In this short film, hunter Joshua Atagooyuk stands by a seal's breathing hole. He hunches over, silent, waiting. The sun crosses the sky, hours pass, yet Atagooyuk remains, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Stories from Our Land: 1.5 gave 6 Nunavut filmmakers the opportunity to each create a 5-minute short. Each film had to be made without the use of interviews or narration while telling a northern story from a northern perspective. The project was a collaboration between the NFB and the Nunavut Film Development Corporation.Ages 9 to 17
Indigenous Studies - Identity/Society
Prior to screening, discuss the notion of patience and the feelings involved in waiting for something. Have students think of a time they waited patiently and ask whether it was worth it. After viewing the film, research the meaning of the title. (An online dictionary indicates that “nippaq” means waiting at a seal breathing hole.) Referring to materials from the Many Strong Voices program (manystrongvoices.org), research how climate change affects the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, from the perspectives of the community’s youth.