New film highlights Indigenous-led conservation in Hudson Bay and James Bay
October 16, 2025
OTTAWA—A new feature-length documentary is shining a light on Indigenous-led research and conservation efforts in some of Canada’s least-studied marine ecosystems.
Tasiujarjuaq and Weeneebeg: Bays of Life, co-produced by National Geographic Pristine Seas and Oceans North, tells the story of Cree and Inuit across Hudson Bay (Tasiujarjuaq in Inuktitut) and James Bay (Weeneebeg in Cree) who are working to protect their waters. The film, released on October 13 by National Geographic Documentary Films, goes below the surface with never-before-seen underwater footage of Arctic marine ecosystems and into communities across the North where people are keeping their traditions and knowledge alive amid great changes.
“We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Inuit and Cree across their homelands and waters—to learn from them and help share their stories,” said Jennie Knopp, Oceans North’s community and science director and the film’s producer. “These places may seem remote, but what happens here has a global impact—and what happens around the world affects the bays, as well. By amplifying these voices, we hope to bring attention to the critical efforts underway to protect these places and inspire a global call to action to protect our oceans.”
“By amplifying these voices, we hope to bring attention to the critical efforts underway to protect these places and inspire a global call to action to protect our oceans.”
– Jennie Knopp, Community and Science Director, Oceans North
The film takes viewers from Arviliit, Nunavik, where Inuit are working to safeguard their archipelago which is a haven polar bears and other life; to Qikiqtait, Nunavut, where community members are combining traditional knowledge with app-based technology to help steward their waters; to James Bay, where Cree communities on both the east and west continue to practice geese harvesting traditions and stewardship that have been passed down for generations. Together, it provides a rare look into the importance of the bays, both as global treasures and for those who call it home.
“The Pristine Seas team was honoured to work with Cree and Inuit communities in Tasiujarjuaq and Weeneebeg,” said Brian Newell, Tasiujarjuaq and Weeneebeg: Bays of Life documentary film director and National Geographic Pristine Seas senior editor. “Our filmmakers documented thriving Arctic marine ecosystems and Cree and Inuit community perspectives, including their profound traditional knowledge. We hope that by highlighting these crucial bays and the dedicated people who safeguard them, we can inspire a global commitment to protect these waters for future generations.”
The film is available now to stream free on National Geographic’s YouTube channel.
QUOTES FROM CONSERVATION LEADERS FEATURED IN THE FILM:
“Tasiujarjuaq and Weeneebeg: Bays of Life is not just a film; it is an exploration of the complex relationships between the Bays and the communities that depend on them. Through stunning images and inspiring storytelling, this documentary highlights the beauty and fragility of the bays while advocating for their protection. It serves as an urgent reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet for future generations.”
— Chief Daisy House, Cree Nation of Chisasibi
For millennia, the Inuit have recognized that their existence is interdependent with the land and sea, and that survival requires keeping the entire ecosystem intact. By inviting National Geographic Pristine Seas and Oceans North to collaborate and explore Arvillit (Ottawa Islands), we gained a deeper understanding of our archipelago that has always been, and remains, important to animals and Inuit. The documentary showcases our message of the importance of these islands and the need to protect them for everyone and generations to come.”
— Johnny Kasudluak, Lead Project Coordinator, Arviliit IPCA Establishment Project
“This film shares with the world what our people have known this since our beginnings. All water is life: it’s a part of us all, we are not separate or more superior, and we should treat it like family. We hope the world will watch this film and take our important message to heart.”
— Vern Cheechoo, Executive Director, Mushkegowuk Lands and Resources
For more information, please contact:
Alex Tesar
Communications Director
Oceans North
[email protected]