Itilli Gathering
The story
Every summer, brothers Lasaloosie and Jaco Ishulutak, now in their seventies, navigate Cumberland Bay (kangiqtualuk) in Nunavut with their families, sometimes for days at a time, to return to their ancestral territory of Itilli. They pass on their knowledge and culture to younger generations through experience and practice, emphasizing respect for animals and the land, as well as the role of the stars in navigating at night and understanding the passage of time. Focusing on details, gestures and techniques, this film was carefully made in collaboration with the brothers and respectfully documents several key moments from their time together in Itilli, including the traditional crafting of various objects, spearfishing, berry picking, caribou hunting and family feasts. It is a compelling work of reconnection with the land, affirmation and sharing.