Together, We Rise

by Rosalie Luo and Sharde Mersberg Freitas | Reading time: 2 minutes

On July 13th, the Sierra Club of Hawai’i co-hosted the third panel of the Water Protectors Rising series, titled “Together, We Rise,” alongside Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action and Water Protectors Legal Collective. Throughout history, many communities have stood on the frontlines of environmental pollution and water contamination. From Hawaiʻi to Standing Rock, front line water protectors are confronted with common patterns and water destroyers that jeopardize our livelihoods. Co-moderated by Wayne Tanaka, Executive Director of Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, and Natali Segovia, Legal Director of Water Protector Legal Collective, the panel explored the patterns and crises systemically rooted in U.S. imperialism, militarization, racism, and highlighted the importance of our response to also be systemic. The panelists included Noel Kaleikalaunuokaʻoiaʻiʻo Shaw, Jamie Williams, Dr. Nick Estes, and Dr. Akiemi Glenn.

Noel Shaw, a mother, educator, attorney, and organizer with Hui Aloha ‘Āina o Honolulu, Oʻahu Water Protectors, and Ka Aumanu o Mānoa, highlighted the importance of focusing on ‘ohana and keiki for movement building. Jamie Williams, a former resident at Army housing at Kapūkaki and organizer with Shut Down Red Hill Mutual Aid, emphasized the critical role of trust and relationship-building and encouraged bringing your own unique skills to the movement. Dr. Nick Estes (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe), an Assistant Professor in American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota, co-host of the Red Nation Podcast, and author, spoke deeply to the interconnections between colonialism, imperialism, and police violence both historically and in the present-day. Finally, Dr. Akiemi Glenn, scholar, community worker, and executive director of the Pōpolo Project, discussed the importance of understanding historical processes and shared her own reflections on the role of the military given her family’s ties to Camp Lejeune. For those interested in organizing to protect our local wai, the panelists emphasized showing up authentically and joining forces with those who have experience organizing.

If you missed the panel, we invite you to watch the recording below!

For additional resources, webinar recordings and more on the Water Protectors Rising series, visit this page.