From our collection of extensive interviews with the people involved in the Fishing Wars plus added interviews, we compiled an hour-long video called “Back to the River.” It is designated as a companion video to “As Long as the Rivers Run” to help today’s viewers understand the struggle for recognition of tribal treaty fishing rights and to share the experience through their eyes. The film bridges the gap of misunderstanding by educating the public about this vital time period that shaped Pacific Northwest history and helped open doors to many tribes throughout the United States.
February 1, 2013 marked the release of “Back to the River” which premiered at the Seattle Aquarium. Guests received copies of “Back to the River” and “As Long as the Rivers Run.” From there we have continued a touring roll-out of “Back to the River” at different reservations.
Back to the River tells the story of the treaty rights struggle from the pre-Boldt era to tribal and state co-management. The movie includes the voices and personal accounts of tribal fishers, leaders and others active in the treaty fishing rights struggle.
You can now view “Back to the River” in its entirety online:
Back to the River from Salmon Defense on Vimeo.
Salmon Defense is very thankful to the BACK TO THE RIVER SPONSORS who made this project possible.
- Nisqually Indian Tribe
- Lummi Nation
- Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
- Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
- Squaxin Island Tribe
- Tulalip Tribes
- Quinault Indian Nation
- Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
- Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
- Skokomish Tribal Nation
- Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission