Draft:Nunatta Ataani

Nunatta Ataani
Poster of Nunatta Ataani Official release poster
Directed by	Jean-Philippe Brochu
Produced by	Ubique Film Inc.
Release date	October 25, 2024 (2024-10-25)
Country	Canada
Languages	English, Inuktitut

Nunatta Ataani (Beneath Our Feet) is a 2024 documentary film directed by Jean-Philippe Brochu, produced by Ubique Film Inc. in collaboration with the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (NMEF). The film explores the complex relationship between Inuit communities and the mining industry in Nunavik, focusing on its historical, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts. By weaving together voices from community leaders, workers, politicians, and industry representatives, the film sheds light on the challenges and opportunities presented by mining in the region.

Synopsis

The documentary traces the history of mining in Nunavik, from early prospecting in the 19th century to modern operations. It explores key themes such as:

• Economic Contributions: The financial benefits brought by mining, particularly through agreements like the Raglan Agreement and the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), which prioritize hiring Inuit workers, profit sharing, and community investments.
• Environmental Concerns: The potential and actual impacts of mining on Nunavik's fragile ecosystems.
• Cultural Preservation: The tension between maintaining Inuit traditions and adapting to modern industrial pressures is a recurring theme.

Mining Projects and Agreements

The film provides an in-depth look at key mining projects in Nunavik, including:

• Raglan Mine: Known for its nickel production, Raglan is one of two active mines in Nunavik, contributing significantly to the local economy while employing Inuit workers.
• Canadian Royalties Mine: Another major mining operation in the region, focusing on multiple minerals.
• Prospecting Projects: Emerging projects such as Rare Earth in Strange Lake, Torngat Metals, and Midland highlight the growing potential for rare earth element extraction and associated challenges.

The agreements discussed include:

• Raglan Agreement (1995): Canada's first impact and benefits agreement between a mining company and an Indigenous group, setting a precedent for industry collaboration with Inuit communities.
• James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA, 1975): A landmark agreement addressing Indigenous land rights and establishing guidelines for resource development.

Cast and Interviewees

The documentary features interviews with prominent figures from Nunavik and Quebec, including:

• Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik
• Charlie Watt, JBNQA signatory
• Johnny May (pilot), Pilot
• Charlie Arngak, Raglan Agreement and JBNQA negotiator
• Billy Cain, Mayor of Tasiujaq
• Nancy Dea, Environmental Consultant
• Samwillie Grey-Scott, Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Raglan Mine
• Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk, President of ICC Canada
• James May, President of Anguvigaq
• Johnny Peters, JBNQA signatory
• Maggie Q. Saviadjuk, Mayor of Salluit
• Tunu Napartuk, Deputy Negotiator for Nunavik Self-Government

Production

The film was shot over three years, incorporating historical archives, on-site footage, and interviews with key stakeholders. The production team visited active mines, community hubs, and government offices to provide a comprehensive view of the mining industry in Nunavik.

Reception

Although the film has not been reviewed by professional movie critics, it has been well-received by both Inuit communities and mining industry stakeholders. The documentary has been praised for fostering constructive dialogue and highlighting the importance of collaboration between Indigenous groups and industrial players.

Quotes from the Documentary

The documentary includes powerful quotes from key figures involved in Nunavik's mining industry and Inuit leadership, offering a range of perspectives:

• **Tunu Napartuk**, Nunavik Self-Government Deputy Negotiator:
• "The mining industry will come whether we like it or not. (...) Are we going to be observers like we have been for many decades? Or are we going to be the ones dictating how our region is being accessed?"*
• **Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk**, President of ICC Canada, Anthropologist:
• "As someone who would like to see our environment remain as clean and pure as possible, it's difficult to say no to mining development projects that actually bring financial revenues of sorts. (...) Though the economic aspect of mining can be beneficial to the communities, there's also a long-term negative impact on the Inuit way of life."*
• **Samwillie Grey-Scott**, Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Raglan Mine:
• "I don't think every mining project is created equally. There are certain types of mining maybe we're going to try and stay away from. But it's an opportunity we've been given, living in Nunavik."*
• **Annie Sakiagak**, Salluit Elder:
• "My husband worked for the prospectors looking for ore while I did the laundry for the white people. I would spend the whole day washing their clothes. In the 2 years I worked, I received just 2 dollars."*
• **Pita Aatami**, President of Makivvik:
• "Before the James Bay Agreement, there were really no services at that time. It's only when they [the government] started finding out what potential there was for Nunavik in terms of the minerals and the waters. So only when they saw something, that's when they started being here."*
• **Jean-Marc Séguin**, Former Mining Coordinator, Makivik:
• "The Nunavik territory has always been considered an underexplored area. There's a high potential for finding mineral resources. Before, there were annually about 20,000 to 25,000 claims being designated in Nunavik. And last year, we counted about 50,000. So exploration activities have doubled."*

External links

• [Official Website](http://nunattaataani.com/)
• [Watch Nunatta Ataani on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR5fALGdrD4)