Water has played a prominent and important role in numerous cultures around the globe. The Blackfoot Native American tribe exemplifies the effect water can have on a culture. The tribe is located in the northern great plains, far from any large bodies of water. The tribe grew to consider water as sacred, possibly due to its scarcity. In addition, the tribe revered aquatic life, and forbade themselves from disturbing or polluting their habitats.
The Maori tribe in New Zealand holds water in a similarly high regard. Traditionally, Maori tribe members will ask permission from God before using or entering river water. The Maori regard rivers as they do humans. In 2017, the New Zealand Government recognized the Maori's connection to water, and legally granted the Whanganui River with all of the rights and powers enjoyed by citizens of New Zealand. The Maori's personification of the river had been codified into law. |