New film tackles Nunavik’s complex history with mining industry

‘Nunatta Ataani (Beneath Our Feet)’ takes viewer from the beginning of prospecting in region to present day

A new documentary explores the intricate relationship between Nunavimmiut, the land and the mining industry.

The nearly two-hour movie Nunatta Ataani (Beneath Our Feet) took about three years to make, says director Jean-Philippe Brochu, who did most of the production alone using a camera and a drone.

The goal was “to collect a maximum amount of opinions from people who work in the industry, from politicians, from civilians, from mayors and more,” Brochu said in a French video-conference interview.

“It was to attempt at creating a balance between the opinions.”

The movie starts with a look at how mining exploration began in the region nearly 100 years ago, and brings the viewers on a journey to where Nunavik now stands.

Brochu said he felt it was important to approach these topics with care.

This movie “required that I make a connection with people quickly,” he said.

Brochu said that he told people “I am a megaphone,” in order to get them to share their thoughts with him.

He visited Salluit, Kangirsuk, Kangiqsujuaq, Kangiqsualujjuaq, Tasiujaq, Inukjuak and Kuujjuaq for the film. He also went to prospecting camps near Labrador, and to the Raglan and Canadian Royalties mines.

He made sure to tell people that he does not work for the mines, nor for the government.

“I am here to listen to what you have to say,” whether it was positive or negative, Brochu said he told people.

The feedback he received varied, from Makivvik president Pita Aatami advocating for Inuit to receive more money from mining, to employees of the mines who recognize the economic benefits mining brings but acknowledge that too much mining could have a negative impact on the region.

Brochu said he hopes his movie will create a discussion and encourage people to talk about issues related to mining. He also hopes the film serves as a good educational tool to provide the base for discussion.

“It was a complex and stressful movie to make,” he said. “When you touch on the environment, the government, money — people can be cold.”

The movie premiéred on YouTube on Oct. 25 and will remain available on the platform for streaming.

Nunatta Ataani (Beneath Our Feet) comes from a joint partnership between the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, a non-profit organization that acts as a bridge between Nunavik communities and mining exploration, and Quebec film production company Ubique Films.

Located in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, Nunatsiaq News is dedicated to covering affairs in Nunavut and the Nunavik territory of Quebec since 1973. It has been a partner to ArcticToday and its predecessors since 2016.