‘Fish War’ film about tribal fishing rights coming to all 3 islands

||| FROM JUSTIN COX for SEA DOC SOCIETY |||

The acclaimed documentary Fish War will tour the San Juan Islands over three consecutive days in November as part of Native American Heritage Month. The free screenings will take place on Nov. 7th (Orcas), 8th (Lopez), and 9th (San Juan). 

The Orcas Island event will be held at the Orcas Center’s Madrona Room on Thursday, Nov. 7th. An opening will happen at 5:30pm and the film starts at 6pm. Entry is free for all. 

Fish War is an Official Selection in the Seattle International Film Festival and a powerful exploration of Native American fishing rights and sovereignty in the Pacific Northwest. 

It celebrates the 50th anniversary of the landmark Boldt Decision, a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the fishing rights of Washington’s Treaty Tribes and strengthened Tribal Sovereignty. Fish War tells the tumultuous story that led up to that ruling and follows the story up to modern day, where salmon face a still-uncertain future.  

The events will take place as follows:

• Orcas: Thursday, Nov. 7th at 5:30pm at the Orcas Center (Madrona Room)
• Lopez: Friday, Nov. 8th at 5pm at the Lopez Community Center
• San Juan: Saturday, Nov. 9th at 6:30pm at the San Juan Community Theatre (Includes opening performance by Lummi Nation Blackhawk Dancers)

All three screenings will be followed by a panel discussion with experts on Tribal Sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and fisheries management. Guest speakers include Raven Borsey, Jay Julius, Althea Wilson, Andrew Gobin, Willie Frank III, Nancy Shippentower and Chairman Ed Johnstone. 

“The Boldt Decision transformed not only Tribal rights but also the future of salmon fisheries in Washington. Friends of the San Juans is honored to organize this special screening, offering a moment to reflect on that legacy and the ongoing efforts to protect these vital resources,” said Jess Newley, Community Science and Education Director at Friends of the San Juans. “The salmon fishery is integral to the culture, economy, and ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, and this screening serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these resources for future generations.”

The film is coming to the San Juan Islands thanks to a group of local organizations that includes the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Friends of the San Juan Islands, SeaDoc Society, Source Paper, the Lopez Island Historical Museum.