Respect the Rez: Visual journalist Finn Wendt and I had the opportunity to showcase our 40-minute “Respect the Rez” documentary to the Lummi Nation community at the Lummi Nation School and Silver Reef Casino on May 8-9.
Being honored with a sweatshirt and a handmade beaded necklace by the community was nothing compared to the bonds we formed over a six-month span with the people of Lummi Nation. Stepping into the school for the last time this school year was an emotional moment as we wrapped up our time with the players, coaches and staff.
CDN staffers-turned-filmmakers Finn Wendt, upper left, and Nick Zeller-Singh, lower right, pose with the Lummi basketball team at a reception for CDN's “Respect The Rez” documentary at Silver Reef Casino in May 2026 in Lummi Nation. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
Finn and I had the opportunity to meet exceptional people, including Uncle Albert Toby, who was the inspiration to the current generation of basketball players at the school. At the casino, we met several families and elders who spoke about what this documentary meant to them.
“Respect the Rez” opened our eyes to the fact that sports can unite different communities and generations, all the while providing relationships that hopefully last a lifetime. After two private shows, we screened the film at the Pickford on Grand and received positive feedback from several community members.
We are planning a third showing at the Pickford on June 20, and tickets will be available soon.
MAYhem: Spring sports wrap up
With the school year winding down, it is the time of the year that I love to call “MAYhem.”
State golf came to an end, and it was the Burlington-Edison Tigers who had the top boys and girls teams in the region. Lummi Nation boys, led by Hooper Toby-Williams and Kellen Brockie III, also placed fourth in the 1B tournament. Kasandra Gonzalez and the Sedro-Woolley Cubs had a dominant run before falling into second place in the 3A state softball tournament. Lynden also placed fifth in the 2A tournament.
The Lynden girls capped off an incredible tennis season, sweeping the singles and doubles state titles. The Lions won the team title at the University of Washington last weekend. Their tennis title created history — the Lions became the first Whatcom County school to win four state titles in the same school year, and the bonus was all four trophies came from the Lady Lions (volleyball, flag football, basketball and tennis).
We are coming into the final stretch of the spring season. Finn, Andy Bronson and I will be working a countless number of hours from May 28–30 with the hopes of a few more individual and team trophies returning to Whatcom and Skagit counties.
The Meridian, Squalicum and Sehome boys soccer teams are making a run for the 2A state soccer title, and the local track and field stars are aiming for podium finishes in their final meet of the season.
CDN’s top-5 prep pics
To purchase photos from Cascadia Daily News, visit cascadiadaily.com.
Ferndale catcher Mason Arndt tags out Ferndale's Carson Brown at home plate on May 1. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
Burlington-Edison senior pitcher Katelyn Billings delivers the pitch that earned her 500th career strikeout May 11 against Anacortes at Bender Fields in Lynden. The Tigers won 11-1. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)
Mount Baker's Brice Cooper edges out Lynden Christian's Bryce Robertson at the finish line May 15 during the boys 200-meter dash at the 1A District 1 track meet at Lynden Christian High. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
Meridian's Matthew Blankenburg tees off May 12 during the 1A District 1 boys golf tournament at North Bellingham Golf Course. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)
Lynden's Dawson VanDalen slides past the Sehome catcher's tag attempt at home plate May 13 during the Lions' 10-0 win to capture the 2A District 1 championship in Anacortes. (Nick Zeller-Singh/Cascadia Daily News)
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports editor who covers the local prep and collegiate sports scene in Whatcom and Skagit counties, as well as recreational opportunities. Get in touch at [email protected].
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