WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is proud to announce that Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation, a collaborative documentary and educational project highlighting the Menominee Nation’s longstanding relationship with the forest, has been selected for the 30th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival, taking place October 14–18, 2026, in New York City. 

Developed in partnership with #forestproud and Into the Outdoors, the project includes the Into the Outdoors episode, “The Menominee Nation — Stewards of Sustainability,” which explores generations of Menominee forest stewardship and the knowledge, traditions, and practices that continue to shape the forest today. 

“This forest has always been a huge part of our lives and our cultural teachings,” said John Awonohopay, Lumber Operations Manager of the Menominee Tribal Enterprises. “The Menominee People are so honored to share some of those teachings and the respect we have for Our Mother Nature and the great Emerald Gem we call home.” 

The project was made possible through support from SAF, #forestproud, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Intertribal Timber Council, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with Discover Mediaworks serving as the film partner. 

“It is truly amazing that Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation has been selected for the 30th class of films for the Urbanworld Film Festival,” said Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters. “As I have developed stronger connections to tribal forestry and natural resource professionals, the weight of words becomes more significant and grounding. Understanding and respecting our relationship with nature is at the forefront of how we will address the many challenges facing our forests.” 

Baker continued, “With so many partners and Discover Mediaworks as our film partner, we were able to create a short documentary and K–12 curriculum for the state of Wisconsin and across the country. This recognition showcases that there is interest in our stories and curiosity about how we develop our relationships with forests.” 

The project pairs storytelling with educational resources designed to bring the story of Menominee forestry into classrooms and communities. Through the documentary and accompanying K–12 curriculum, students can learn about the Menominee Nation’s approach to caring for the forest and explore the connections among forestry, culture, community, and generations of knowledge. 

Based in New York City, the five-day Urbanworld Film Festival showcases narrative and documentary features, short films, web originals, music videos, spotlight screenings and conversations, and live staged screenplay readings. Forests of the First Stewards: Menominee Nation is among 77 films selected from 985 submissions representing 62 countries. 

Since its founding in 1997, Urbanworld has grown into one of the largest internationally competitive film festivals of its kind, showcasing work from independent filmmakers alongside major studios and distributors. 

“It’s a great honor to be selected for this festival, especially alongside so many other powerful storytellers,” said Mark C. Rose, CEO of Discover Mediaworks, the parent company of Into the Outdoors. “Our goal is to get more kids and families into the outdoors, and this Menominee story beautifully shows how caring for the land can inspire the next generation.” 

“The Menominee Nation — Stewards of Sustainability” is available to watch for free through Into the Outdoors and its YouTube channel. The episode will also air on select broadcast television stations across the Into the Outdoors Regional Television Network. 

About the Society of American Foresters 

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. SAF advances sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, professional development, and a community of forestry and natural resources professionals committed to the future of forests and the people who depend on them. 

About #forestproud 

#forestproud is a communications community working to strengthen connections between people and forests by sharing the stories of the people, places, and innovations shaping the future of forests and forest products. 

About Into the Outdoors 

Into the Outdoors is a brand of Discover Mediaworks, Inc., based in Eagle River, Wisconsin, with operations in Madison, Wisconsin. Its sister brands include Discover Wisconsin and Uniquely Wisconsin. Into the Outdoors is an 18-time Emmy® Award-winning series that empowers today’s youth and the adults around them to think critically about our planet. Part science lesson and part adventure, Into the Outdoors uncovers the stories behind sensible solutions to creating a better natural world. Hosted by kids, for kids, Into the Outdoors takes a unique approach to education that empowers youth to be their own educational guides.