Broughton Island (Sep 20/04) - The maker of a documentary about life in Qikiqtarjuaq says some members of the community misunderstand the purpose of his project.

"The point is that we try to defend the rights of the Inuit and promote the culture of the Inuit," said French filmmaker Franck DesPlanques. "The aim of the film is to show all of the activities in the community. This is a chance for the community to talk about the problems they are experiencing."

DesPlanques produces a program named Thalassa on the French national television network. His program focuses on the lives of people who live near the ocean.

In the Sept. 13 edition of Nunavut News/North, some Qikiqtarjuaq hunters took issue with DesPlanques' desire to film a narwhal hunt because they feared the footage would be misunderstood by audiences outside Nunavut.

Rejecting the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization and DesPlanques' claim that the film will help promote tourism, the group said tourists do not want to see dead animals.

DesPlanques and his partner have signed an agreement with the HTO outlining what they allowed to film during the hunt. He said despite the controversy, he has found many people willing to be filmed. The documentary is scheduled to include many different segments, including fishing, schooling and carving being done in the community, DesPlanques said.

Hunters still don't agree

Leslie Nukiwuak, one of the hunters upset by the filming of the narwhal hunt, said even after learning more about DesPlanques' intentions, he still disagrees with the idea.

"My question still is why didn't they let us know years ahead of time?" Nukiwuak said. "I'm just trying to protect my Inuit fellowship, that's all."

Letters were sent to the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization seven months ago, DesPlanques said, though he acknowledges that a better job could have been done to inform the rest of the community.

Premier supports project

Premier Paul Okalik, who was interviewed for the project, sent a letter expressing support, DesPlanques said. A message outlining the purpose of the film is scheduled to be broadcast on the community's radio station.