February Film Series: The Importance of Water

Native American elders believe water is sacred and has a spirit. Join us as we explore some of the conversations past and present in a thought-provoking series of films about water. Free with Museum admission, free to Museum members.

Saturday, Feb 2, 2 pm
Thirst and One Water, One Air, One Earth
A double feature about who owns water. Thirst approaches the topic as one of the most valuable global resources – is it a public resource or another commodity to be bought and sold? One Water, One Air, One Earth, follows Corbin Harney (Western Shoshone) as he spread his environmental message, “We only got one water, one air, one Mother Earth.” Thirst (60 min.) One Water, One Air, One Earth (30 min.)

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 pm
Together We Stand Firm
Together We Stand Firm covers Cree and Inuit efforts to halt a hydroelectric project; efforts which are still relevant today as more projects are planned. The film follows the rocky negotiations which led to the 1975 signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. (90 min.)

Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 pm
Keepers of the Water: Film and Documentary
Sokaogon Chippewa tribal leaders, local white residents, and independent environmental scientists came together to protest what mining and leach fields can do to pristine waters in Wisconsin. (40 min.) In addition, we’re showing a short documentary made by a group of Native youth in Fort Chipewyan, Canada, about the most environmentally polluting industrial project in the world. (4 min.)

Saturday, Feb. 23, 2 pm
Waterbusters
J. Carlos Peinado (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara) tells the story of the self-sufficient community that was destroyed by the lake created by the Garrison dam. More than five decades later, anger persists and is even felt by those who did not experience the tragedy personally. Interviews in this film make clear the people’s resilience, intelligence, courage, and sense of humor. (57 min.)