Gáax’w Ka Haaw: Herring Eggs & Branches, 36 min, 2020.

Since time immemorial, the people of Southeast Alaska have harvested herring eggs by placing hemlock branches in herring spawn. This vital, traditional food is endangered by commercial fishing pressure. This film serves as both a vignette of the 2019 spring harvest efforts and a portrayal of the tension the Indigenous people of Sitka, Alaska and beyond are feeling as their traditional food faces an uncertain future.

By Lee House and Ellie Schmidt. Participation made possible through Element Agency.

Produced by Sealaska Heritage Institute.

Screenings:

2022 Jackson Wild: World Wildlife Day Film Showcase: Recovering Species
2021 International Ocean Film Festival, San Francisco, CA
2020 Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK (postponed)
2020 Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival, Australia
2020 International Maritime Film Festival, Bucksport, ME (Winner of Best Short Award)
2020 MINT Film Festival, Billings, MT
2020 Seattle True Independent Film Festival, WA
2020 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, New York, NY

Watch the film here: