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Monday, March 9, 1998 The positive side of documentaries
Concern has been expressed by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board about Noah Kadlak's intention to film a traditional polar bear hunt.
Ben Kovic, chair of the wildlife board, is worried that, in the hands of environmentalists and wildlife activists, the film will become anti-hunting propaganda and hurt the Inuit.
Kovic's anxiety stems from an incident in 1996, when the CBC documented a sorely mismanaged bowhead whale hunt. To say the least, the footage left an unflattering image of the Inuit and traditional hunting.
Kadlak, on the other hand, says he isn't interested in making a political film; he intends to document a way of life for a younger generation unfamiliar with its own traditions and culture.
By re-creating a traditional polar bear hunt, complete with komatiks and spears, Kadlak would be providing a useful educational document.
The bigger issue here is one of historical truth versus image. The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board has nothing to fear from an accurate documentary. Nor do the Inuit have anything to be ashamed of in a presentation about their traditional ways.
Not making the film will not do anything to dispel any misrepresentations of the traditional Inuit way of life. In fact, there is the possibility of a contrary effect: young Inuit could grow up learning about their culture from inaccurate portrayals by non-Inuit.
Kadlak should make his film. And he should be making it with the co-operation of the various Inuit agencies concerned about the documentation and preservation of Inuit culture.
It is in the best interests of all Northern people that their culture and way of life get a fair, accurate representation. Don't worry about the truth. And let the chips fall where they may.
With the negative publicity over Saskatchewan wolf hunters in the Rennie Lake area of the Northwest Territories, the territorial government should monitor the situation closely.
Premier Don Morin said he has "little respect" for "tree huggers" but he probably meant little affection. By pointing out the devastation inflicted on the seal trade, the premier shows he does have a healthy respect for the damage such groups can do.
Misinformation is the friend of the more rabid animal activists. Fighting back with the right information is the best defence although it only works as a long-term strategy. Wildlife officials should have a public relations response plan for just such publicity events, one that gives the world a snapshot, with animal numbers and history, of how the North manages its wildlife.
We don't understand Jack Anawak's reluctance to talk publicly about Nunavut's first deputy ministers.
Last month, the Nunavut Implementation Commissioner refused to give the Rankin Inlet hamlet council a public briefing on the subject, asking for, and getting, a closed-door session. Some councillors were reportedly curious that only three of the 11 deputies are Inuit.
Anawak shouldn't have to worry about public reaction to the choices. In fact, he should be proud of them. The chosen bureaucrats are reputable and capable individuals who should server Nunavut well. Sooner of later more Inuit will make their way to the top ranks, but for now, as Anawak himself has noted, merit should be the highest priority.
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