The (Indigenous) lake that became a (colonial) development that became a (colonial) disaster ...

So Sumas Prairie was Sumas Lake, an Indigenous waterway that provided sustenance and security and cultural resources for Sumas First Nation. Chief Dalton Silver gives some of the history, now that their territories are in the news as a "disaster" location.

"Our people at the time couldn't comprehend why someone would want to drain a lake..."

This story could be repeated across the Indigenous world. Near where I post this is Waihora or Lake Ellesemere, much reduced in spread and volume but now subject to tribal restoration efforts.

The message is, again, very blunt: the world is facing increased disaster risks from global heating and the compounding effects of maldevelopment, greed, incompetence and corruption.

link here