Community Films to Watch
Celebrate Indigenous Visions for Watershed Health & Security Through Visual Storytelling
As we prepare to release the IWI film Our Waters, we also turn our focus to sharing the community films we’ve been watching this winter. Many communities are using film to showcase their vital work in watershed stewardship, cultural heritage, and environmental protection. These films highlight the deep connections between people and the land, waters, and ecosystems they strive to protect.
⛰️ Keepers of the Land - Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation
As the impacts of colonial exploitation and mismanagement take an increasing toll on their territory, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation finds strength in its stories and culture, emerging as a stewardship leader in a new age of reconciliation in Canada. A powerful story of resurgence, the weight of hereditary leadership, and the responsibility they carry into the modern world told through the eyes of elder and hereditary chief Nismuutk, Ernest Mason Jr., and the new young leaders following in his footsteps.
🌿 HA NII TOKXW: OUR FOOD TABLE - Gitanyow
The story of the indigenous Gitanyow people and their struggle to protect their traditional lands and "food table" in the face of climate change, industrialization and colonization in Northern British Columbia.
🐟 Homecoming: A Salmon Restoration Story - Katzie First Nation
Since time immemorial, the people of Katzie First Nation have shared a deep connection with the salmon flowing through their territory. In recent years, the salmon in B.C.'s Upper Pitt River have declined drastically. Homecoming: A Salmon Restoration Story is about the collaborative efforts to bring those populations back.
🌏 Chu Cho Environmental YouTube Channel - Tsay Keh Dene Nation
A collection of films showcasing Tsay Keh Dene Nation’s research and conservation efforts, applying Indigenous knowledge to modern environmental challenges.
🌲 Salmon Parks - Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation
The film reveals an inseparable interconnectedness between wild salmon and ancient forests while aiming to help secure the establishment of Salmon Parks in Mowachaht, Muchalaht, and Nuchatlaht First Nations' traditional territory, respecting Nuu-chah-nulth law while securing recognition from federal and provincial governments.
💧 Water is Life - Saulteau First Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band
This film examines impacts on the Murray River Watershed, shedding light on cumulative environmental challenges and the importance of watershed stewardship.
🐟 XÁAT RESILIENCY - Taku River Tlingit First Nation
This film tells the story of the Taku watershed and the Taku River Tlingit Nation, exploring how they are adapting to climate change and protecting salmon and their ways of life in the face of rapid glacier retreat and industrial threats.
🐟 Rebound of the Hesquiaht Herring Spawn - Hesquiaht First Nation
A look at the annual herring spawn on the BC Coast through Hesquiaht harvester Josh Charleson telling the story of the collapse and rebound of herring in his traditional territory.
These films offer just a glimpse into the powerful stories of stewardship, resilience, and community action taking place across these lands. Are there more films we should add here? Let us know!
