Big Medicine: York Outdoors

Big Medicine: York Outdoors explores the untold story of York, the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Enslaved by Captain William Clark, York did not choose to be part of this journey, yet his significant contributions as a hunter, guide, caretaker, and intermediary in interactions with Tribal Nations are chronicled in the journals of Expedition members as well as in accounts from the tribes they met along the way. The Arikara tribe referred to him as Big Medicine for his strength and the color of his skin. This film follows eight educators and environmental stewards as they retrace York’s steps on a four-day river trip along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. On their journey to revive York’s story, they explore themes of recreation access for people of color, and the joy and healing that the outdoors can provide.

Big Medicine: York Outdoors is an opportunity to reflect on history, honor York’s legacy, and recognize the connections between community, nature, and personal growth.

This event is free and open to the public. Tickets to free events are available at our box office starting at 12 noon the day of the show (unless otherwise noted). No more than four free tickets will be given to one person.

A free ticket guarantees you a seat until 10 minutes before showtime and not after. If all tickets have been distributed and there are open seats at 10 till, we will start seating the theater from the waiting list (queue). Ticket holders will continue to be admitted at this time if seats are available. This policy allows us to start on time and give the audience a distraction-free experience.