Big Medicine: York Outdoors is a compelling new film that elevates the story of York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Despite his significant contributions and perseverance during the grueling three-year journey, York’s story has been overshadowed in history. As Captain William Clark’s lifelong servant, he faced the unyielding reality of enslavement while other expedition members were celebrated and rewarded for their achievements.
The film follows a group of Black adventurers on a transformative four-day river journey along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana. This expedition retraces the path of the original Corps of Discovery while connecting York’s legacy to the joy, healing, and empowerment that the great outdoors can provide.
This screening features a presentation from Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers.