Experience the Epic Journey of the Nez Perce Tribe to honor its sacred obligation to save salmon in Covenant of the Salmon People
Members of the Nez Perce Tribe pause for a photo.
LAPWAI, Idaho-The Nez Perce Tribe's award-winning documentary, "Covenant of the Salmon People," has made such a media impact that it is now available through streaming, online, and at various PBS stations.
The documentary covers the life and activities of the Nez Perce Tribe as they carry out their centuries-long promise to protect Chinook salmon, the main food source that has historically sustained the people of the tribe. The film covers the commitment the tribe has to save the Chinook salmon from extinction.
The Chinook salmon is the largest and most valuable species of Pacific salmon. Other vernacular names for the species include king salmon, Quinnat salmon, Tsumen, spring salmon, chrome hog, Blackmouth, and Tyee salmon. The flesh of the salmon is highly valued for its dietary nutritional content, which includes high levels of important omega-3 fatty acids. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Chinook salmon population in some places is declining from factors such as overfishing, loss of freshwater and estuarine habitat, hydropower development, poor ocean conditions, and hatchery practices
"Covenant of the Salmon People" immerses viewers in the rich tapestry of the Nez Perce people's deep-rooted connection with salmon and their ancestral landscapes. The film narrates the tribe's ongoing commitment to safeguarding this invaluable species despite the challenges posed by widespread building of dams and weather issues.
Directed and produced by Emmy Award winner Shane Anderson of Swiftwater Films, "Covenant of the Salmon People" has garnered acclaim since its first screening in May 2023 in Lewiston, Idaho.
The Nez Perce Tribe and partners have been hosting screenings across the Northwest, building awareness of the critical role salmon play in their culture and heritage. The film recently won the Things to Consider award and Top 3 Overall Film at the Friday Harbor Film Festival.
Chairman Wheeler stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "Without salmon, we, the Salmon People across the Northwest, lose an integral part of our culture and identity. It's time to take significant steps to preserve this vital species from the brink of extinction."
Check your local listing to see if the film is showing in your area, or you can currently view it online at https://www.pbs.org/video/covenant-vcucck/.
