Common Waters: We Are Not Enemies Premiere
Something is shifting in the Nooksack watershed.
Tribal members, farmers, artists, civic leaders, and neighbors are showing up together. Not because we agree on everything. Because the river asks more of us than retreating to our separate corners.
On November 19, the doors open wider.
Join us for a public evening of film, art, story, and conversation about this river, the people who depend on it, and the difficult work of building a future together.
What to expect
The evening begins at Pickford Film Center with the premier of a new 30-minute film, We Are Not Enemies (view the trailer here), and reflections from people whose lives and work are bound to the watershed.
From there, participants will walk next door to an immersive gallery experience at SPARK Museum. The space will unfold like the river itself, from headwaters to flatlands to delta, with paintings, photography, sound, food, and guided conversation. Come ready to wander, listen, meet someone new, and consider what part you might play in the story ahead.
Why this night
The Common Waters gatherings have taken people out of meeting rooms and into direct relationship with the watershed through river walks, shared meals, stories, film, and art. Earlier events have brought together Lummi and Nooksack community members, farmers, environmental advocates, civic leaders, educators, artists, elders, and children.
November 19 is an invitation to the wider community to witness what has been unfolding and help shape what comes next.
Event details
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Doors: 5:30 PM
Program begins: 6:00 PM
Program ends: 9:30 PM
Space remains open until: 10:30 PM
Begins at: Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay Street, Bellingham
Continues at: SPARK Museum, 1312 Bay Street, Bellingham
Hospitality: Light snacks, alcoholic beverages, and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided. Please arrive fed!
Audience: Youth are welcome, though the program may not be appropriate for young children. Childcare will not be provided.
Access: The event will be ADA accessible. For accommodation questions or requests, contact info@waterwars.info.
Filming: The event will be filmed. All guests will be asked to sign a model release waiver.
Tickets: $30 suggested for general admission, with flexible pricing. We don't want the price tag to prevent participation; please contact info@waterwars.info if cost is an issue.
Registration: Advance registration required. Space is limited.
Questions and access requests: info@waterwars.info
The program moves between adjacent venues and includes periods of standing, wandering, and conversation. Pickford Film Center also provides wheelchair seating.
Water Wars (how to avoid) is proudly affiliated with Whatcom Community Foundation. Tax-deductible donations support the Water Wars (how to avoid) Fund at the Foundation.
Paid street parking and a public garage at 1300 Commercial Street are available nearby.
The river belongs to no single story.
Come hear a few of them. Bring your own. Leave with a deeper sense of the place we share and the work that waits for all of us.