Fluid Geographies: Water, Science, and Settler Colonialism in New Mexico

Review

by Kimberly Anne
published on 15 January 2025

"Fluid Geographies" is an essential read for educators, policymakers, and students, standing out as one of my favorite books this year. The text illuminates how settler colonialism shaped New Mexico's water regulations and government. Each chapter examines former officials who repeatedly undermined Indigenous natural knowledge. Lane uses thorough research and straightforward writing to explain water management's historical and Anglo-American political processes and their ongoing consequences.

In her groundbreaking book, Fluid Geographies: Water, Science, and Settler Colonialism in New Mexico, K. Maria D. Lane delves deeply into the battle between American legal and historical processes against traditional Indigenous knowledge that shaped the state's water laws and legislation. Those interested in the connections between water, science, settler colonialism, and the truth surrounding Indigenous communities and their history in North America will enjoy this book.

This book is an indispensable resource for historians, geographers, educators, and people of Indigenous North American communities, especially in the Southwest. The text is primarily aimed at scholars and professionals in the fields of history, geography, and environmental studies, however, it also serves as a valuable resource for not only educators but also policymakers, which is critical to our past and future. The book’s deep dive into the historical and scientific aspects of water management in New Mexico is rigorous and meaningful.

Throughout the chapters, Lane explains how the state of New Mexico went to great lengths to become Americanized and the role that water and land played in that process from the beginning of statehood through contemporary times. While Fluid Geographies may not be intended as casual reading for a general audience, its importance in providing eye-opening new research for readers of all kinds cannot be overstated.

Fluid Geographies showcases an in-depth examination of how water has been governed, contested, and transformed by settler colonial practices in New Mexico. Lane unravels complex historical and political narratives that have shaped water laws and their lasting implications for communities throughout New Mexico. The book reveals the multi-layered impact of scientific and legal frameworks imposed by colonial settlers, offering insights into the ongoing struggles over water rights and governance.

K. Maria D. Lane is a professor of Geography at the University of New Mexico and a geographer and historian with expertise in historical geography and environmental history. Each chapter of this book delves into a specific aspect of water governance in New Mexico. From the early colonial period to modern-day issues, Lane composes a detailed account of how water has been commodified, politicized, and contested. The text skillfully combines archival research with analyses of social history, law, and environmental science. Lane’s focus on Indigenous communities’ experiences and their ongoing resistance adds a critical dimension to the narrative, making it especially meaningful for readers interested in decolonial perspectives.

Lane’s writing style is precise and engaging, balancing academic style and simple readability, making this a top choice for educators and their students. Her clear and thoughtful prose ensures that even complex legal and scientific discussions remain accessible to readers. The book’s depth and scope make it a standout contribution to historical geography and environmental studies.

Compared to other works on water law and colonialism, Fluid Geographies sets itself apart by focusing on New Mexico and its nuanced analysis of the interplay between water governance and settler colonialism. While other books may offer broader overviews, Lane’s work excels in its detailed and localized approach. This specificity makes it an invaluable case study for understanding similar dynamics in other regions, underscoring the need for comparable works for every state.

This edition contains great supplementary materials for researchers, such as tables and maps that enhance its utility as a scholarly resource and enrich the reader’s understanding of the historical and geographical context. In addition, Lane provides a breakdown of court cases and legal proceedings including the types of evidence used in courtrooms that pertain to the geography, water, and people of New Mexico. The extensive bibliography offers ample opportunities for further study, while including an index allows for simple navigation of the text.

In summary, this book is a masterfully written and meticulously researched book that deserves a place on the shelves of anyone interested in environmental history, geography, or Indigenous studies. Lane’s dedication to uncovering the historical processes that have shaped water laws in New Mexico is evident on every page, making this book a benchmark for future scholarship. It is a model for the kind of localized, in-depth historical analysis that should exist for every state. It is highly recommended for those seeking a profound understanding of the complex interplay between how water influences science and how colonialism influenced, and still influences, water utilization today.

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