"The River Remembers" a hit at film festivals across the country
Storytelling is a powerful way to build understanding, strengthen relationships and ensure Indigenous voices are heard. We've been humbled and overjoyed by the way our latest film "The River Remembers" has resonated with viewers, including the selection committees of film festivals across the country. Just in the past few weeks, we've attended festivals in Port Townsend, WA and Bend, OR, and soon we'll be heading to Chelsea Film Festival in New York City, followed by the Friday Harbor Film Festival! See the "Where's We'll Be" section below for a full schedule of fall festivals and screenings.
Here in Bellingham, we had the honor of showing "The River Remembers" alongside Cascadia Daily News’ "Respect the Rez" documentary for two sold-out screenings at Pickford Film Center's Doctober. Each screening included Q&As with filmmakers from both films. The conversations touched on common themes, including the importance of creating space for Indigenous perspectives, experiences and histories.
Miss out on tickets to a Doctober screening? Good News! After two sold-out showings, we're in talks with Pickford Film Center to add an encore showing. Check their website for updates!
Gatherings like these remind us that sharing our stories is about more than the films themselves — it’s about connecting with one another, fostering understanding and building a stronger future together.
At Setting Sun Circle, we believe Indigenous storytelling is essential to honoring our past, understanding our present and inspiring future generations. Thank you for being part of this work and helping bring these stories to life.
Setting Sun Circle's Bold New Space
Featured on NPR KUOW
Setting Sun Circle is bringing a bold Indigenous presence to downtown Bellingham! Our future home will be a place for neighbors to gather, learn and grow together for generations to come. Writer and Producer Noelani Auguston recently shared this vision in the latest episode of NPR KUOW’s Soundside, reflecting on her experiences growing up and visiting Bellingham and the importance of creating a place where Indigenous communities feel at home. Catch the full story.
Where We’ll Be
Oct. 12-16 | Events on Indigenous People's Day and throughout the week
Oct. 15 | Bellingham, WA - Come watch the inaugural nighttime illumination of the Coast Salish Living Mural at 210 West Holly St.
Oct. 16 | Bellingham, WA Doctober Screening of "Powwow People" followed by a Q&A with director Sky Hopkina at Pickford Film Center
Nov. 20 | Bellingham, WA Salmon People Film Screening and Q&A for Native American Heritage Month with WCLS & Whatcom Museum*
"The River Remembers" Upcoming Screenings
Oct. 17 | New York, NY at Chelsea Film Festival
Oct. 24 | Friday Harbor, WA at Friday Harbor Film Festival*
Nov. 4 | Bellingham, WA at Fairhaven World Issues Forum*
Nov. 6 | Bellingham, WA with WCLS & Whatcom Museum*
Nov. 6-14 | Los Angeles, CA at Red Nation International Film Festival
*Post-screening conversation or Q&A
Truth and Reconciliation
A song dedicated to boarding school healing
Sept. 30 was Truth and Reconciliation Day or Orange Shirt Day, honoring our relatives who survived boarding schools in Canada and the U.S. and the children who never came home. Native singer-songwriter Isaac Tonasket dedicated his performance of his original song “See You in the Sunsets” to boarding school healing at last year's Netse Mot: One Heart, One Mind. Written in tribute to his late father, the visuals for the emotional piece included images from boarding schools behind him.
Last year for La Conner Community News, Setting Sun Circle's Co-Education Director daniseten Michael Vendiola wrote: What is the health of our relationship? In the divisive political climate we are all a part of now, how can we oppose that narrative by building healthy relationships? How can we build stronger futures together?
What is Darrell Reading?
Executive Director Darrell Hillaire is known as a prolific reader. We’re often asked, “What is Darrell reading right now?” He is currently reading "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn and "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer.