Hello Braided River Community!
With Congress continuing to debate the spending bill, wildlife, public lands, and Tribal communities are under threat. Several environmental services and offices are shut down, including public land visitor centers, climate and weather monitoring, vital programs for Indigenous peoples, and more, while oil and gas permitting are being deemed a necessity.
During this time, the Trump Administration ordered the greenlight and fast-tracked permissions required for Trilogy Metals to proceed with the Ambler Road project in America's Arctic. This 211-mile industrial mining road would cut through some of the most remote, biologically diverse, and sacred lands in the world. The Ambler Road would cut through the Gates of the Arctic National Park and 1,400 acres of delicate wetlands, having detrimental effects on caribou migration and spawning habitats for local fisheries. The Trump Administration announced its investment in the for-profit Canadian mining company, pushing American minerals and taxpayer dollars out of the country despite opposition from 89 Tribes and First Nation groups. Learn more and support the communities advocating against Ambler through the “Defend Brooks Range” coalition.
Receive timely reporting on America’s Arctic with Braided River’sOverlooked & Untold Stories journalism grant program, including a recent Seattle Times piece by Lynda Mapes, and harvest hope this fall by taking action to protect the wildlife and lands we love. The article features photographs from Gerrit Vyn, of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Kicked Off a Busy Month of Braided River Events with Woodpecker!
Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckerslaunched on October 8 at Town Hall Seattle! We are thrilled by its reception, with over 450 Seattle bird lovers in attendance. At its launch, renowned author and photographer Paul Bannick highlighted his stunning images, paired with audio of various woodpecker species, and profound research and narrative, to bring the book to life, and encourage conservation. His presentation explored the often secretive lives of woodpeckers, the North American ecosystems they inhabit, and their seasonally based behaviors. We are excited for what’s next for Woodpecker, including over 30 events throughout America in 2026! Keep an eye out for event details to learn more about woodpeckers and how to protect them. Learn more about Woodpecker and purchase your copy.
Celebrating In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations!
A week later, we celebrated another launch—In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations: Conversations about Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being in Nature, published in partnership with Se’Si’Le. Jeff Renner guided panelists Jay Julius Xw’tot lhem, Lynda Mapes, and John Vechey through meaningful conversation exploring right and respectful relations with nature, each other, and ourselves, leaving us with three action items:
Examine your relationship with Earth. Love it (nature) like a mother, as the giver of life that it is. —Jay
Find a way to open yourself up to the pain to learn and feel the truthful history. —John
Step out of performative action and embrace a history acknowledgement. Use In the Spirit of Right and Respectful Relations as a tool to begin your active relationship with each other and the landscape. —Lynda
Braided River continues to raise funds through book sales and donations to support Se’Si'Le's mission and ability to provide pro bono books at their convening events. Link here to contribute.
A Story of Hope and Resilience: Living River Exhibit
Acclaimed author and conservation photographer Dave Showalter launched his 5-year photography book project, Living River, into a traveling exhibit! This 20-piece exhibit highlights the lifeforce of the Colorado River Watershed, its riverkeepers, and the species that depend on it. On October 17th, we were delighted to launch Dave’s work at the Headwaters River Journey Center in Winter Park, Colorado, a water and wildlife museum that encourages awareness, exploration, and action regarding the Colorado River. Be sure to check out the breathtaking exhibit, which will remain on display at the Headwaters River Journey Center until December 2025.
In Partnership with 1% for the Planet
We are proud to be a 1% for the Planet environmental partner! Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet helps member businesses donate 1% of their annual sales to vetted environmental organizations around the world. We’ve been honored to receive support from Crux Consulting Consortium, c’est BONBON’s The Committed Line, COOPH Cooperative of Photography, and Grounds for Change. Our business partners are a vital part of the life-giving river of support that sustains Braided River’s work to protect wild and sacred lands through the power of compelling images and stories.
Check out our directory page, and learn more about becoming a 1% for the Planet business partner!
Action Item of the Month
Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund: Typhoon Halong
Starting on October 11th, 2025, Typhoon Halong hit Western Alaska, causing significant flooding and destruction in coastal communities. Local community organizations and regional partners have come together to establish the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, housed at the Alaska Community Foundation. You can read more about the relief fund on their webpage, and donate to support the affected communities who are leaning on local leaders to share what they need.
Photo Credits
Top photo: Paul Bannick, author and photographer of Woodpecker and Owl
Second photo: Dean Wenick