b'In Aotearoa (New Zealand), wherefight powerful extractive corporations Chief Simpson says his ultimate goal the Whanganui River gained legalin court. is to restore the integrity of Rice Lake so personhood in 2017, some MoriYenny Vega Crdenas faces those chal- that his community can harvest wild rice scholars argue this move was just alenges with clear eyes. In the Magpieas they did in generations past, and so compromisea way to avoid grantingRiver case, resources for stewardship comethat other animal and fish life can return Mori full authority over the river theyfrom municipal partners, communityhome. In my lifetime, I hope to see had fought for generations to reclaim. support and environmental groups, sheconcrete changes. But in reality, it will be As Mori soil sovereignty expertsays. But ideally, legal recognition shouldthe grandkids and great-grandkids that Jessica Hutchings put it in a 2024come with public funding to ensure long- will be able to really benefit, he admits.interview: We need to remember thatterm protection. She envisions modelsThat long view of change is impor-[legal personhood] is a legal instrumentlike government-funded trusts or annualtant to hold onto, because while there in someone elses housein the house ofbudget allocations dedicated to guardian- is growing interest in the Rights of the colonizer. ship and monitoring. Nature movement, there is still a long Even the language of personhoodYet, deeper questions persist. If a riverway to gonot only for more robust raises questions. Does recognizing naturecan sue, could it also be sued? So far, noenvironmental protections, but also for as a person actually challenge humansuch case has emerged, but the very possi- convincing everyone to live in a better dominance, or does it just extend humanbility highlights the complexity of forcingrelationship with the natural world, so status to select parts of nature? living, natural systems into human-madethat the lands and waters they rely on legal boxes. can no longer be taken for granted.To this point, Hutchings asks peopleYenny Vega Crdenas hopes that the to consider: We do an absolutely terribleRethinking Our Relationship ripple effects of positive cases can help job of looking after humans. Why wouldThe Rights of Nature movement may beaccelerate that change. Transformative we think granting personhood status isimperfect, but it signals a profound shift inenvironmental protection can emerge going to elevate the [prestige, presencehow we think about our place in the world.from collaboration between Indigenous and spiritual power of these relatives]?Whether in Ecuador or Quebec, alongnations, local governments and commu-Instead of pursuing change through colo- Rice Lake or the St. Clair River, each casenities. . I hope this inspires a global nial courts, she advocates for investing inchallenges more people to ask: what wouldmovement toward ecological justiceeducation rooted in traditional knowledgeit mean to live in a society where rivers,one rooted not in domination, but in to help transform peoples relationship toforests and lands are relatives, not property?reciprocity and care, she says. When the land. And can the tools of colonial law ever trulywe acknowledge [land and water] as There are also practical hurdles.capture that relationship, or are they justliving beings, we also rediscover our own Defending a rivers rights costs money the first step towards something deeper? humanity and responsibility.costs that can fall on the very communi- Regardless, its clear that, for FirstIndigenous peoples have longties trying to protect it. While there haveNations like Alderville and Walpole Island,understood this truth. By pursuingbeen important legal wins through legallegal personhood may offer vital protec- these legal personhood designations, personhood designations, in Ecuador,tions and pathways to environmental andFirst Nations in Ontario are modelling many defenders of Pachamama havecultural regeneration, even if its in theyet another way to honour thosestruggled to raise the funds needed toshort term. sacred responsibilities.The Leaders in Railway Maintenanceand Construction Services Across CanadaAt REMCAN, we know that meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities areLooking for a career in the rail industry? essential to building a stronger and more inclusive future. This starts with creatingwww.remcanprojects.com/careers opportunities for Indigenous talent to thrive in our workforce.COMPETITIVE REWARDING CUTTING-EDGE PAIDCOMPENSATION WORK EQUIPMENT TRAININGI ssue2 2025/26C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 19'