Watch Return of the River

Return of the River, released in 2014, takes you on a journey that highlights the story of the Elwha River, located in the Pacific Northwest, and how the efforts of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and environmental activists worked hand-in-hand to restore the river back to its former glory. The film begins with the backstory of the river; how for almost a century, two dams named the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams, had been obstructing the river's flow, thereby leading to the loss of animals and plants that were dependent on the river. The Lower Elwha Klallam tribe considered the river to be sacred and believed that these dams were not only blocking the flow of the river, but also interfering with their cultural practices. Therefore, the tribe, along with environmental activists, began lobbying for the removal of these dams, and the result of those efforts is what the film is all about.

The film features key people involved in the effort, such as Ben Charles, a Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe member, who is also incredibly dedicated to the cause of restoring the river. With his passion and commitment, his main objective is to ensure that the tribe's cultural practices are preserved and that the river is restored to its natural state. Alongside Ben is his sister, Frances Charles, who works as the Tribe's Environmental Director, and played a crucial role in the restoration process of the Elwha River. Despite the challenges in their way, the two siblings, along with the tribe and environmental activists, worked together tirelessly to ensure that the Elwha River was restored to its former glory.

Throughout the film, we see the challenges that the team faced in restoring the river. The film is not just about how the dams were removed, but it is also about the restoration of the surrounding area, the cultural impact on the tribe, and the impact on the local wildlife.

One of the key aspects of the film is the importance of collaboration between different groups. We see how the two siblings work with different members of the tribe, environmentalist groups, and local state officials. They all work together in their efforts to remove the dams and restore the river. It is truly inspiring to see how these groups, from different backgrounds and beliefs, came together for a common cause.

The film showcases stunning footage shot over a period of four years, highlighting how nature responds to the removal of the dams, and how the restoration efforts positively impacted the river's ecosystem. We get to see the different stages of the restoration process, which include the removal of the dam, the clearing of debris, and the buildup of new habitat. We also see the joy and excitement of the people involved in the process as they witness the river reclaiming its natural state, thereby bringing new life to the surrounding fauna.

Return of the River is a captivating and thought-provoking film that shows how dedicated efforts and teamwork can create positive change. The restoration of the Elwha River and the positive impact on local wildlife serves as evidence of how much we can accomplish if we work together for a common cause. The film is not only about the triumph of the environmental efforts, but it is also about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the ways in which nature can heal itself over time.

In conclusion, Return of the River is an incredible testimony of the power of people's will to bring positive change. The film showcases the journey of the restoration of the Elwha River, demonstrating the importance of cultural heritage, collaboration, and the natural world's resilience. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental activism, cultural preservation, or nature restoration.

Return of the River is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.