Book a free screening of Nechako for your organization, board, or community.
Remai Modern - Discovery Cinema: Nechako: It Will Be A Big River Again
When the Kenney Dam was built in the 1950s, it diverted most of British Columbia’s Nechako River to power an aluminum smelter—devastating ecosystems and the Stellat’en and Saik’uz Nations who depend on its waters. Seventy years later, these Nations continue their struggle against powerful institutions in a landmark legal case to restore the river’s flow and protect their way of life. Filmmaker and Indigenous scholar Lyana Patrick (Stellat’en First Nation) weaves personal reflection with urgent testimony from Elders, leaders, and land defenders who refuse to give up on the Nechako. Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again is a powerful chronicle of resistance and renewal—a call to action reminding us that survival must serve everyone, and that the health of our lands and waters is inseparable from our own.
This screening of Nechako: It Will Be A Big River Again is free and open to the public! All guests must check-in at the front desk to receive an admission token.
The Cinematheque
Free public screening hosted by Kelsey Timler, Postdoctoral Fellow & Public Scholar, UBC
School of Nursing – Interdisciplinary Studies, in collaboration with Lyana. With Lyana in
attendance.
The Cinematheque - 1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8
ANISHINAABE NIBI (WATER) GATHERING (Postponed until Sep 2026)
Nibi Gathering
"Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again" a documentary film by Dr. Lyana Patrick will be screened at the 2026 Nibi Gathering. Courtesy of the NFB
Indigenous Films at the Aron Theatre Co-Op
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Movie at 7:00 pm | Doors open at 6:30 pm
Tickets: Pay what you can
After decades of resistance, two Indigenous Nations fight to restore the Nechako River and protect their land, culture, and way of life. The film follows their legal battle, environmental efforts, and deep connection to the river.
When the Kenney Dam was built in the 1950s, it diverted most of British Columbia’s Nechako River to power an aluminum smelter—devastating ecosystems and the Stellat’en and Saik’uz Nations who depend on its waters. Seventy years later, these Nations continue their struggle against powerful institutions in a landmark legal case to restore the river’s flow and protect their way of life.
Filmmaker and Indigenous scholar Lyana Patrick (Stellat’en First Nation) weaves personal reflection with urgent testimony from Elders, leaders, and land defenders who refuse to give up on the Nechako. Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again is a powerful chronicle of resistance and renewal—a call to action reminding us that survival must serve everyone, and that the health of our lands and waters is inseparable from our own.
NANAIMO ART GALLERY
When the Kenney Dam was built in the 1950s, it diverted most of British Columbia’s Nechako River to power an aluminum smelter—devastating ecosystems and the Stellat’en and Saik’uz Nations who depend on its waters. Seventy years later, these Nations continue their struggle against powerful institutions in a landmark legal case to restore the river’s flow and protect their way of life. Filmmaker and Indigenous scholar Lyana Patrick (Stellat’en First Nation) weaves personal reflection with urgent testimony from Elders, leaders, and land defenders who refuse to give up on the Nechako. Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again is a powerful chronicle of resistance and renewal—a call to action reminding us that survival must serve everyone, and that the health of our lands and waters is inseparable from our own.
Unsettling the Lens is curated by Indigenous Engagement Coordinator bailey macabre and in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada.
2025, 1h 30m
Doors at 6:15pm
Free Admission – Donations welcomed. Popcorn and drinks available for purchase.
Registration is recommended, seating is limited but not guaranteed to be available at the door.
Nechako at Prince George
Prince George Playhouse 2626 Recplace Drive, Prince George, BC, V2N 0H4
3:30–5:00 PM – screening of Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again (2025, 90 min)
5:00–6:00 PM – Round Table and Q&A with panelists Jasmine Thomas, Kym Gouchie and Jennifer Annaïs Pighin
At the Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Recplace Drive, PG
Tickets are free at the door. No pre-registration available.
Nechako at Les Jeudis Causerie
Centre Communautaire Rendez-vous 50+, 7605, rue François-Perrault, Montréal, QC
Nechako at DTES Heart of the City Festival
Tickets here Playing at SFU Woodwards, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Nechako at Windsor International Film Festival
Nechako will screen at the Windsor International Film Festival ! Tickets here
Nechako at B.C. First Nations Women's, 2 Spirit, Self-Determination & Rematriation Research Governance Summit 2025
Location: SFU Woodwards, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC. More information here
Nechako Opens Planet in Focus
Nechako is the opening gala film at Planet in Focus ! Tickets here
Nechako at the Pacific Cinematheque
Nechako screens at the Pacific Cinematheque as part of the Our Stories to Tell series. Tickets here
Nechako at Sydney Film Festival
Nechako screens at the Sydney Film Festival. Tickets here
Nechako at VIFF Post Screening Q&A with Lyana Patrick and Managing Partner, Ratcliff LLP, Melinda J Skeels
Nechako screens at VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema | Tickets here
Nechako at Sydney Film Festival
Nechako screens at the Sydney Film Festival. Tickets here
Nechako at VIFF and post screening discussion with Lyana Patrick and Jasmine Thomas, moderated by Dr. Candis Callison
Nechako screens at VIFF - VIFF Cinema | Tickets here | Post screening discussion with Lyana Patrick and Jasmine Thomas
Producing Nechako: Crafting Co-Production Partnerships to Elevate Indigenous Voices
Join the producers of Nechako – It Will Be a Big River Again for a conversation on the behind-the-scenes work of bringing a powerful, socially impactful documentary to life. They'll discuss their collaboration with the National Film Board (NFB) and the complexities of telling both deeply personal and community-driven stories. Learn about the intricacies of production planning, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and the challenges of documenting a community's fight for justice.
Panelists
Teri Snelgrove, Jessica Hallenbeck