Igalaaq shaman film is not CBC’s

What appeared to be a film produced by the CBC and shown on the Igalaaq television program May 26, 1999 was actually made by the Inuit Cultural Institute (ICI).

I conceived of the film, wrote the script, found the financing — to a point — and directed it. I did all the interviews and filmed the host commentaries, which CBC took out and replaced with Paul Quassa as “host.”

I wish to thank the ICI, and the following people: Marion Rahn for script research and editing, Joey Hidalgo of Rankin Inlet and David Poisey of Pangnirtung for camera work, John Ayaruaq for soundwork, and the igloo builders, the costume makers, the actors, the dog-team owners, and all the others who worked on the film.

Sadly, one of the actors, an elder who gave us wonderful insights into the world of the shaman has since passed away. It was a world now barely understood, and sadly, very much misunderstood.

Rather lousy of CBC to take “ownership” of a film they didn’t make.

Peter Ittinuar
Iqaluit