Big-name celebrities rally behind tiny Inuit community in new video

28 November 2016 (Ottawa) – The tiny Inuit community of Clyde River, Nunavut, is getting some big-name solidarity, as celebrities from Canada and other countries throw their support behind them in a powerful new video that explores the theme of Indigenous consent.

The video calls on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to respect Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent on energy projects that impact their communities. More than 12 big names are rallying behind this Baffin Island community, which is taking its fight against seismic blasting, the dangerous first step in oil exploration, to the highest court in the country.  Clyde River has not given its consent to the seismic project and argues that the consultation process that led to its approval was woefully inadequate, violating both constitutional and international law. In solidarity, the acclaimed celebrities and respected thought-leaders in the video each affirm, “we do not consent.”

Those featured include, among others:

Seismic blasting involves firing incredibly loud sounds underwater to map the geology of the seafloor in search of oil and gas deposits. The sounds are so loud they can disrupt feeding and migration of marine mammals from great distances, and up close they can damage and even kill them. Many Inuit depend on these animals for food.

The Supreme Court will hear Clyde River’s case on Wednesday alongside another case brought forward by theChippewas of the Thames First Nation. The ruling could be a watershed moment for Indigenous Peoples and environmental justice in Canada, affirming Indigenous rights and shifting the way energy projects are approved.

The video was produced by Toronto-based creative agency, Gravity Partners Ltd.

Video links: