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Dear Subscriber First Name, “All of our problems are relational.” Those were the wise words from farmer Rich Appel during the Common Waters gathering we hosted on Sunday, October 5th—and I can’t stop thinking about them. Yes, we need to keep studying river flows, access, quality, use. But history keeps teaching us the same thing: when human beings choose to be in relationship, when we work together, we adapt. The most dangerous thing for humans is not drought, or scarcity, or even change. It’s disconnection. That’s why showing up matters. Spending time with people outside our comfort zones might not always feel urgent, but it is some of the most important work we can do—for peace, for prosperity, for cooperation. The details matter, but not more than knowing each other, listening to each other, and loving each other. Because from that place, solutions begin to grow. We listen to one another’s stories so we can write a new one together. And we’re not doing it just for ourselves. When I looked over and saw Robin and Riverly listening intently to traditional Nooksack stories, or my son’s hands cooking, serving, washing dishes—I remember we’re doing this for generations to come. For our children, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren. Someday, perhaps 170 years from now, they’ll look back and say: They were patient. They were wise. They were loving, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. They came to the table together and shared the bounty of the Nooksack watershed with gratitude — and a willingness to evolve. At the end of Sunday’s meal, Free Borsey shared a generous invitation to join the Lummi on the Nooksack River delta in the spring of 2026 for a glimpse of the lived history of generations of fish people. We cannot wait. Until then, let us know how you feel called to take part. This work will continue to unfold through many hands, many hearts, and many stories. Nature keeps showing us the same truth: we are better together. With gratitude and hope, Aaron and the W̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ (how to avoid) team
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