Hello Braided River Community!
Here in the Pacific Northwest, the sun has begun to set at 4:30, and the mountaintops are capped in snow, signs of the seasons changing and the year coming to a close. One thing stays true amid the shift: Braided River remains steadfast in its fight for public lands and the Indigenous communities who have stewarded them for time immemorial.
This month, we celebrate the continued efficacy of Braided River titles and programming, new and old, made possible by your support. We honor Indigenous-led environmental campaigns, healthy salmon ecosystems, and the unparalleled biodiversity of America’s Arctic.
In a season known for cozying up by the fire and adding a new craft to your repertoire, we're delighted to be a creative constant, bringing you hopeful stories of environmental protection and conservation through astonishing images.
Journey In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations
From left to right: Kurt Russo, John Vechey, Asta Child, Sarah Hart, Fiorella De La O, Jay Julius Xw’tot lhem
Since its launch in August, In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations has supported six events with Braided River and Se'Si'Le partners. The book launched on Friday Harbor, highlighting authors Jay Julius Xw'tot lhem, Kurt Russo, and artist Fiorella De La O. The campaign supported the Se’Si’Le “Majestic Matriarch” event series in partnership with Washington Conservation Action and Save Our wild Salmon before its grand community book launch at Town Hall Seattle, featuring Lynda Mapes, Jay Julius Xw'tot lhem, Jeff Renner, John Vechey, and Robin Lovelace. A core goal of the campaign is to support Indigenous-led environmental knowledge and inspire connection to Mother Earth among non-Indigenous allies. Through the generosity of Braided River donors, we are proud to have done this through the gifting of over 800 books to date to project supporters and event attendees. We are eager to see what lies ahead with Se'Si'Le and Right and Respectful Relations in the upcoming year!
An Evening of Tongass Advocacy with Amy Gulick
Yesterday, acclaimed author and photographer Amy Gulick brought her Braided River title Salmon in the Trees to life in a presentation of stunning photography and powerful storytelling, hosted by Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC) and Braided River at the Burke Museum. Highlighting salmon, forests, and people in Southeast Alaska, Amy emphasized the urgency in protecting the Tongass rainforest—an essential ecosystem for climate resilience, biodiversity, and the future of wild salmon and the communities they support.
Sign up for Tongass Action Alerts and Purchase Your Copy of Salmon in the Trees
Thank You for Your Continued Support
Our work heading into 2026 will continue in community, introducing new books and programs, in support of sacred lands, waters, and the communities that depend on them. National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan’s breathtaking book, Guardians of Life, will launch in the spring, offering a global perspective on the world’s most iconic natural wonders and the Indigenous-led conservation efforts that enable these landscapes to flourish. We are eager to build on our past work, from America’s Arctic and the Colorado River to the Salish Sea and Columbia Basin. Shaping and sharing images and stories that promote awe and action for the natural world would not be possible without your support.
Consider donating this holiday season so our multi-media campaigns can grow in depth and impact.
Action Item of the Month
Take Action by 11:59 TONIGHT to Help Protect America’s Arctic
During the government shutdown, the Trump Administration began the process of selling nearly 16 million acres of public lands in the Western Arctic for oil and gas development. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is calling for nominations on all available unleased areas. Privatization of public lands for private profit is against the Bureau of Land Management’s mission and fails to acknowledge the 1976 National Petroleum Reserves Production Act. Existing oil and gas projects like the Willow development are proof that industry development does not meet projected revenues. In the final hours of the public comment period, we must help stop corporate exploitation and loss of wild places by adding our names to the public comment.
Photo Credits
Top Photo: Dave Showalter, author and photographer of LIVING RIVER: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado and Sage Spirit: The American West at a Crossroads
Second Photo: Stacy De La O
Third Photo: Amy Gulick, author and photographer of Salmon in the Trees and The Salmon Way
Bottom Photo: Kiliii Yüyan,Guardians of Life cover