Wings of the Feather River; Memory & Renewal in Maidu Country follows a storytelling journey led by Maidu community members as they explore the cultural, environmental, and historical significance of the Feather River and reflect on the impacts of the Oroville Dam on the land and communities connected to it. Through conversations with community leaders, reflections on place, and shared learning experiences, participants examine how the river continues to shape identity, responsibility, and community relationships.
The film documents a process of learning, relationship-building, and advocacy as participants engage with elders, cultural practitioners, and environmental leaders to better understand their role in caring for the river and speaking for their communities. In doing so, the film highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and intergenerational dialogue in shaping more responsible and inclusive approaches to environmental stewardship.

By centering voices that have long been overlooked in conversations about water infrastructure and regional planning, the film offers a powerful reminder that Indigenous perspectives are not only relevant—they are essential to understanding the past, present, and future of the Feather River.

This documentary was created as part of the Feather River Advocacy Project, a program that reflects Redbud Resource Group’s commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices, knowledge, and leadership in conversations about land, water, and community wellbeing. As conversations continue about the future of water and environmental stewardship in California, these perspectives offer critical context that has too often been absent from decision-making spaces.