Footprints in the Delta
The Peace-Athabasca River Delta is a stunning habitat. Rivers converge in a rich, marshy wetland before draining into the Slave River. But the Delta is in trouble. Since the building of the WAC Bennett Dam in 1967, annual floodwaters--once the ecosystem's lifeblood--have become a thing of the past. The Delta is drying up, and lakes and wetlands are being replaced by brush. Species like the muskrat are disappearing. Footprints in the Delta explores the changes that have buffeted the region for several decades. Scientists, activists and Indigenous Peoples describe how lives have been fundamentally altered by the changes. And satellite …
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The Peace-Athabasca River Delta is a stunning habitat. Rivers converge in a rich, marshy wetland before draining into the Slave River. But the Delta is in trouble. Since the building of the WAC Bennett Dam in 1967, annual floodwaters--once the ecosystem's lifeblood--have become a thing of the past. The Delta is drying up, and lakes and wetlands are being replaced by brush. Species like the muskrat are disappearing. Footprints in the Delta explores the changes that have buffeted the region for several decades. Scientists, activists and Indigenous Peoples describe how lives have been fundamentally altered by the changes. And satellite images show the dramatic pace of degradation. Footprints in the Delta is essential viewing for anyone who cares about wetlands. It is a revealing account of the rapid change and environmental havoc humans can bring to a delicate ecosystem.
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participantWillie CouterielleSonny FlettDavid SchindlerFred MarcelJeff GreenTerry ProwseAlan McLeodLea BillDoug StewartArchie WaquanArchie CyprienFred "Jumbo" Fraser
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directorPeter Campbell
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post-production directorKatherine Rankin
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additional directionDorothy Schreiber
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narration - writerHelen Brisbin
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narratorSusan Cardinal
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editorMarke Slipp
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cinematographerDoug Cole
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additional cinematographyWes DoyleDaron Donahue
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camera assistantDale Jahraus
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location soundGarrell ClarkClancy LivingstonDon PachesChristopher Tate
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assistant editorSusan CrandallPaul FafardWilliam SorochanBrenda TerningRollie WightGerald K. Wilson
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consultantTerry ProwseDavid Schindler
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scientific advisorAubrey LangWayne Lynch
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stock footage researchKelly Thomas
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archival researchElan Ross Gibson
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remote sensing graphicsDennis Jaques
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animated graphicsMike Tomiuk
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original musicMo Marshall
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online editorKevin House
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colour correctionJoe Owens
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electronic titlesStephen Nichols
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sound editorDowny Karvonen
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assistant sound editorShreela Chakrabartty
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sound mixPaul SharpeMiguel Nunes
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production supervisorKelly Isaac
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program administratorMargaret Smith
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executive producerGraydon McCrea
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producerKatherine RankinJerry Krepakevich
Canadian geography, the environment and Indigenous ways of life are covered in this documentary that can inspire research, discussion, action and deeper learning. Does the Crown owe an outstanding lawful obligation to the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in relation to damages sustained as a result of the construction and operation of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam? How is the disregard for Dene livelihood and connection to land as a means of cultural survival apparent in the creation of the Dam? What part does the hydro dam play in contributing to the access to traditional food, and how would this affect the health and well-being of the Dene? How have lives been fundamentally altered by the changes in the Delta? How is the treatment of land reflective of the treatment of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights? Discuss how easy it can be to ignore the impacts of ecological changes when they happen thousands of kilometres away from urban settings. What responsibility do all citizens have to be stewards of the land so that it will sustain us in a healthy way for generations to come?
