Oceans North produces film tribute to Lancaster Sound
'First and foremost, we want this piece to really resonate with people from the region'
An environmental group is paying tribute to the beauty and heritage of Lancaster Sound in a new short film that made its debut at the Banff Mountain Film Festival this weekend.
- Scroll down for the Inuktitut version
Shot in and around Pond Inlet, the film is based on a poem by Iqaluit artist Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory and narrated by Jeannie Arreak-Kullualik of Pond Inlet.
The video retells part of the Inuit creation myth of Nuliajuk, goddess of the sea, in light of the profound changes facing local communities due to climate instability and industrial development.
"First and foremost, we want this piece to really resonate with people from the region," producer Chris Debicki told CBC Qulliq host Kevin Kablutsiak, adding that the film was also well-received by its southern audience at the festival.
Debicki, of Oceans North Canada, made the film to highlight the importance of establishing a national marine conservation area in Lancaster Sound.
The federal government announced proposed boundaries for the park in 2010, and set up a committee with Inuit groups, but the process remains unfinished.
Debicki hopes the new Canadian government, which he calls "a fresh start," will see the film and move the process ahead.
"They'll be a new support and new impetus behind getting this done," he said. "We're hopeful and very optimistic."