Defining engineering is kind of difficult because it can have multiple definitions based on it’s usage. If I were to define based on what we have learned from this class I would define it as developing and designing of structures using math and sciences. Even on of the first modules we started working on was the first thanksgiving. When settlers came to the land they had to engineer it for them to be able to survive. Even it wasn’t engineering structures they still had to be design the land to be sufficient. Before this class if I was to think of engineering I would describe it as building skyscrapers and bridges. There’s is tons of land structures that it takes engineering to design. Some of these things can be crops and how they are planted along the land. Also, how water can be used efficiently on the land to be resourceful. To be able to design such features it takes lots of collaboration of ideas and not just one person can do this by them-self it really is a team effort between people.
Native Water
Throughout my research on this subject, I infer that the Tohono O’odham tribe has been well taken care of since their losses since being annexed by the United States. Prior to 1853, the Tohono O’odham tribe members lived in Southern Arizona and many in northern parts of Mexico. This tribe, as well as many others, were quiet and kept to themselves. They were a peaceful group in comparison to their neighbors. Then, in 1853, the United States annexed their lands away, in a trade known as the Gadsen Purchase.
Since the devastation this event caused, the Tohono O’odham tribe have been trying to build themselves back up from tragedy– including trying to regain ownership of some of their land. A few of the articles explained how the tribe wanted to be isolated from all other federal/state authority within the state of Arizona. This type of fight against the state is allowing the tribe to maintain parts of their tribal traditions. However, the Tohono O’odham tribe fought to regain their way of life, and the United States government compensated them with a few freedoms that were taken from them back in 1853. The government allotted a fund for the tribe to develop improved water storage and delivery systems, and agreed to supply them with a certain ration of water per year. Also, they have agreed to give the tribe additional lands to promote a better-built environment for the members of the tribe. I would agree that the government has compensated the tribe adequately for present times by granting them land, water, and resources similar to what they lost; given that the Gadsen Purchase was done over 100 years ago.
Middle Eastern Water Roes
If I were to go back in time to help resolve a water problem in a specific country I would choose Syria. I think that Syria is a country that has and will always struggle with resources. From the article it stated that Syria was one of three countries that was losing water the fastest. Because there are such vast lands in this country it would be excellent for crops that thrive in heat such as wheat and barely. I think the main concern with this country is that they have no one to look to for direction. I think before they can establish laws and policies they need someone to enforce them whether it be like in the United States and having a president or having a council or something along those lines. Syria is a country that needs influence and without it they cannot prosper and flourish like they have the potential to. Recycling water would be very beneficial to this country especially because they are so low on the supply. This would mean putting in a drain and pipe system for running water such as sink water and such that cycles back through and is purified. Maybe even investing in a system where they categorize different water uses. For example black water would be sewage and that would not be recyclable, grey would mean water from showers and dish washing and clear would be from normal running sink water. As far as thing that I would keep the same, I can’t particularly think of anything. I almost think it would be better to go and wipe the slate completely clean. This is the easiest way to get this country going on the right track and to set them up for success.
Three areas of concern that I would need about the past are:
-Climate control for things like cropping, farming and so on
-Economic conditions: is this something they have previously invested in? what didn’t work the first time? is there an allotted budget for this specific concern?
-History on the uses of water: this would include things like how much water do they use on a daily basis? is it something that can be recycled and purified? where are their water sources coming from? what are their water habits?