“Many Hands” is a multifaceted, multi-species, community project led by Kaitlin Bryson and Beata Tsosie-Peña (Santa Clara Pueblo) in collaboration with Cheyenne Antonio (Diné) of Red Nation, Tewa Women United from Española New Mexico, and community members across Diné Tah (Navajo Nation).
This artwork is composed of community-based actions centered on awareness, education, and the bioremediation of a fracking flowback spill site in Diné Tah near Counselor and Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. This 2019 incident released 1,400 barrels of fracking fluid and over 300 barrels of crude oil into the Escavada Wash, a tributary of the Chaco Canyon Wash. These waterways run through the checkerboard area of Diné Tah; through allottee lands, tribal lands, and federal lands. Afterwards, little was done to remove the contamination or to inform the surrounding residents of the spill.
During 2021, the team worked throughout Diné Tah hosting free community workshops, lectures, and educational series about the spill and about myco/bioremediation. In November 2021, the team and volunteers installed a myco/bioremediation garden at the spill site using fungi, cottonwood trees, plants, native seeds, compost, mulch, and naturally constructed wattles. The installation made by the efforts of “many hands” – human and more-than-human – works towards acknowledgement and environmental justice.