A Rivers Revival
A Rivers Revival
Miguel Rodriquez - Kern River Spiritual Warrior
Listen to the audio version here
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between, you stand here on the banks of the Kern River, not just in space, but also in spirit. To begin, I want you to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and then feel the energy of the land beneath your feet…
This river, a testament to resilience, winds through our city’s history, shaping the land, the people, and our collective future. I invite you to journey through time and essence with me. Our bodies, like this river, carry stories—stories of every person, and every generation that has lived and thrived on and by these waters.
Think of the last time you visited the river, other than right now…think about your parents visiting, your grandparents, your children, think of every generation that has ever witnessed or touched the waters of our mighty river. Think of the Yokuts, the first stewards of this land. To them, this river was paradise, a lifeblood flowing through their existence, nurturing their community, and their culture. They were truly indigenous, intertwined with the very essence of this land.
And so are we.
As we drink the water of this land, eat the food that is nourished and grown on this land, do we not become the land itself?
Picture the riverbanks, teeming with life—beaver, turtles, and birds in abundance, a thriving testament to the natural richness of this valley. As you listen to my words, let them take you to that time, feel the cool breeze, hear the rustling leaves, and know that you, too, are part of this land. What does it mean to be a steward of such a legacy? Reflect for a moment, as the river does, on where you come from. What do you think I mean when I say, 'our lives, our water'? Let these questions flow through you as the river flows through our city."
"Growing up in Bakersfield during the 90s, I was led to believe this land was one of desolation, parched fields, a desert, a barren waste land that stretched for hundreds of miles and hardly got any rain —it was painted to me, as a valley drained of its vitality. Yet, when you look around, with a flowing river, you may see a different story. What I perceived as forever lost as a child, was merely dormant. In late October of 2023, Bring Back The Kern won a court victory for our city, the ruling, to keep water in the river. That moment was a testament not to the end of a struggle, but to its evolution, heralding a new chapter for us. We've turned the tide, not just to make Bakersfield wet again but to redefine our interaction with our river. This moment, right now, demands of us not aggression, but wisdom; not confrontation, but unity. Together, we're rewriting the narrative, ensuring our river's flow is as perennial as our commitment to it. Can we continue this legacy? Can we deepen our roots in this movement, making every drop of effort count towards a verdant tomorrow?"
"Now, Envision with me—a future where the Kern River is not just a channel of water, but a binding stream that connects us all. A future where our children play by its banks, where our community gathers not in protest but in celebration. Imagine a Bakersfield vibrant with the life of two grand lakes restored, Buena Vista Lake and Kern Lake. This vision, seemingly a delusional dream, I believe, is within our grasp if we choose to reach for it together. It demands of us more than just memory; it requires action. It requires the planting of this dream today, and watering it with our resolve, and watching it grow into a legacy of sustainability, respect and community. I ask you, will you join me? Will you share a story about our river?
Our commitment today will ripple through time, echoing along these banks long after our footprints have faded. Let’s make those echoes resound with stewardship, with vitality, and with love. This journey begins with a single step taken together—today, right here, by this beautiful Kern River.
Envision our less remembered parks filled with laughter, trails lined with adventurers, waters bustling with life—this is the Bakersfield we can create. But it starts with a belief, with a single step towards the river, towards each other, united in purpose and action. Today, as the river flows in front of you, and its banks teeming with green life, let them be a symbol of what we can achieve. A river is not just water; it is a lifeline, a mirror reflecting our values, our care, our respect for nature and for one another. To revive the legacy of our river, it first gonna start, with us picturing it in our minds and then sharing it, with others, to make it a reality.
Written by: Miguel Rodriquez
Narrated by: Miguel’s Voice, AI Dubbed
Testimonial by: Miguel
Music by: Above & Beyond - Flow State - "Great Falls," "Night Light," "Slow Buchla Sunshine" All music is used under license.