From her pristine beginnings near Lake Itasca, the majestic Mississippi winds through Minnesota's prairies, valleys and cities, yet her constant presence is easily taken for granted. To the Dakota, she is a sacred relative and source of life; to the European settlers, she was the key to economic prosperity. What do the powerful stories of Native stewards, early industrialists, immigrant families and wildlife guardians say about the Mississippi's future?

With stories told by Indigenous Minnesotans, historians, educators and river stewards, We Are the River explores the conflicts and contradictions that have surrounded the Mississippi for hundreds of years and celebrates signs of hope and triumph in this resilient ribbon of flowing water.