Fabrizio Copano appears on BBC podcast Comedians vs. The News
4 years ago
United States Enei Begaye is a dedicated indigenous rights and environmental activist, and a leading voice in grassroots community organizing, having been Executive Director of Native Movement for over a decade.
Enei Begaye's work through the Black Mesa Water Coalition is mentioned in the context of collaborations and challenges faced by indigenous activists, indicating a connection to broader environmental justice networks and initiatives like Women's Earth Alliance.
The Black Mesa Water Coalition (BMWC), co-founded by Enei Begaye, partners with Grassroots Global Justice Alliance (GGJ) as part of its efforts to empower Navajo and Hopi communities and advance environmental justice.
Enei Begaye, through her work with the Black Mesa Water Coalition, partners with the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) to protect Mother Earth and advocate for indigenous rights. She also worked as a water campaigner for IEN.
Enei Begaye was featured in "Power Paths," a documentary that aired nationally on the PBS series Independent Lens, produced by ITVS. This collaboration highlights efforts to bring renewable energy to Native American communities.
Enei Begaye is connected to YES! World as an alumna of the YES! Jam, an event focused on empowering young leaders and activists. Her involvement is mentioned in alumni stories from the organization.
Enei Begaye (Diné/Tohono O’odham) is an experienced community organizer, activist, educator, and facilitator with a deep commitment to indigenous peoples’ rights and environmental justice. Her career began with significant grassroots involvement, including co-founding the Black Mesa Water Coalition in Arizona in 2001. This organization was formed by young Navajo activists to address water exploitation and coal mining operations impacting the Navajo and Hopi reservations, specifically targeting Peabody Energy’s use of the Navajo Aquifer. Her early work with the Black Mesa Water Coalition was pivotal in advocating against coal mining practices. Her efforts, along with the coalition’s, contributed to the shutdown of the Peabody mine and the Mojave Generating Station in Laughlin, Nevada, in 2005, which was driven by the need for expensive air pollution control equipment.
In 2003, Enei co-founded Native Movement, an Alaska-based grassroots advocacy organization, where she has served as Executive Director for the past 12 years. This organization focuses on building and strengthening community and fostering positive relationships between people while working towards healthy and sustainable Indigenous communities. She also co-founded the Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition. Her work extends to the national level, where she has served on various social justice boards and foundations. She has also worked as a water campaigner for the Indigenous Environmental Network, collaborating with Indigenous communities across the United States to protect their water resources.
Begaye is a recognized leader in her field, having received several accolades for her contributions. She was honored with Arizona’s Native American “Woman of Our Community” Award and the Southwest’s “Water Guardian” Award. In 2008, Utne Reader recognized her as one of “50 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World.” Enei is also a strong proponent of integrating traditional indigenous economic practices with modern sustainable technologies, such as wind and solar power, to create new opportunities for Indigenous communities. She has also explored creative outlets, like designing fashion from recycled materials, which she integrates into youth-summit trainings to demonstrate community contribution.
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