporated virtual-reality games, a water chatbot and personal storytelling. The cohort is working with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes and Navajo Nation, among others, to tailor each display to local perspectives. “We’re trying to engage with them and use this as a process to help them think about water, tell their stories and uplift their communities,” Caughman said.

ASU News

Talking Circle

At Buffalo's Fire we value constructive dialogue that builds an informed Indian Country. To keep this space healthy, moderators will remove:

  • Personal attacks or harassment
  • Propaganda, spam, or misinformation
  • Rants and off-topic proclamations

Let’s keep the fire burning with respect.

Support press freedom in Indian Country.