CSSP Hosts 6,000 Students for "The River Remembers"
CSSP hosted six screenings over three days for Whatcom area students grades 4 through college.
Children of the Setting Sun Productions recently hosted 6,000 students at Mount Baker Theatre for a student screening of our newest film "The River Remembers." The film follows the experiences of Tribal members of the Elwha and lower Klamath Rivers as they lead the largest dam removals in U.S. history, restoring salmon and renewing culture after a century of struggle.
In an interview with Cascadia Daily News, a Fairhaven Middle School instructor said CSSP has been an essential partner in helping the district fulfill the mandate of the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial curriculum.
“Seeing films like ‘The River Remembers’ is important for making sure that all of our students understand Tribal sovereignty to be good citizens and good neighbors, but [also] for our Native students to succeed because they can see themselves.”
Our hands go up to Mount Baker Theatre, educators, family members and students across the community as well as Vanessa Castle, her son Braven, WestShore Canoe Family, our Setting Sun Family and countless others who helped make this amazing screening possible.
CSSP congratulates "The River Remembers" Writer Titíyen Noelani Auguston (Nooksack, Shxwha:y, Kanaka) on her 4th World Media fellowship – a year-long program for emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers!
CSSP’s Raven and Free Borsey shared knowledge and culture with the Indigenous Resource Management class at Western Washington University.
Setting Sun Circle Update
Our current work for the Setting Sun Circle is focused on finalizing plans for key community spaces including the kitchen, galleries, maker spaces and the building façade. In April, we'll begin major structural work, opening the building to create the future Immersive LED Immersive Experience and central gathering space. This work will shape Setting Sun Circle into a lasting community and cultural hub.
We recently installed a test screen (pictured above) allowing our team to better understand the large-format immersive experience. When the full LED theater is installed, visitors can engage with Indigenous stories in a powerful, shared environment that brings narrative, art and media together in ways not possible through traditional screens. Hy'shqe to Allen Family Philanthropies for funding the Immersive Experience screen and programming!
Where We'll Be
Thin Line Film Festival
March 18-22, 2026 | Denton, TX
Following “The River Remembers” premier at the Spokane International Film Festival, the film’s next festival stop is Thin Line Film Festival in Denton, TX where it is nominated for Best Feature Documentary!
Community Food Co-Op Annual Members Meeting
March 26, 2026 | Bellingham, WA
CSSP joins the Community Food Co-Op to offer the keynote address at their upcoming Annual Members Meeting. RSVP for more information.
Bioneers Conference
March 26-28, 2026 | Berkley, CA
For a third year, CSSP is proud to attend the Bioneers Conference to connect with visionary thinkers and doers who are shaping solutions to address the most critical issues of our time.
Seeds of Change
Opportunities to learn and grow together
Vanessa Castle and her son Braven (left) join CSSP's Santana Rabang and Noelani Auguston in teaching students how to give a Hy’shqe (thank you) at the student screening of “The River Remembers.”
This Women's History Month we honor the strength, resilience and leadership of Indigenous Women. For generations, they have been the heartbeat of our communities – cultural keepers, life givers, caretakers and protectors. Their voices have echoed since time immemorial, reminding us that the fight for justice, equality and respect is not just for today, but for future generations. Learn more from our beloved matriarchs in Santana Rabang's Healing Women Heals Mother Earth series on CSSP's Young and Indigenous podcast on Spotify.
Billy Frank Jr. Day – a Washington state holiday honoring the life and legacy of the Nisqually Tribal member, environmental leader and Treaty rights activist – is celebrated annually on March 9. CSSP is honored to work with ArtsWA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe to develop a series of videos about the Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project. In this CSSP-produced video, see how his legacy is inspiring the next generation.
What is Darrell Reading?
CSSP Executive Director Darrell Hillaire is known as a prolific reader. We’re often asked, “What is Darrell reading right now?” We’re excited to answer that now in our monthly newsletter, offering a sneak peek into his library.
Darrell says he likes to read three books at the same time. He’s currently reading “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown and the works of United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Muscogee) and singer-songwriter Patti Smith.
You can help amplify Native voices!
Children of the Setting Sun is a 501 (c)3 non-profit that relies on the graciousness of others. If you feel inspired, make a tax deductible donation today. Hy'shqe \o/