Cultural Traditions and Natural Resource Sustainability

Facilitators:
Helen Rigg, Director Idaho GEMStars
Gwen Carter, Water Resources Division Director, Nez Perce Tribe.

Cultural traditions help sustain our connection to the environment. The film, “The Shadow of the Salmon”, shares the story of a Lakota boy reconnecting with his Northwest Salish relatives and cultural values. During his visit, he learns about salmon, the Northwest environment and tribal traditions. This film was produced by 360 Productions, the Northwest Straits Commission, Salmon Defense, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and the Potlatch Foundation. It is scheduled for a future showing at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and on PBS. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this story and share in the follow-up discussion.

(Film provided courtesy of Northwest Indian Fisheries commission)

( 1 hour session, Northstar Room)

Presented by Meggan Laxalt Mackey and Vicky Runnoe

Children are spending less time outdoors today. This has profound effects on their physical, mental and emotional health, as well as the health of our lands. The Idaho Children and Nature Network was formed to raise awareness of this problem. This citizen-based coalition is working to empower Idahoans to lead healthy lives by developing a sense of place in Idaho’s outdoors. The Network’s mission is to “Connect children with nature in Idaho from backyards to mountaintops.” Join Network representatives at this session, and learn about Idaho’s progress to connect children and nature in our communities.