Help Feed our Orcas: “DamNation: Film Showing & Discussion

Monday, May 15, 7 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall

— from Suzanne Heyd —

There will be a screening of the award-winning documentary “DamNation” (2014) followed by a brief presentation on concerns about the Lower Snake River Dams and opportunities for citizen action and influence on the need for breaching and related matters. The screening will be at Odd Fellows Hall, 112 Haven Road in Eastsound, on Monday, May 15 at 7 p.m.

“DamNation” is a powerful film odyssey across America to explore the sea change in our national attitude from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that our own future is bound to the life and health of our rivers. Where obsolete dams come down, rivers bound back to life, giving salmon and other wild fish the right of return to primeval spawning grounds, after decades without access.”DamNation”’s majestic cinematography and unexpected discoveries move through rivers and landscapes altered by dams, but also through a metamorphosis in values, from conquest of the natural world to knowing ourselves as part of nature.

Watch the trailer here:

The film runs 87 minutes, and will be followed by a short overview of the biologic, economic, and cultural arguments for breaching the four lower Snake River dams in southeastern Washington State, including the imperative of promoting Chinook salmon abundance for endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales’ survival and recovery.

Opportunities for civic engagement will be shared, including the immediate need for public comment on the Lower Granite Dam Master Plan (deadline May 22).

Suggested donation of $5 will cover the cost of a screening license and hall rental. Any additional proceeds will go to the Southern Resident Killer Whale Chinook Salmon Initiative in Friday Harbor. Any questions, please contact Norris Carlson: 376-3048