River People documents a timely issue - the clash between an ancient culture and modern society. It is the story of David Sohappy Sr., a Native-American spiritual leader who was sentenced to a five-year prison term for selling 317 salmon out of season. For twenty years Sohappy has fished in open defiance of all state and federal fishing laws. He staunchly defended the historic and religious traditions that allowed the region's Native Americans to live and fish freely in the waters of the Columbia River The film uses Sohappy's case to explore the historic conflict over the resources of the Columbia and the political controversy involving fishing rights and the right to religious freedom. Behind the controversy is the story of a man caught in a conflict between two cultures, and two seemingly irreconcilable ways of looking at the world.  For more on Sohappy and his campaign click here.

�River People� is part of the �First People�s TV�  series made possible by DreamCatchers, a non-profit organization working to bring Native films to a wider audience.