In the beauty of Northern Minnesota, Dalorian and his classmates confront what it means to belong in nature as people of color.
In 'Belonging,' follow Dalorian, a student in the college course GCST 1970, as he embarks on a journey through nature-based education and environmental justice. Exploring serene Minnesota lakes and the Bois Forte Museum, he and his classmates confront a profound question: What does it mean to belong in nature?
Production Credits
• Year 2023
• Runtime: 18:03 Minutes
Issues
• Nature Inclusion
• Ethnicity
Awards
& Distinctions
Belonging won the award for Best Regional Film at the Ely Film Festival and secured two licensing deals with WaterBear Network and PBS Marquette, MI.
- North Hennepin CC Screening, MN, Oct. 2023
- Minnesota DNR Diversity Training, MN, Nov. 2023
- National Place-Based Education Annual Conference, Grand Forks, MI, Nov. 2023
- International Association of Experiential Education Annual Conference, Univ of Madison, WI, Nov 2023
- Minnesota Association for Environmental Education Conference, MN, Nov. 2023
- Edina HS American Indian Advisory Meeting, MN, Nov. 2023
- Ely Film Festival, MN, Feb. 2024
- WaterBear Network, (online) Apr. 2024
- Fresh Coast Film Festival, MI, Oct. 2024
- Winterers' Gathering & Arctic Film Festival, MN, Nov. 2024
- Downstream Environmental Film Festival, MN, Mar. 2025
- Green Screen Environmental Film Festival, Nov. 2025
- Dream Big 2.0 Summit, MN, April 2026
- Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City, MI, May 2026
Ana Munro
PAINTER & NATURE LOVER
"I have received so many compliments about the film’s message, content, and stunning visuals. This film captures students’ experiences, elevates their voices, and also puts the viewers in the scene."
Hannah Anema
PAINTER & NATURE LOVER
"Belonging touched my soul. I loved the feeling of solitude and unsureness at the trip's start and the togetherness, confidence, and bliss the students developed within 5 days."
Mike D. Jones
DIRECTOR
"Featuring multiple voices while focusing on [Dalorian] was skillfully done. It avoided confusion and showcased diverse perspectives with one clear leading voice."
Ana Munro
POET
"This doc returned memories of youth retreats – the fear of opening up to strangers that became a shared bond. The ending was beautiful and full of love."
Ember Berg
STORYTELLER
"The authenticity of those kids is what moved me. They were open and vulnerable. I felt like I was right there with them."
Christian Vang-Dixon
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"Seeing such a diverse group of young adults bonding over nature was moving. It brought me back to my childhood and why I got into environmental work."
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