In addition to publishing works, Braided River collaborates with partner organizations to develop exhibits intended to reach diverse audiences.
On March 19, 2003, the book was held up on the Senate floor during a debate about oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The exhibit's captions were also expunged of quotes from President Jimmy Carter, and attorneys for the museum insisted that Banerjee remove all mentions of the Smithsonian from his book.
The controversy drew significant media coverage that launched the book—and the Arctic Refuge—into the public spotlight and prompted the creation of the Braided River in 2007.
The success of Seasons of Life and Land was a launching point for future Braided River books and awareness campaigns.