A major disturbance more than 400 years ago interrupted nature’s law along the shores of the West Coast of California, Mexico, and beyond. A chain reaction ensued, forever changed our coastlines, seascapes, practices, and Indigenous life. However, a new wave is upon us. Allowing the space to not just survive, but to thrive, Indigenous life reflects nature’s law and rebounds.

“Haagua” depicts the timeless connection between Great Great-Grandmother Ocean and her great-grandchildren. Great Great-Grandmother speaks from the past and prays into the future. Birthed and sprung from water, a timeless memory of survival thrusts us forward to a current time. To thrive, surfing. More than a sport, surfing is a re-cognition of cultural practice and a re-creation of an original lifestyle. Re-generation is seen in the film’s featured surfers—Andy Nieblas (Acjachemen) David Flores Ramos (Nahua), Shuuluk Leo-Retz (Kumeyaay), Kaliko Kahoonei (Hawaiian), Amon B. Chavez (Nahua-Carib), Reg Macarro (Payomkawichum-Ojibwe) and Marc Chavez (Nahua-Xicano).

“Haagua”, an Indigenous Surf Film stars Jacinda S. Townsend (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians) and Shuuluk Leo-Retz (Viejas Band Kumeyaay Indians). The 15-minute short film is Directed by Octavo Coutiño and Marc Chavez and Produced by Native Like Water, an NGO, non-profit, serving Indigenous communities internationally.