Brokenness as Belonging: “lake-loop” by Mojave American Poet Natalie Diaz, in a Stunning Animated Short Film by Artist Ohara Hale

Every story is a story of water.

In February 2019, Lake Erie became a person. After local residents banded together to compose a visionary bill of rights for the lakes ecosystem, defending its right to exist, flourish, and naturally evolve, it was granted personhood in the eyes of the law. It was an ancient recognition native cultures have always recognized the animacy of the land disguised as a radical piece of policy. It was also the single most poetic piece of legislature since the...