Owe Aku is a grassroots organization of Lakota people and their allies to promote the protection of sacred water and preservation of their territorial lands. In 2015, the organization teamed up with artist Ernesto Yerena to beautifully convey just how important water is for our survival. It nourishes the Earth, blossoms all seeds, flows through our rivers, oceans, and streams. It holds ancient secrets and everlasting wisdom. With a grant from Amplifier, Yerena’s artwork was printed and distributed as a powerful reminder.

As technology develops and the world around us evolves, we must remember that there is no progress without clean water. No amount of money, oil, power, or greed can ever be worth more than what we started with. Water is the past; water is the future.