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The documentary premiere on YOUTUBE, October 25th at 19:30!

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ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY FILM

SYNOPSIS

Filmed over three years, Nunatta Ataani (Beneath Our Feet) explores the history, inner workings, and contemporary challenges of the mining industry in Nunavik. Revolving around Inuit voices, the film sheds light on their perspectives regarding the economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of this rapidly expanding industry.

The region's mineral potential has drawn attention from our governments and companies around the globe. Now, more than ever, people are eager to understand this evolving industry. Through interviews with workers, industry leaders, elected officials, and experts, Nunatta Ataani skillfully traces the history of this industry in northern Quebec, demystifying its complex operations while highlighting the impacts of current development.

By exploring the region's mining history and visiting various projects, from early prospecting to fully operational mines, the film addresses crucial topics such as royalties, environmental concerns, and coexistence with Nunavimmiut. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone seeking to better understand this often-overlooked industry and to gain an informed perspective on the challenges it presents.

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WHY DID WE MAKE THE DOCUMENTARY ?

THE GOALS AND IDEAS BEHIND A NUNAVIK MINNING MOVIE

One of the key missions of the NMEF, producer of the film, is to raise awareness of mining exploration among Inuit communities through workshops and field training. They educate on local industry projects and help companies navigate working with Inuit communities from both cultural and technical perspectives, bridging the gap between them. Wanting to reach a broader audience and provide an inside look into the industry, the Nunavik Mining Exploration Fund decided to produce a film.

Indeed, the mining industry remains a mystery to many, both in Nunavik and across Canada, and its complex history often fosters suspicion. This is why, in collaboration with Ubique Film, we chose the documentary format as the best way to deliver a transparent and informative perspective on mining in Nunavik.

The film focuses on three key themes: history, education, and giving a voice to the community. It addresses the past, present, and future of the mining industry from cultural, sociological, economic, and environmental perspectives. At the heart of the film is the desire to educate about the basic ins and out of the mining industry and the impact, positive or less, on the life of the Inuit.

By interviewing elders, like Johnny May & Charlie Watt we go back to the early days of prospecting all the way to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and landmark agreement like the Raglan Agreement.

We contextualize how the industry arrived here and the kind of impact it had and how it fits in Nunavik’s recent history. Some stories have more personal or human implications (Jeeka Kudluk, Annie Sakiagak) while others are crucial to understand where and why we are here in 2024.

In the field, we visit different prospecting projects at various stages of their development, to learn about the steps involve in the mining development and the overall region potential. We demystify the workings of today’s industry: how claims work, the stages of mining development, laws and rules at play, royalties, environmental standards, organizations and governments involved. We visit both Raglan and Nunavik Nickel, the two current actives mines in Nunavik, to meet with Inuit employees and learn about their jobs but also to interview management about their commitment toward employment, the environment and community relationship.

Throughout the film, we give voice to Inuit employees, politicians, and citizens to express their hopes and concerns about about an industry that already shapes many lives and is set to play a major role in the future.

QUOTES FROM THE DOCUMENTARY

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY

MORE INFORMATION

PRESS

For additional information, media inquiries, or interview requests, please contact Véronique Gagnon at press@nunattaataani.com

SHARE THE FILM

Interested in sharing the film? You can share this page on Facebook or share the full movie on your website using the YouTube embed code by clicking here to copy the embed code.

ABOUT THE NMEF

For more information about the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, visit our website here.

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THE NMEF PRESENTS A IN COLLABORATION WITH UBIQUE FILM  A DOCUMENTARY BY JEAN-PHILIPPE BROCHU PRODUCER NUNAVIK MINERAL EXPLORATION FUND WHIT THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF INDIGENOUS SERVICES CANADAMAKIVVIKMRNFQKATIVIK A SCRIPT, CAMERA & EDITING JEAN-PHILIPPE BROCHU A MAIN TRANSLATOR AND INTERVIEWER JENNIFER MAY A RESEARCH ANNIE CLOUTIER, JEAN-PHILIPPE BROCHU, CYNTHIA BRIND'AMOUR CÔTÉ A ORIGINAL SCORE  SAGA STRATÉGIE SONORE A MUSIC SUPERVISOR GUILLAUME MORIN