Return of the River free screening

Tulsa Area Arkansas River Advocates invite you to a FREE screening of the film “Return of the River” followed by a discussion on conversation efforts with local activists. The screening is in conjunction with this month’s art gallery exhibit, “Sacred Duties” curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios and presented by TAARA. All admission to the film is free and open to the public, first come first served. More information on the post-film panel will be announced soon.

About the film: "Return of the River" offers a story of hope and possibility amid grim environmental news. It is a film for our time: an invitation to consider crazy ideas that could transform the world for the better. It features an unlikely success story for environmental and cultural restoration. Fundamentally, the Elwha River in Washington State is a story about people and the land they inhabit. The film captures the tenacity of individuals who would not give up on a river, mirroring the tenacity of salmon headed upstream to spawn. It is a narrative with global ramifications, exploring the complex relationship between communities and the environment that sustains them. The camera soars over mountain headwaters, dives into schools of salmon, and captures turbines grinding to a halt; as the largest dam removal project in history begins. The film features people and perspectives on all sides of the Elwha debate, reflecting the many voices of the Elwha valley. The film runs 1h9min.

About Tulsa Area Arkansas River Advocates: TAARA are on a mission to safeguard the Arkansas River and its vital ecosystems in Oklahoma. They believe in the power of community action, education, and science to protect the natural communities that rely on the river. Visit TulsaRiver.org for more and join in making a difference for our environment!

About the art exhibit: "Sacred Duties" is a powerful exploration of the responsibility that Indigenous peoples hold as stewards of the land. This exhibit examines connection between Native communities and the earth, emphasizing the sacred duty to protect, preserve, and nurture the environment for future generations. For Indigenous peoples, the land is not just a resource but a living entity, with its own spirit and wisdom. It is our home, our history, and the foundation of our cultural identity. This exhibit showcases art that reflects this deep-rooted understanding we have with our natural world. Through a variety of mediums, the featured artists convey the urgency of safeguarding these lands against exploitation and degradation, honoring the ancestors who entrusted us with this sacred duty. "Sacred Duties" invites you to reflect on your relationship with the land and consider your role in the collective effort to protect the earth. It is a call to action, reminding us that the preservation of the environment is not only a necessity for survival but a moral imperative rooted in respect, reciprocity, and love for the earth. The exhibit is on display now through Wed 11/27, and free and open to the public for viewing.