September ‘25 Update: W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid)

Update #1: September 2025

Subscriber First Name,

We are all connected together by the Nooksack River. Its health is our future, and your steady commitment keeps this work alive. Thank you. Our last river walk and dinner was a reminder of what’s possible when people gather — there was joy, kindness, even courage. Friendships formed, lessons were shared, and new partners stepped forward to walk with us.

Now the season turns. The river shifts as it always does, and so do we — growing, learning, and carrying the story forward.

This newsletter is our way to keep the current flowing: to share upcoming events, dinners, river walks, movie releases, and important updates on our journey together.

If you know bridge-builders who might join us, please share this newsletter with them. And if these updates aren’t for you, simply let us know.

As a reminder — our next dinner and river walk is October 5th. You can find more details below. Hope to see you there.

respect,
Aaron Straight and the W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid) team

Save the Date: October 5

Common Waters Series Part Two: Headwaters
Date: October 5, 2pm - 9pm
Locations: South Fork of the Nooksack + Bellingham

By invitation only

We are reconvening bridge builders from across the community for the second in a series of Common Waters gatherings — immersive experiences that bring together tribal members, farmers, environmental advocates, and neighbors to share locally-sourced meals, tell stories, and build relationships along different sections of the Nooksack River.

Learn More

Mon, Jun 30

Recap: Common Waters Gathering #1

Lummi fishers, Nooksack storytellers, Punjabi farmers, and local leaders gathered for a day of shared stories, river walks, and farm feasts along the Nooksack—captured by a film crew who blended seamlessly into the magic. From berry fields to river sandbars, participants left titles behind to listen deeply to each other and the land, forging connection and understanding. By sunset, a sense of stewardship and hope filled the circle, as heartfelt apologies and blessings were exchanged over a meal sourced from the watershed itself.

About W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid)

W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid) transforms potential water conflicts into collaborative stewardship opportunities in the Nooksack River watershed through immersive community gatherings, storytelling, and documentary filmmaking. The project brings together tribal fishers, family farmers, environmental advocates, and civic leaders to build authentic relationships across traditional divides, creating pathways for cooperative water management that honor treaty rights, agricultural viability, and ecosystem health. Our goal is to demonstrate that "we are not enemies"—proving that communities facing complex water challenges can choose collaboration over litigation, creating a replicable model for watersheds nationwide.

Learn more and get involved today.