Guest Blog: Agua es vida and nowhere is that more true than in Arizona

By Ylenia Aguilar, board member of the Osborn School District in Central Phoenix and HCLC member

Agua es vida and nowhere is that more true than the arid state of Arizona. It is why as a member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, I am heading to Washington D.C. to discuss with our Congressional delegation the status of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon and uranium mining.

The Colorado River carves a 336-mile path through Arizona, 217 miles of that careening in a frothy flow at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

The river is a vital water source not only for Arizona but California, as well.

We know that the water coursing through the river is decreasing, making it even more imperative that we take every measure possible to safeguard this lifeblood of the state.

I will be imploring our representatives to make every effort to pass the Grand Canyon Protection Act.

The Grand Canyon is such an amazingly special place. I’ve hiked it rim to rim, starting on the north side and finishing on the south. It was a magical experience, but at the same time, seeing the Colorado River was kind of sad as the ravages of human behavior and climate change have taken its toll and are far too evident.

I added a three-mile side excursion to see Ribbon Falls. Its beauty reminded me of Hawai’i.

This is a sacred place. This is the homeland of the Havasupai and Navajo. This place is vital to their interests and we need to respect that and honor that and protect that.

And the river is the most important body of water in the state.

It is a strong and irreplaceable economic driver for Latinos, Native Americans and numerous other Arizonans across the state serving the tourism and service industries.

It is one of the world’s natural wonders and draws visitors from across the world.

While making my voice heard in Washington, I will be continuing HECHO’s important mission to further bring the Latinos voice to the table. To make ourselves heard and known loud and proud.

I do this not just for my fellow Latinos, but our Native American brothers and sisters, who, like us, have been caretakers of this land for countless generations. We must continue that role to effect change that will last far beyond our own time as our forebears did before us.