The Soul of the Fraser - Film Screening for World Water Day
This event took place in March 2023
World Water Day:
Annually on March 22nd, World Water Day is observed globally. The 2023 theme is Accelerating Change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. Worldwaterday.org asks us all to change the way we use, consume, and manage water in our lives to make a difference.
The Film:
Watch the Trailer on YouTube from Nerv Production Inc.
Where millions of birds and billions of fish once thrived, now mere thousands struggle to co-exist with the unregulated growth of Metro-Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Local filmmakers Brendan Chu and Chris Jenkins explore the Fraser Estuary, the original river delta beneath the urban sprawl of Vancouver.
To solve the mysteries of this forgotten land, they meet with environmental activists, First Nations leaders, and specialized biologists. Led by indigenous wisdom and western studies, the filmmakers witness beautiful animals and mysterious sights. Soon, they see the “death of a thousand cuts” this once beautiful land has suffered through.
A new threat looms over the Fraser Estuary; in the migratory path of the fish and birds. Various concerned experts protest; ex-government workers reveal how environmental management has slipped into the hands of corporations and indigenous representatives describe how their stewardship is ignored by the decision makers of industry.
The filmmakers desire to use this film to bring the soul back to the Fraser; through educating the local public about the ecological history they walk on.
Find additional film details on the Nerv Production Inc. website
The Event:
Join Spiritual Path to Awakening (SPA), United Church Earth Stewards, and Watershed Watch Salmon Society for a film screening of “The Soul of the Fraser” in honour of World Water Day with special guests the BCIT Rivers Institute and Nerv Productions Inc.
“The Soul of the Fraser” Film Screening for World Water Day
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Downtown Abbotsford, Conference Rooms A & B, Trinity Memorial United Church
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$20.00 per person / $10.00 for children + students*
*Children aged 13 and under. Students in highschool or post secondary, valid student ID required to be presented upon arrival at the event. This film is suitable for all ages who can comfortably enjoy the 1 hour + 20 minute run time.
Engage with Watershed Watch Salmon Society at their vendor booth. The BCIT Rivers Institute and Nerv Productions Inc. will have a presentation and Q&A period following the film. The United Church Earth Stewards are the event emcees. Browse the Spiritual Path to Awakening silent auction and enjoy light refreshments
This event is open to all members of the community. Space is limited, please pre-register on the SPA website to reserve your spot. Upon registering, you will be prompted to download a digital document that contains all the event details. Please email path.awakening@gmail.com if you have difficulty downloading the pdf.
Trinity Memorial United Church is located at 33737 George Ferguson Way in downtown Abbotsford, BC. V2S 2M4. Free parking is available onsite (in the church parking lot) for event attendees. The event will take place in “Conference Rooms A & B,” located on the upper levels of the church. Entry points: the office’s entrance if you’re comfortable with stairs or accessible entry via the sanctuary. Both entry points are located off Trinity Street.
By attending this event, you consent to you and your party (if applicable) potentially having your photo taken. The photos may be shared on the website and/or social media accounts for Spiritual Path to Awakening, the United Church Earth Stewards, Watershed Watch Salmon Society, BCIT Rivers Institute, and Nerv Production Inc.
By registering for this event, learners and their guests (if applicable) have agreed to our Policies & Etiquette.
About the Event Partners & Special Guests:
United Church Earth Stewards:
Comprised of members of the United Churches of Abbotsford, Mission, and Aldergrove, BC, UCES initiates and supports efforts to save the planet. Our mission statement: "To be spiritually, mentally and physically involved in the stewardship of the Earth"
Find the United Church Earth Stewards on Facebook.
Watershed Watch Salmon Society:
Watershed Watch Salmon Society is a science-based charity working to defend and rebuild B.C.’s wild salmon. It was founded two decades ago by a small group of passionate conservationists. Led by ecologist Craig Orr, they noticed that while a lot of work relating to fisheries and habitat restoration was being done on the ground on local waterways, no one was pulling together the pieces to confront policy decisions at the federal and provincial levels.
Today, though Watershed Watch is still small, with a core staff of less than 10 people, we have grown into a highly effective advocacy organization. Our work is still grounded in sound science, and as always, we tackle the complex issues facing wild salmon through collaboration with other organizations and community groups.
Learn more on the Watershed Watch Salmon Society website
BCIT Rivers Institute:
The BCIT Rivers Institute is focused on the protection and restoration of rivers, streams, estuaries, lakes and wetlands in British Columbia. We accomplish our mission by teaching the theory and practice of aquatic ecosystem restoration to full and part time students and industry professionals enrolled in the Ecological Restoration Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration and Master of Science in Ecological Restoration. We provide guidance and expertise for community based restoration initiatives, conducting applied research, and mentoring the next generation of ecological restoration professionals. The BCIT Rivers Institute is led by Dr. Ken Ashley in the Rudy North Chair in River Ecology.
Learn more on the BCIT Rivers Institute website
Nerv Production Inc.:
JAKOB DAWSON - FOUNDER
Producer | Writer | Storyteller
Jakob sees a world that’s mythic, romantic, and driven. During his childhood, he wrote and produced over 200 video episodes for a niche online following… using his toys as actors. Despite these odd limitations, fans praised the surprisingly rich storytelling and memorable characters. His passion for filmmaking and storytelling pushed him to move beyond experimental videos and hone his skills to produce content professionally. Years later, Jakob still buzzes with new stories for new audiences. After studying film in university and working on set numerous times, Jakob and his peers built NERV Productions to tell gripping narratives and deliver truth about the environment.
CHRIS JENKINS
Producer | Director | Cinematographer
Chris’ talents lay in Directing, Producing and Cinematography. Chris discovered his love of film and photography in his adolescence and has honed his skills ever since. Over the years Chris has worked on numerous film sets; everything from large scale feature films to indie shorts and commercials. A combination of real work experience and post-secondary education has garnered himself immense technical expertise and informed professionalism.
Learn more on the Nerv Productions Inc. website
Spiritual Path to Awakening (SPA):
Spiritual Path to Awakening (SPA) is a not-for-profit initiative of The Mid-Fraser Cluster. Based in downtown Abbotsford (ancestral homelands of the Semá:th and Máthxwi First Nations), we connect the community through a variety of workshops, programs, and events that feed the mind, body, and soul. We offer a mix of online and in-person activities, to ensure that safety and comfort are at the forefront of the SPA experience.
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