The new Scottish folk-inspired musical Islander explores many important themes. Read more about these issues and get involved with the following resources. (And there are so many more out there! Keep your curiosity going and do your own search at your local library or online.)

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION

• Main Street America – The Main Street movement is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and small-town and community revitalization across the country.
• Economic Development Council (EDC) for Island County – Based in Washington State’s Island County, the EDC for Island County works to create a thriving economic environment where business can grow and create jobs for residents in a way that enhances and preserves the islands’ unique quality of life.

LAND DISPLACEMENT

• Internal Displacement Monitoring Center: “When land, knowledge, and roots are lost: Indigenous peoples and displacement” – This briefing paper seeks to better understand the unique risks, challenges, and impacts Indigenous peoples and tribal groups face in displacement. This information is not intended to compare the experience of worldwide Indigenous communities and the residents of the fictional island of Kinnan in Islander but serves as an opportunity for further learning around the issue of land displacement.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

• Indigenous Action to Save Our Earth: The Red Deal – A powerful guide to Indigenous liberation and the fight to save the planet. Check out The Red Nation’s accompanying free PDF with a 10-point program, background info, and more.
• Additional resources from the Aspen Institute – Environmental justice intersects with public health, education, and social justice. Learn more about how these issues are related and what others are doing to highlight their interconnectedness at the national level.
• Additional resources from The Sierra Club – The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. They amplify the power of their millions of members and supporters to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.

WHALE CONSERVATION

• Isle of Mull Whale & Dolphin Trust – Works directly with local communities throughout Scotland’s west coast to ensure whales, dolphins, and porpoises are protected and valued.
• Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: “Killer whale (orca) conservation and management” – Learn how you can help Washington State’s Southern Resident Orca Whales and find additional resources.
• The Whale Museum: “How to help the Orcas” – No matter where in the world you live, your actions make a difference! Here are 10 easy things anyone can do anywhere to be a good steward. 

For further reading, check out Seattle Public Library's Islander-inspired book list, which also includes various films and music.