Finn Priest-Jacobs: A Young Voice for the Waikato River

Eight-year-old Finn Priest-Jacobs has a special connection to the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest. Recently, he helped River Mixer “collect” this waterway, a hands-on introduction to environmental care. But Finn’s involvement is just one part of the Waikato’s story, which includes dramatic geological forces, deep cultural ties for the Māori people, and the inspiring work of Finn’s mother, Ceana, with Outdoor Kid, nurturing future conservationists. Explore the many layers of the Waikato River, seen through Finn’s growing appreciation and the collective desire to protect this vital taonga (treasure).

River Gets Rights: Tribe Gives Rappahannock River Power to Sue!

In a groundbreaking move, the Rappahannock Tribe in Virginia has become the first in the United States to grant legal rights to their namesake river – the Rappahannock. This unprecedented decision, enshrined in their tribal constitution in 2024, recognizes the river’s inherent right to exist, flourish, and maintain clean water, marking a significant step forward for environmental protection and Indigenous sovereignty.