New documentary spotlights Inuit perspectives on Nunavik mining impacts
The premiere of the documentary Nunatta Ataani (Beneath Our Feet) will be presented in English, with a full Inuktitut version planned for a later release. ( Nunatta Ataani )
The Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (NMEF) aims to highlight Inuit perspectives on the economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of the mining industry in Nunavik, with a new documentary that premiers Oct. 25.
Directed by Jean-Philippe Brochu, Nunatta Ataani (“Beneath Our Feet”) also explores the complex and sometimes ambivalent role of Inuit who guided prospectors as early as the 1800s during the first mining explorations in the region.
“Everyone involved in the mining industry stands to gain a lot by watching this film,” Cynthia Brind’Amour, Technical Director of the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, said in a statement.
“It offers nuanced perspectives on the Inuit’s historical relationship with the mining industry and serves as a guide to strengthening collaboration with Inuit communities. It’s a difficult but essential conversation to build real trust.”
The documentary includes interviews with workers, community members, industry leaders, elected officials, and experts, and it features visits to mining sites at various stages of development.
The filmmakers say they hope it helps demystify the complexities of mining operations and their impact on local communities.
A bridge between the industry and Inuit communities
After a period of slowdown, exploration efforts in Nunavik are picking up again, with more companies restarting their projects. “The mining industry is settling in our region, whether we like it or not,” says Tunu Napartuk, former chairman of the NMEF board.
“The real question is whether we will remain mere spectators, as we have for decades, or if we will take control and decide how our lands will be used and developed. This is our chance to shape the future of our region.”
The first screening of Nunatta Ataani will be on YouTube on Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Created in 1998, the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (NMEF) aims to increase Inuit participation in mining exploration.
This article has been translated and adapted from the French-language Regard sur l’Arctique website.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada:N.W.T.’s 4th annual Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Film Festival a showcase for Indigenous and Northern films, CBC News
Norway: Mission impossible: Will Tom Cruise get heli-filming permission at Svalbard?, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Award-winning novel set in Sapmi to get Netflix treatment, Eye on the Arctic
United States: Gwich’in-language short film explores connection with land in award-nominated series, Eye on the Arctic
Good morning,
I am interested on this documentary ” Beneath our feet” and I want to know where can I watch it.
Thank you.