5-Part Documentary Series (2025)
cascade pbs
UPSTREAM BATTLE
Writer / Director
a sacred heritage
Reefnet fishing is an innovative fishing method developed by the Lummi Nation thousands of years ago. More than just a means of sustenance, it is intrinsically tied to Native culture, identity and spirituality. Following punitive legislation, environmental damage, and devastation caused by a budding cannery industry looking to capitalize on a seemingly abundant resource, they were all but removed from the practice.
the salish sea’s
last reefnetters
Today, there are only 12 captains left with a reefnet fishing license in the world, and only one of them is an enrolled tribe member.
Upstream Battle is the story of the Salish Sea’s last reefnetters, and the legal, spiritual, and cultural subtext that intertwines them.
I pitched Upstream Battle to PBS for Season 3 of its Origins series. They selected it to be produced amongst dozens of other applicants.
The series premieres in 2025.
