Resilience Rising: Echoes of Owyhee

Special Event: Celebrating Black History Month

In the corner of Oregon balancing the border of Idaho, nestled among the rugged terrain of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a group of eight Black, Indigenous, and People of Color leaders embarked on a journey that would not only deepen their understanding of the environment but also ignite a fervor for both environmental advocacy and racial justice. As they traversed the untouched landscapes, each step echoed with the weight of history and the urgency of the present. Inspired by their experiences in the Owyhee Canyonlands, the group made a pact to become advocates for both the environment and the cause of racial justice.

Directed by Chad Brown.

Screening followed by a moderated panel discussion with the filmmaker and five panelists ending with a question & answer period. Information will be available at the event regarding Chad Brown’s nonprofit Love Is King and how to get involved with Oregon Natural Desert Association’s ongoing efforts to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands for future generations.

Movie run time: 32 minutes
Panel discussion plus Q&A: 45 minutes

A note from the director about the film’s intentional incorporation of Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of justice:

“Many individuals remain unaware about this aspect; however, it’s important to recognize its historical significance. When we examine history more critically—often referred to as “his story” connected primarily to Caucasian narratives—we find considerable information has been omitted over time. There exists an extensive amount of historical context absent from educational resources; one must delve deeply to uncover these truths.

As director of this film—and should your focus include themes related to Dr. Martin Luther King—I draw significant inspiration from his speeches and writings prior to his passing. These texts resonate profoundly on multiple levels; I’ve interwoven elements from them within my work which connects themes related to nature alongside those pertaining to civil rights—the concept symbolized by “going up to the mountaintop.” 

The filmmaking process aimed intentionally at reflecting Dr. King’s vision where social justice intersects with environmental advocacy—a nuanced understanding he possessed which often eludes many others today. An examination or reading through his works reveals discussions surrounding nature intertwined with issues such as dignity and respect etc.

Thus far into production stages for this project were approached strategically while honoring Dr. King’s legacy through both inspiration and direct reference within our narrative framework—it results in an exceptionally unique outdoor cinematic experience unlike any other existing films in this genre.

This project sets out not only as an outdoor documentary but redefines storytelling techniques by incorporating profound messages drawn from King’s insights into our narration structure while emphasizing conservation efforts regarding Owyhee Canyonlands alongside showcasing eight Black, Indigenous and People of Color leaders who embody principles rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King’s ethos.” – Chad Brown

Ayesha Christian (Panelist)
Ayesha is the owner/operator of Nomad Mix, www.nomadmix.com, a savory trail mix company whose mission is to offer the world a healthy snack while protecting our natural environment and our inherent human curiosity for exploration. Ayesha is a board member for both Oregon Wild and Love is King nonprofit organizations.

Chad Brown (Film Director & Panelist)

An award-winning documentary-adventure photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist, Navy Veteran Chad Brown is the founder/president of non-profits Soul River, Inc. and Love is King. Chad’s latest efforts include outdoor adventure travel, threatened wild spaces, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Through his projects, he connects the public to endangered lands, capturing the true essence of their peoples in moments of passion and the indomitable human spirit. Utilizing striking documentary portraits, photographic exhibitions and film, Chad advocates for social and environmental justice.

Dr. Lisa Collins (Panelist)

Dr. Lisa Collins, Ed.D. is an author, educator, and trauma practitioner, www.lisaycollins.com, who has mastered the art of blending education, trauma healing, and environmental advocacy into a unique career mix, with a solid foundation of over 30 years in education, including teaching, leadership, and educational research publications. Lisa is devoted to exploring the environment and advancing racial healing. Her collaboration with the nonprofit Love Is King, where she serves as a guide assistant, is a testament to her commitment to encourage BIPOC leaders to dive into the natural world, acknowledging the therapeutic value of such experiences.

Matt Mclean (Panelist)

Matt (He/Him) has been actively working in the environmental conservation and restoration space for nearly 5 years and is Co-Owner of Mad Bears Environmental Restoration Organization. Matt is a volunteer member of Multnomah County Search and Rescue, fisherman, a mushroom hunting enthusiast, forager, writer, and a proud citizen of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation. 

Ryan Houston (Panelist)

Ryan is the executive director of the nonprofit organization Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), https://onda.org, that works to secure conservation actions that protect the most spectacular and ecologically important public lands in Oregon’s high desert. Ryan has 20 years of experience in the conservation sector.

John Farnum, PhD (Moderator)

Dr. John Farnum has been teaching philosophy and environmental ethics in Portland for 25 years.  John currently teaches a variety of philosophy classes at Portland Community College and is director of the Center for Civic Participation at PCC (CCP@PCC), which is a dialogue-based initiative that encourages meaningful conversations across differences within our communities.