“Rooted” Screening & Panel

Montezuma Land Conservancy (MLC) and Trees, Water & People (TWP) present a screening of Rooted: A Story of Rematriation at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, CO. This short documentary film explores the Traditional Harvest Project—a cross-cultural conservation initiative reconnecting people and land in Southwest Colorado.

The film highlights collaborative restoration efforts taking place across the region, including work along the Mancos River at the County Road 39 restoration site, where partners are implementing low-tech, process-based approaches to river restoration. These techniques help restore natural water flow, improve ecosystem health, and support the return of culturally important plant species. At the heart of this work is a powerful partnership with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, focused on restoring access to ancestral lands and revitalizing traditional harvesting practices.

By blending Western science with Indigenous ecological knowledge, the Traditional Harvest Project supports both landscape healing and cultural resilience—ensuring that knowledge, traditions, and relationships to land continue for future generations.

Following the film screening, the evening will conclude with panel discussion featuring staff from MLC and TWP, local restoration experts and practitioners, and landowners involved in the project. The panel will offer deeper insight into the work, partnerships, and impact of this innovative approach to conservation.