The board has agreed to such a proposal before, only to find itself confronted by animal rights activists. Members are now wary of similar projects.

A television crew from CBC in Quebec taped the controversial 1996 bowhead hunt in Repulse Bay and "it turned out real bad," said Ben Kovic, chair of the wildlife board.

The journalists, he said, stressed the bloodiness of the hunt, which was poorly managed and resulted in hundreds of kilograms of wasted meat, and produced a damaging account of the event.

"We've learned through history that the films or the interviews have been misused ... not for the intent of education," Kovic said.

Kadlak, co-owner of Arctic Bear Productions, which is run through a partnership with a company in Ottawa, said he will be in control of filming and editing.

He said the project -- to be filmed in April 1999 in conjunction with the creation of Nunavut -- would be about the emotions the hunt evokes in him -- not a political documentary.

Kovic said the board recognizes the importance of sustaining the customary Inuit way of life.

"The board is not against the traditional harvest itself. Retrieving the tradition is a very thing for aboriginal people," he said, adding that he's aware Kadlak's film is intended for educational purposes. Nonetheless, the board has directed its staff to consult with the communities in the Keewatin and other regions.

"Noah Kadlak is not realizing the impact that could happen ... if the animal welfare people get a hold of the film," Kovic warned. "The filming of it is a very critical issue."

Kadlak's proposal has received approval from the Coral Harbour Hunters and Trappers Association as well as the Keewatin Wildlife Organization. He said he understands the board's reluctance and he plans to respect their decision, which is expected by August. But he said there is a much deeper issue at stake.

"I guess the real question is whether the Inuit people are going to stand up and defend their traditional culture," he said. "No matter what the message is, we have the right to speak out about our culture."

Kadlak said he hopes to have the film shown around the world.

"It's trying to show younger people how much hardship there was then," said Kadlak, who plans to use dog sleds and spears to recreate a traditional hunt. "I'm encouraging them to learn about the land and learn about animals."

"We have to see something Inuit on television ... not to let them forget who they are," he said.