Ujjirijavut (We See Changes)

Synopsis

Ujjirijavut (We See Changes) shares the first-hand story of James Simonee, an Inuit filmmaker and hunter from Pond Inlet, as he investigates the long-term effects of an iron mine on his community. Simonee studies the layered impacts of industrial development, as new shipping routes disrupt marine life and iron ore dust contaminates fish and marine mammals—vital sources of food for Pond Inlet. The film offers a model of Indigenous-led research, integrating laboratory testing for toxins in marine species with elders’ knowledge and lived observations of environmental change. As the mining company seeks to expand operations, the people of Pond Inlet face a difficult trade-off between employment opportunities and the preservation of Inuit landscapes and lifeways for future generations. Ultimately, Ujjirijavut is a story of resistance and hope, as the community mobilizes to block the mine’s expansion and assert sovereignty over the future of their territory.

Director Bios

James Simonee is a hunter, advocate and community researcher from the community of Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet). He launched in 2015 the Food and Contaminant Monitoring Project in Pond Inlet. The project studies contaminant loads and health of Arctic char, seal and narwhal. James is currently Senior Wildlife Officer with the Government of Nunavut.

Vincent L’Hérault is a PhD in biology and CEO of ArctiConnexion, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting indigenous communities in project development. Over the past 17 years, Vincent has worked with a dozen Nunavut Inuit communities and several hundred hunters/fishermen to promote traditional knowledge, local capacity building and leadership.

Distribution

Isuma Distribution International
Contact: distribution@isuma.tv 

 

The observations of our most respected elders and hunters are being denied. How can they not consider what we see?