People of a Feather

Gr 10 Up—The ecological and cultural connections between the Eider ducks, the Inuit on the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay, changing weather, sea ice, and the world's demand for energy are revealed in this film. Scientist and filmmaker Joel Heath spent seven winters in the region researching the reasons for the declining Eider duck population. He also came to know the people of the area and to study their culture and history. The film utilizes re-creations of Inuit traditions such as hunting juxtaposed with scenes of their modern day life. Heath's filming of the ducks diving under water in search of sea urchins is extraordinary and is truly the highlight of the program. Time-lapse photography shows the cycles of freezing and thawing of the ice and what happens to the ducks as a result. Several conditions are coming together to create a perfect storm of trouble for the Inuit and the ducks. These include dams to provide energy for hydroelectric plants that change the natural flow of fresh water and salt water and destroy the sea ice ecosystem as well as the trend toward warmer winters and less predictable sea ice. Viewers are allowed to draw their own conclusions and possible solutions. Special features and behind-the-scenes segments provide additional historical and cultural information. This film can be utilized by environmental studies, geography, and anthropology classes, but teachers should be aware that there are long portions of the film with no dialogue and no music—just the camera filming the scene.—Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel