22nd Headwaters Conference

There are countless steps involved in mitigating and adapting to the regional disturbances of global climate change.  Many, when considered in isolation, are small: changing a light bulb, communicating with a political leader, or eating a meal grown with neighbors.  At times, such "small steps" can seem merely symbolic, committed more to find personal peace than to enact effective change.  On the other hand, when viewed collectively, these steps can appear infinitely expanding, overwhelming us almost to the point of political impotency: building a carbon neutral home or city; cultivating sustainable food systems within and across global communities; pushing political leaders on all levels to lead with climate commitments and incentives for solutions; implementing renewable energies more affordably than fossil fuels; integrating social justice struggles with ecological hopes.  How to find a balance?  Which solutions merge the accessibility of small steps with the efficacy of a history-altering movement? 

The 22nd Headwaters Conference will bring together the "big stories" of climate solutions in the Headwaters that illustrate this vital balance between easy and effective, symbolic and concrete, feasible and imaginable.  What "big story" will best link these many small steps in a way that makes them as compelling and effective as they are accessible?  We hope to envision narratives that will inspire individuals and communities from surprising corners of the political and cultural spectrum to co-author the emerging story of climate solutions.  Finally, we will explore the unique, resilient characters and settings of the Headwaters that will make for a "big story" that fits specifically the "small steps" of our shared home in the Rocky Mountains.

To lead us in this conversation, we have gathered a diverse array of influential writers, community leaders, scholars, poets, artists, musicians, farmers, builders, cooks, activists, ranchers, teachers, students, and citizens.  In addition to Winona LaDuke's Friday night keynote address, we will explore the role of story-telling and story-making in the Headwaters through music, poetry, expert panels, regional tours, a "Finding the Story" workshop led by Dr. Enrique Salmon, and director screenings of two films by Melinda Levin and Jack Lucido.

Winona LaDuke will speak to the big stories emerging from native climate justice movements.

Dr. Enrique Salmon will run a workshop, "Finding the Story," to help climate solutions "authentically to serve and connect more people."

Filmmakers Melinda Levin and Jack Lucido will screen and discuss new films on sustainable, holistic ranching in the Headwaters.