Film & Conversation with American Indian Studies scholar Dian Million and cultural studies scholar Laura De Vos

What can Indigenous perspectives on nature teach us about today’s environmental challenges? The documentary Fish War tells the story of Indigenous communities in the United States fighting for their treaty-protected fishing rights. Their struggle was not only about fishing, but also about fundamentally different ways of understanding our relationship with nature.

Fighting for the river

In the 19th century, the US government signed treaties that protected Indigenous peoples’ rights to fish on their traditional fishing grounds. When the state of Washington later restricted these rights, protests and legal battles followed.

Fish War tells the story of this resistance through the voices of activists and witnesses. Their fight eventually led to a landmark court decision reaffirming their treaty rights. The documentary also explores the lasting impact on Indigenous communities and the biodiversity of the river.

Different views of nature

The conflict in Fish War goes beyond fishing rights. While governments have often approached the river primarily as an economic resource, Indigenous fishers also understand it as a home and a place of spiritual significance. What can we learn from this perspective? And can Indigenous ideas help us build a different relationship with the natural world?

After a short introduction, we will watch Fish War. The film will be followed by a conversation with Dian Million and Laura De Vos, with room for questions from the audience.

About the speakers

Dian Million is Associate Professor in American Indian Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her research focuses on Indigenous politics and communities, with particular attention to health and the intersections of race, class and gender.

Laura De Vos is a cultural studies scholar at Radboud University. Their research focuses on North American Indigenous social movements and international solidarity with these movements.

This programme is organised by Radboud Reflects and American Studies at Radboud University.