Change begins with ordinary people and the stories they tell about the future.
The Bitterroot Climate Stories is a part of our larger Montana Climate Stories project where ordinary citizens from all over the state have shared stories about how climate has personally impacted their lives and what actions they are taking to create a livable future for their families and communities. We launched a statewide call for submissions and this event will highlight some of those incredible and heartfelt stories.
September 7th | MineShaft Pasty Co. | Hamilton, MT | 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Featured Storytellers
Alex Hibala
Alex has been a guide in western Montana since 2006. A veteran of several Montana rivers, Alex has guided the Bitterroot, Big Hole, Blackfoot and Missouri rivers in all seasons and conditions. He has experienced first-hand the effects of warming waters on the cycle of rivers and how this affects fish, wildlife, and the industries that rely on them.
Laura Garber
Laura is well-known in the Bitterroot for her organization's contributions to this community. She founded Homestead Organics Farm when she moved to Hamilton in 1999. In 2015 she founded Cultivating Connections farm classroom.
Lara Tomov
Lara is a filmmaker and director of the media brand Stories for Action, which uses the power of storytelling to foster healthy relationships between people and places. Lara grew up in the Bitterroot Valley. Now, after ten years living out of state and traveling worldwide, she is thrilled to once again make Montana her home.
Workshop & Community Art
Climate Story Workshop: Join Lara Tomov of Stories for Action and Caitlyn Lewis of Families for a Livable Climate in a short storytelling workshop that will help you explore your own climate story and understand how to communicate it as a tool to bridge gaps in climate conversations.
Climate Art: Join Barb Lucus, Founder of Open-ended expressive art studio, in an expressive and action-oriented community climate art piece.
Not only do stories connect us; they can empower us to tell a different narrative about climate change in Montana.
Currently 67% of Americans rarely or NEVER talk about climate change. Let’s break that silence in Missoula. We look forward to connecting through our shared experiences and envisioning a thriving, healthy community with you.
We have put together this Bitterroot Climates Stories event in partnership with Bitterroot Climate Action Group, Stories for Action, Open-ended, and Chapter One Bookstore
“I fear for families I know who raise their own livestock and crops for food. Drought and unseasonal wet weather are affecting agriculture – both the larger commercial enterprises and Montanan families. ”