Author: Amy Bowers Cordalis

Indigenous resistance and environmental justice
Tuesday, 12/9/2025
5:30 - 6:30

Amy Bowers Cordalis discusses her book, The Water Remembers, a multigenerational memoir of Indigenous resistance, environmental justice, and a family’s fight to preserve its legacy. Cordalis will give a short talk on her involvement with the undamming of the Klamath River—a vital source of food, income and cultural identity for members of the Yurok nation. Moderated Q&A to follow, time allowing.

Amy Bowers Cordalis  is a mother, fisherwoman, attorney, and member and former General Counsel of the Yurok Nation—the largest Indigenous Nation in California. She is currently the cofounder and executive director of the Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group, a nonprofit advancing Indigenous sovereignty through the protection of cultural and natural resources, including the undamming of the Klamath River. She is the recipient of the UN’s highest environmental honor, Champions of the World Laureate, and has been named to the second annual TIME100 Climate List (2024), featuring the one hundred most influential leaders driving business to real climate action.


Find out about the latest climate and environmental issues, how to adopt greener practices and how to connect with the outdoors.

Get informed about local and national civic issues.

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to Indigenous Peoples.

Join the Library's celebration honoring the voices of Indigenous and native peoples with programs and workshops, book recommendations and more. 


This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.


Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.


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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.