Sockeye salmon photo by Milton Love | Public Domain

Six young people in Naknek, Alaska, are telling their own stories about what wild salmon mean to their families and communities through Currents of Connection, a youth filmmaking project in Bristol Bay. Home to the world’s largest wild sockeye salmon run, Bristol Bay has sustained Indigenous communities and fishing traditions for generations, and its lands and waters continue to be stewarded by Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Dena’ina Athabascan, and Yup’ik peoples.

During a five-day workshop in June, participants created short films exploring traditional knowledge, generations of commercial fishing, salmon prices, and the future of their communities. More than 80 people attended a local screening of the films, which center the voices of young people who have grown up with salmon as an important part of their culture, livelihoods, and way of life.

Check out Currents of Connection to learn more about the project and watch their films!