Water Is Family

Research Focus

Our research primarily focuses on the teachings of Yankunytjatjara Elder Bob Randall. We detail the governance framework called Kanyini, which redefines water as a living relative rather than a mere natural resource. This Indigenous legal perspective emphasizes that humans have a non-transferable responsibility to care for water to ensure the survival of future generations. By framing water as family, we critique modern management systems that treat nature as a commodity, leading to ecological and spiritual depletion. Ultimately, we advocate for a custodial approach to environmental ethics rooted in unconditional love and intergenerational accountability.