‘Fish War’ documentary highlights tribal leaders’ fight

A documentary that showcased tribal leaders emerging as environmental guardians to safeguard salmon was presented at the Numerica Performing Arts Center on June 27 in Wenatchee. 

Randy Lewis, an emeritus board member of the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, began the screening of “Fish War” with a prayer. Lewis, who is part of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation, played a significant role in the historic battle for salmon fishing rights.

The documentary focuses on the Boldt Decision, a pivotal court case that affirmed tribes’ treaty rights and established them as co-managers of fishing resources. 

Produced by North Forty Productions and Northwest Treaty Tribes Media, “Fish War” documents past events but also highlights current issues, such as the struggle to preserve other resources and the fight against climate change. “Fish War” also uses archival footage throughout the documentary. The film previously sold out two showings at the Seattle International Film Festival.

The screening served as a fundraiser for the Indigenous Roots and Reparation Foundation, an Indigenous-led nonprofit that aims to preserve history, culture and traditions through advocacy and education.

Mary Big Bull-Lewis, the  founder of the nonprofit and a member of the Blackfoot Tribe, said there are many historical parallels from the film to Native communities today. For instance, she said the decimation of the buffalo population disrupted Indigenous cultures. 

“The dominant culture wanted to take over the lands and rule over those. One way they knew how to get rid of them was to gather up all the buffalo and kill them. Then they’ll lose all their food. That will eliminate a culture, that will eliminate people,” she said.

After the film, a Q&A session with Native and community leaders addressed the challenges tribes face in Washington, as well as potential solutions. 

Donella Miller, the program manager for Fisheries Resource Management at Yakama Nation Fisheries, said there is a need for comprehensive solutions. 

“There should be a place where salmon and energy, salmon and agriculture, could do things better,” she said.  

Theaters can request to host a screening of “Fish War” here.