Feb. 22, 2023

Media Contact:
Dr. Kestrel Smith, American Indian Indigenous Studies faculty, ksmith@wvc.edu
Edith Gomez, campus life and diversity coordinator, egomez@wvc.edu

There will be a screening of the film “Older Than the Crown” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the Omak Theatre (the red theater). The screening is presented by the Associated Students of WVC at Omak Red Road Association. Doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is free, with an option to donate non-perishable, unexpired food items for the local food bank.

There will also be a discussion panel with a time for audience questions and answers following the film.

The 57-minute film documents the landmark trial of Sinixt Ceremonial Hunter Rick Desautel, who in 2010 was charged with illegal hunting on ancestral lands. To the Sinixt, hunting on ancestral land is an aboriginal right gifted to them by Creator. However, they have been legally denied this right since 1956, when the Canadian government unjustly declared the tribe extinct. The Sinixt’s courageous fight and legal victory becomes a pivotal precedent for other Native tribes struggling for reconciliation with their homelands, as well as an emotional recognition of a people’s right to exist.

“This documentary is a tribute to the strength and resilience of generations of our people who struggled against overwhelming colonial forces and fought for our very survival,” said Rodney Cawston, chairman of the Colville Confederated Tribes. “Having at least part of our story finally told is very gratifying. For well over 150 years, the Sinixt have sacrificed and lost so much. Rick Desautel honors all of our ancestors and this film is for them.”

“Older Than the Crown” is directed by Derrick LaMere. LaMere, Shelly Boyd and Meghan Francis are producers. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is the executive producer. This is a War Pony Pictures Production and copyright by the Colville Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

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Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington by serving educational and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and employees and provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. Visit our website, wvc.edu.

Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

• To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
• To request disability accommodations: Director of Student Access, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.