JUUstice Washington

A Unitarian Universalist State Action Network

Crosscut Documentaries presents: The Rising

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Crosscut, by Sarah Hoffman & Ted Alvarez, December 2, 2019

Climate change is quickly altering the shape of the Northwest — its ecosystems, its coastlines and the ways of life of the humans who live on it. This is perhaps felt most acutely by several tribes on the Pacific Coast, where declining salmon stocks and an ocean in revolt are forcing them to confront the reality of moving from the place they’ve inhabited since time immemorial.

In the Quinault Indian Nation, plans are underway for relocating the villages of Taholah and Queets, where over a thousand people face increased tsunami risk as the sea rises inch by inch, year by year. Severe floods already breach the sea walls meant to protect Taholah, and the mouth of the Queets River has transformed into a funnel for surging waves.

Read more and watch the video here.

As Long as Rivers Run – Recommended Film – First American Indian Nations

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As Long As Rivers Run tells the story of the struggles of the Nisqually Tribe, and of Billy Frank, Jr., in particular, who led in the defense of the tribe’s fishing rights that were established by treaty in 1854 but denied.  This tale of persistent personal and tribal bravery in the face of government brutality culminated in the Bolt Decision of 1974. The decision confirmed the Treaty provision that First American Indian Nations in Washington have claim to 50% of the salmon take in Washington State each year.  Consequently, they must have an equal voice in salmon sustainability planning.  The Nisqually Tribe’s efforts to preserve salmon spawning streams and surrounding natural habitats, through advocacy of environmental protection policies are enhanced by the work of the non-profit organization, Salmon Defense.

Summit Pre-Event Film: “As Long As the Rivers Run” with Willie and Peggen Frank, Oct. 11, Olympia WA

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6:00 pizza (and a gluten-free alternative)
6:30 Introduction to the Movie by Willie and Peggen Frank
7:15 Screening of  As Long As the Rivers Run
8:15 Discussion – follow-up to Frank’s remarks re: What American Indian ally’s can do to support the American Indian way of life.
Peggen Frank, Executive Director of Salmon Defense, will speak about the work of Salmon Defense, and have their fund-raising blanket available. Salmon Warrior Blanket Information 

SALMON PEOPLE & OTHER STORIES

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Presented by Children of the Setting Sun Productions
Sunday, October 13 at 2:45

A Pickdford Film Center offering
Bellingham, WA

a hosted presentation and discussion after the screening

Children of the Setting Sun Productions returns after a full year of filming in and around the Salish Sea. Come see the vibrancy of local Native cultures in a series of short films, the latest honoring the Women of Canoe Journey in this year’s Paddle to Lummi. Also showing is Salmon People, with new scenes illuminating the intricate relationship between salmon and the Coast Salish peoples.