The battle between corporate interests and the environment has been ongoing for decades. In the documentary Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace, we are shown the ramifications of a hydroelectric plant along the Peace River in British Columbia. Called the Site C Dam, the project cuts across a large portion of Indigenous territory in the country.
Director Heather Hatch, a member of the Haida Nation, spent half a decade documenting the project and its impact on Indigenous tribes in the area, primarily the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations. The challenges against the project are given full attention. The project has already been a financial mess, and the continued construction will cripple Indigenous land. There’s a rather poetic moment when a treaty between these Indigenous peoples is mentioned, stating that these tribes can live in peace “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.”
We’re introduced to activists like Diane Abel and Chief Roland Wilson. These are no ordinary activists, as their culture dictates they have a spiritual connection to the land the Site C project threatens. This is what drives the film. There is a lot more at stake than a group of people merely losing their land; they may lose part of their culture. The title is twofold: it’s the end of the Peace River existing as it once was, and it also signifies the end of the peace between the Indigenous nations and the corporate interests trying to exploit them.
The film is a fascinating depiction of people fighting for their rights against titans of industry. It would work well in a library series on the plights of Indigenous peoples. It would also work well for students studying engineering, industrial design, or Native populations. Additionally, it would work well in a library series on modern politics in Canada.
How can Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace can be included in public libraries’ collections focusing on environmental issues, Indigenous rights, and Canadian politics. It would also be beneficial in collections dedicated to activism, cultural preservation, and Indigenous history. Library staff could consider adding it to special interest sections or curated lists aimed at raising awareness of environmental justice and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace?
The documentary would be beneficial for college courses and majors such as Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, and Geography. It could also be useful in courses related to law and land rights, as well as courses in social justice and activism.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use this documentary in educational initiatives related to environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, and land management. It could also be incorporated into community outreach programs, workshops, or events aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
How could Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace enhance special events on college campuses?
This documentary could enhance special events on college campuses by being featured in screenings, panel discussions, or lecture series related to environmental activism, social justice, and Indigenous rights. It could also serve as a conversation starter for topics like corporate power, environmental degradation, and cultural preservation.
What is the current pricing for Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace?
Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace is available for purchase here through Green Planet Films with several pricing options. For universities, colleges, and community screenings, the DVD is priced at $295 and includes Public Performance Rights. Public libraries and K–12 institutions can purchase the DVD for $49 (circulation only). A digital Life-of-File MP4 is available for $400, and a bundle including both the DVD and MP4 with Public Performance Rights is priced at $450.
Director’s Statement - Heather Hatch, Director/Producer/Writer
In making Wochiigii lo: End of the Peace, I sought to document juxtapositions that exist within our country – and how those contradictions impact Indigenous lives. I wanted audiences to see a powerful testimony/bear witness to an epic political and activist struggle that many Canadians know little about beyond scattered headlines.
I explore two fundamental Canadian truths: the collective memory of Indigenous Nations' continued struggle versus the historical narrative of Canada as a peaceful and prosperous nation for all. This film looks at the West Moberly First Nations and their fight to maintain their Indigenous identity in the face of Canada's colonial structures. In simple terms, Canada continues to apologize for stepping on the proverbial Indigenous foot while, well, standing on their other foot.
The resilience of West Moberly First Nations and their willingness to share their lived experiences with me has opened my eyes as a filmmaker. It is a gift that every storyteller and citizen of our country should be so lucky to have – and I am honoured to share that experience with you.
This documentary has been near to my heart for five years and this process has granted me the immense privilege of trusting relationships with members of West Moberly First Nations.
Through them, I learned the absolute importance of consultation ethics to the craft of truth telling, and it is fundamental to my values as a documentary filmmaker. Their point of view is intimate, exciting and full of love – conveying their reverence for their land and water. The exclusive footage of their on-the-ground experience could not have been obtained without mutual trust and respect. This allows me to continue in the friendship of protocol with them, and for that I am continually thankful.
Through this small window of an indigenous community the complexity of how and why first Nations in Canada are fighting serious human rights issues in 2021 is revealed. My hope is that the Treaty is understood as a very important basis for the foundation of Canada and needs to be upheld as a treaty between sovereign nations like a treaty between France and Britain. This story is real and we can still do something about it, an Ethnocide does not have to be committed here. Let's create change together and demand better of ourselves and our government.
