What's Happening?
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has announced that "Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation," a collaborative documentary and educational project, has been selected for the 30th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival. The festival is scheduled
to take place from October 14–18, 2026, in New York City. This project highlights the Menominee Nation’s long-standing relationship with forests and their generations of stewardship practices. Developed in partnership with #forestproud and Into the Outdoors, the initiative includes an episode titled “The Menominee Nation — Stewards of Sustainability,” which delves into the Menominee's traditional knowledge, practices, and cultural teachings that continue to shape their forest management. John Awonohopay, Lumber Operations Manager of the Menominee Tribal Enterprises, expressed honor in sharing their teachings and respect for nature. The project received support from various organizations, including SAF, #forestproud, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Intertribal Timber Council, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with Discover Mediaworks serving as the film partner.
Why It's Important?
This selection for the Urbanworld Film Festival is significant as it brings national attention to Indigenous forestry practices and their role in sustainable forest management. The documentary and its accompanying K–12 curriculum aim to educate a broader audience about the Menominee Nation's approach to forest care, emphasizing the interconnectedness of forestry, culture, community, and generational knowledge. According to Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters, this recognition underscores a growing interest in diverse stories and approaches to forest relationships, which is crucial for addressing contemporary forestry challenges. By showcasing the Menominee Nation's successful stewardship, the project offers a valuable model for sustainable resource management that integrates ecological, cultural, and social benefits. This initiative also promotes a deeper understanding of the contributions of tribal forestry and natural resource professionals to the future of U.S. forests.
What's Next?
The documentary "Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation" will be screened at the Urbanworld Film Festival from October 14–18, 2026, in New York City. Following the festival, the episode “The Menominee Nation — Stewards of Sustainability” will be available for free viewing through Into the Outdoors and its YouTube channel. It is also slated to air on select broadcast television stations across the Into the Outdoors Regional Television Network. The project's K–12 curriculum will continue to be utilized to bring the Menominee Nation's forestry story into classrooms and communities, fostering educational engagement on sustainable practices. This continued exposure is expected to further raise awareness and encourage dialogue about the importance of Indigenous stewardship and its potential applications in broader U.S. forestry contexts.
Beyond the Headlines
The documentary's selection for a prominent film festival highlights a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and valuing Indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation. This initiative moves beyond conventional forestry narratives by integrating cultural teachings and community engagement as central to sustainable practices. The project's emphasis on a K–12 curriculum suggests a long-term strategy to instill these values in younger generations, potentially influencing future environmental policies and practices. By showcasing the Menominee Nation's success, the documentary challenges the dominant Western paradigms of resource management and promotes a more holistic understanding of human-nature relationships. This could lead to increased collaboration between Indigenous communities, governmental bodies, and environmental organizations in developing more equitable and effective conservation strategies across the United States.
