Support for Paiute Elder and Water Protector
Donation protected
This GoFundMe campaign was created to offer financial support for Harry Williams in his time of healing. Harry is currently in recovery from a severe case of Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung) along with other underlying respiratory issues. Harry has since improved from his critical state and has returned to his home in Payahuunadü (Owens Valley). Harry's current living condition on the Bishop Paiute Reservation is substandard to an environment one would need for long-term healing. Harry currently lives in a small older 1970's trailer (480 square feet) that needs substantial repairs. Harry needs a well-insulated, sanitary environment, suitable for healing. The goal of this campaign is to improve Harry's current living situation, to create a healthier environment for healing, which is now more important than ever in this era of Covid-19.
Harry Williams is a Paiute elder who has made it his life’s mission to bring culture back to life for his people and especially for the next generations. From his work in activism, by challenging Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) on water management and Indigenous rights issues in the Owens Valley, to advocating for Tribal gaming by smudging the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles in support for California Proposition 5, to his later work in repatriating cultural artifacts and remains of past relatives. Harry continues to be committed to advocating for Indigenous rights and Mother Earth. He is a strong believer of asserting traditional ecological knowledge and tribal sovereignty.
Harry has also contributed to several film and documentaries, most notably "Paya, The Water Story of the Paiute, 2015", "The Aqueduct Between Us, 2019" and "The Obsidian Trail, 2002". Harry has been involved with several community and State boards throughout his career in activism such as: The Owens Valley Committee, Intertribal Council California Executive Board, Bishop Paiute Tribe Scholarship Committee, The Hasselberg Scholarship Committee, while currently serving as the Chairman of the Bishop Paiute Tribal Environmental Protection Agency, and Vice-Chairman of the California Environmental Protection Agency Tribal Advisory Committee. Harry also served on the Bishop Tribal Council. Prior to his heath condition, Harry served as a Cultural Monitor while continuing to be a source of traditional knowledge and inspiration to others to stand up and fight for Mother Earth and its creatures.
All GoFundMe proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new home on the Bishop Paiute Reservation for Harry Williams. Donations can be made directly to the GoFundMe campaign, or sent via Venmo: @Noah-Williams-11
Harry Williams is a Paiute elder who has made it his life’s mission to bring culture back to life for his people and especially for the next generations. From his work in activism, by challenging Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) on water management and Indigenous rights issues in the Owens Valley, to advocating for Tribal gaming by smudging the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles in support for California Proposition 5, to his later work in repatriating cultural artifacts and remains of past relatives. Harry continues to be committed to advocating for Indigenous rights and Mother Earth. He is a strong believer of asserting traditional ecological knowledge and tribal sovereignty.
Harry has also contributed to several film and documentaries, most notably "Paya, The Water Story of the Paiute, 2015", "The Aqueduct Between Us, 2019" and "The Obsidian Trail, 2002". Harry has been involved with several community and State boards throughout his career in activism such as: The Owens Valley Committee, Intertribal Council California Executive Board, Bishop Paiute Tribe Scholarship Committee, The Hasselberg Scholarship Committee, while currently serving as the Chairman of the Bishop Paiute Tribal Environmental Protection Agency, and Vice-Chairman of the California Environmental Protection Agency Tribal Advisory Committee. Harry also served on the Bishop Tribal Council. Prior to his heath condition, Harry served as a Cultural Monitor while continuing to be a source of traditional knowledge and inspiration to others to stand up and fight for Mother Earth and its creatures.
All GoFundMe proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new home on the Bishop Paiute Reservation for Harry Williams. Donations can be made directly to the GoFundMe campaign, or sent via Venmo: @Noah-Williams-11
Organiser
Teri Red Owl
Organiser
Bishop, CA
