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The Hunters (Asivaqtiin)

Released in 1977, this beautifully paced short was photographed, directed, edited and narrated by Mosha Michael — one of Canada’s first Inuk filmmakers. Michael offers a first-hand account of a three-week Arctic hunting excursion, a rehabilitative trip undertaken by young offenders and their families. Dropping anchor at various points throughout Frobisher Bay, they fish for cod, hunt for seal and caribou, and renew family and community ties. Shooting on a Super 8 camera and providing his own narration, Michael crafts an engaging document of Inuk life in the 1970s. An original score features performances by Kowmageak Arngnakolak and Michael himself. …
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Released in 1977, this beautifully paced short was photographed, directed, edited and narrated by Mosha Michael — one of Canada’s first Inuk filmmakers. Michael offers a first-hand account of a three-week Arctic hunting excursion, a rehabilitative trip undertaken by young offenders and their families. Dropping anchor at various points throughout Frobisher Bay, they fish for cod, hunt for seal and caribou, and renew family and community ties. Shooting on a Super 8 camera and providing his own narration, Michael crafts an engaging document of Inuk life in the 1970s. An original score features performances by Kowmageak Arngnakolak and Michael himself.

Viewer Advisory: This film contains scenes of animal slaughter.

 This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Fishing and Hunting Industries Indigenous Peoples in Canada (Inuit) Animals All subjects
Indigenous Cinema
  • director
    Mosha Michael
  • photography
    Mosha Michael
  • editing
    Mosha Michael
  • narrator
    Mosha Michael
  • producer
    Peter Raymont
  • sound editing
    John Knight
  • re-recording
    Frank Griffiths
  • music
    Kowmageak Arngnakolak
    Mosha Michael

Education

Ages 15 to 17
School subjects
History and Citizenship Education - First Occupants (to 1500) Social Studies - Comparative Civilizations Social Studies - Law Social Studies - Social Policies and Programs
Students are shown an example of alternative punishment used in the North within the Canadian justice system. Students will learn about and then discuss and debate the pros and cons of alternative systems of justice and punishment. Other topics include the different cultural views of crime and punishment, Canadian colonialism of First Nations and the Inuit, and the influence of modern technology on traditional ways of life.

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The Hunters (Asivaqtiin)
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