On October 5, 2025, Common Waters brought together tribal members, farmers, environmental advocates, and community leaders for an afternoon of connection and collaboration along the Nooksack River.

The gathering began with a river walk at Todd Creek on the South Fork Nooksack, where partners from the Nooksack Tribe and Whatcom Land Trust shared stories of their ongoing work to restore salmon habitat. Lummi Nation members and local farmers also joined to discuss their coordination efforts to create healthy riparian zones.

Following the field visit, participants gathered at The Commons in Bellingham for a watershed feast prepared by chef Mataio Gillis, featuring storytelling from tribal members and farmers, and the premiere of film vignettes, painted portraits, and a short film from the previous gathering that captured the friendships and insights born from these conversations.

About the Common Water Series

Three gatherings. Three parts of the river. One mission: build trust and a shared story by experiencing the watershed together.

We're hosting immersive gatherings along different sections of the Nooksack—from the delta on Lummi lands to agricultural areas to the headwaters in Nooksack tribal territory. Each brings together tribal members, farmers, environmental advocates, and civic leaders to share meals, tell stories, and build the relationships necessary for collaborative solutions.

We deliberately design these gatherings to be memorable—picnicking on sandbars, walking farmland together, moving beyond sterile meeting rooms into direct relationship with the river. Because the stories that stick with us are never about everything going to plan.

Contact us to learn more or support these gatherings!