Respect the Rez documentary screening - Saturday

Cascadia Daily News presents Respect the Rez, a four-part documentary series following the Lummi Nation Blackhawks boys basketball team during the 2025–2026 season as they defend their state championship title.

Produced by Cascadia Daily News sports editor Nick Zeller-Singh and visual journalist Finn Wendt, the series approaches the season as a work of independent journalism, using basketball as a lens to explore education, tribal sovereignty and cultural identity within the Lummi Nation.

The Lummi Nation School serves approximately 300 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, making it one of the smallest schools in Washington state. While the Blackhawks’ success on the court anchors the narrative, Respect the Rez focuses on what the team represents beyond competition: the community’s investment in bringing its children home after generations of students left the reservation to attend area public schools.

The series weaves game coverage, behind-the-scenes moments, and interviews with players, coaches, educators and tribal leadership. It was produced with the explicit approval of Lummi Nation School and the Lummi Indian Business Council.

Cascadia Daily News will host two screenings, on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday May 17. The film is approximately 40 minutes run time, and will be followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers and select players.

Prior to the Bellingham Screening, Cascadia Daily News, Lummi Nation School and the Silver Reef Casino will host a private premiere of the documentary for the Lummi Nation Community.

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