NFB Collection
Riding the Great Whale
199457 min 1 secFilm: Documentary
Direction: Diane Beaudry
Production: Éric MichelJacques ValléeHillie Molenaar
Script: Georges-Hébert GermainPierre Turgeon
Some people call it an engineering triumph. The Cree and Inuit refer to it as cultural genocide. This provocative documentary exposes the controversy surrounding the James Bay hydroelectric project in Northern Quebec. Phase I of this mega-dam project caused massive wildlife and environmental damage. Phase II was stopped due to pressure from aboriginal groups. What is James Bay really about? Hydroelectric power or territory? Fuelled by the media, the struggle assumes epic proportions. Is reconciliation possible in this great northern saga?
Availability
Other versions
Subject categories
- Technology > Dams, Irrigation and Power ProjectsEnergy Sources
- Environment and Conservation > Energy ResourcesIndigenous Concerns
- Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) > Environmental IssuesLand Claims and RightsQuébec and OntarioRegional Development
- Indigenous Peoples in Canada (Inuit) > Environmental IssuesLabrador and QuébecRegional DevelopmentRights and Land Claims
- Politics and Government - Canada > Indigenous ConcernsQuébec
- History and Citizenship Education > Economy and Development (1500-present)
- Indigenous Studies > Issues and Contemporary Challenges
Credits
- director
- Diane Beaudry
- producer
- Éric Michel
- Jacques Vallée
- Hillie Molenaar
- script
- Georges-Hébert Germain
- Pierre Turgeon
- camera
- Martin Leclerc
- sound
- Flip Van Den Dungen
- Serge Beauchemin
- editing
- France Pilon
- sound editing
- Myriam Poirier
- re-recording
- Jean-Pierre Joutel
- Serge Boivin
- music
- Claude Milot
- host
- Georges-Hébert Germain
- Pierre Turgeon
- participation
- Matthew Coon Come
- Daniel Granger
- Matthew Mukash
- Robert Bourassa
- Guy Joron
- Gaëtan Hayeur
- Marc Chénié
- Serge Dubé
- Claude Otter
- Eli Weetaluktuk
- Robert, Jr Kennedy
- Louis-Gilles Francoeur
Awards
- Grand prix de la presseFestival international du film sur l'énergie