Nov. 13, 2025 — A new film from Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) provides an exclusive, inside look at the emotional, historic, and triumphant journey of a group of Indigenous youth paddlers down the newly restored Klamath River. “First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath” premieres today as part of OPB’s “Oregon Field Guide” series and on YouTube.

“First Descent” captures the transformation underway not just to the Klamath River itself – where sections of river are now flowing freely for the first time in more than a century – but among the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Klamath Basin since time immemorial. In the 30-minute documentary, director Jessie Sears, a member of the Karuk tribe, and cinematographer Brandon Swanson share the hardship, comradery, and deep connection the 28 Indigenous youth experience over the course of the 300-mile, 30-day river expedition, as they become the first people to paddle the entire Klamath River from source to sea since four major dams were removed.

As the youth navigate technical rapids, face moments of exhaustion and homesickness, and get cheered on by their elders and community members, viewers are swept along on a powerful, life-changing journey.

A story about coming home

“This film is not just a kayaking story,” Sears said. “It’s a story of Indigenous success and reconnection. It’s about coming home to the Klamath river, and the river coming home to itself.”

While reporting on the removal of four Klamath River dams – the largest and most expensive dam removal project in U.S. history – Sears learned about the nonprofit Ríos to Rivers, which was organizing the first source-to-sea descent of the newly reconnected Klamath River led by Indigenous youth. The trip was the pinnacle of years of preparation, as participants traveled the globe to gain technical river skills, share cultural experiences with other Indigenous groups, and learn how to advocate for the rivers that sustain them.

“It was an honor to be invited to film the dam removal, and an even bigger honor to be invited to film this expedition,” Sears said. “For far too long, Indigenous people, myself included, were afraid to be themselves. It was incredibly inspiring to spend time with these youth who were pushing themselves physically while being unapologetically true to who they are.”

Creative team

“First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath” was produced by OPB and made possible by the generosity of OPB members. The creative team includes:

• Jessie Sears (Karuk tribe), director and producer
• Brandon Swanson, Evan Rodríguez and Jessie Sears, cinematographers
• Brandon Swanson, editor
• Aaron Scott, executive producer
• Eden McCall, motion graphics
• Steven Vaughn Kray, audio postproduction

How to watch

Viewers can watch “First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath” on OPB’s “Oregon Field Guide” and YouTube starting Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/pressroom/new-opb-film-first-descent-follows-indigenous-youth-on-a-historic-expedition/