Join GNI for a day of learning about the many different ways things travel in and along Big Rivers.

Keynote Address: Hasan Davis, in his role of York, will lead a discussion following a showing of the short documentary Big Medicine: York Outdoors.

Big Medicine: York Outdoors explores the untold story of York, the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Enslaved by Captain William Clark, York did not choose to be part of this journey, yet his significant contributions as a hunter, guide, caretaker, and intermediary in interactions with Tribal Nations are chronicled in the journals of Expedition members as well as in accounts from the tribes they met along the way. The Arikara tribe referred to him as Big Medicine for his strength and the color of his skin.

This film follows eight educators and environmental stewards as they retrace York’s steps on a four-day river trip along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. On their journey to revive York’s story, they explore themes of recreation access for people of color, and the joy and healing that the outdoors can provide.

River Soundings 2026
River Soundings: Sept. 16 at Beyond Housing Headquarters, 6506 Wright Way, St. Louis, MO 63121. Space is limited. Please register individually.