MHC Panel Discussion of “The River is Our Relative” Collins Center, UMaine 7:15, Nov. 9, 2023

MHC Panel Discussion of “The River is Our Relative” Collins Center, UMaine 7:15, Nov. 9, 2023 The streamed Panel will take place on the Collins Center stage after the screening of the film by the Sunlight Media Collective. Those not in person at the Collins Center can view the film online on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/804872247 On Thursday, November 9 at 6:00 pm in the Collins Center for the Arts, the McGillicuddy Humanities Center will welcome members of the film cast and of the Sunlight Media Collective for a free screening of and discussion/Q&A about the new documentary film "This River Is Our Relative." “This River is Our Relative" is a documentary about the Penobscot Nation’s intrinsic kinship connection to and tireless environmental advocacy for the Penobscot River. The story is told through the voices of 24 Penobscot people, who share their experience of historical, physical, and spiritual connection to place; of cultural identity and survival. Their narratives are interwoven with a traditional Wabanaki story about how The People and Glouskap defeated a greedy monster frog, Aklebemu, who was hoarding all the water. This story parallels both historical and present day environmental concerns, and is also the origin story of the Penobscot family Clans. This documentary shows the Penobscot Nation's dedication to environmental justice and their efforts to minimize pollution, demonstrates the importance of respecting inherent Tribal sovereignty, and celebrates Penobscot peoples’ ongoing river-based cultural traditions. The Sunlight Media Collective is an organization of Wabanaki and non-Wabanaki media makers working to document and raise awareness about issues affecting Wabanaki people, with a particular emphasis on the frequent intersection between environmental issues and Tribal rights. Sunlight Media Collective’s work facilitates understanding, analysis and historical context, and provides educational opportunities for alliance building, social change, and environmental stewardship.  MORE COMPLETE LIST OF PANELISTS: • Jennifer Neptune — Pαnawάhpskewi (Penobscot), Basketmaker, Beader, Herbalist. • Jus Crea Giammarino, ND — Pαnawάhpskewi (Penobscot) and Naturopathic Doctor. • Gabe Paul — Pαnawάhpskewi (Penobscot), Penobscot Language Instructor at Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation Department. • Jan Paul —Pαnawάhpskewi (Penobscot), Water Resources Field and Lab Technician at Penobscot Nation Department of Natural Resources. • Kathy Paul (Pαnawάhpskewi (Penobscot) Elder, Co-Director of This River is Our Relative, member of Sunlight Media Collective. • Maria Girouard — (Pαnawάhpskewi (Penobscot), Penobscot Tribal Council Member, Historian, Executive Director of Wabanaki REACH, Founder of Dawnland Environmental Defense, Co- Founder of Sunlight Media Collective, Senior Advisor/Writer/Consulting Editor for This River is Our Relative.