Watch The Whale and the Raven

The Whale and the Raven is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary film from 2019 that focuses on the complex relationship between the indigenous community of British Columbia and the natural world around them. The film is set in the remote wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest, which is home to a diverse ecosystem that includes humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, wolves, and grizzly bears. At the heart of this ecosystem lies the Haida Gwaii archipelago, which has been inhabited by the Haida people for over 13,000 years.

The Whale and the Raven is a meditative exploration of the interdependence of the Haida people and the environment around them, as well as the threats that modern developments pose to this fragile balance. The film is shot entirely on location in the Great Bear Rainforest and features breathtaking footage of the landscape and its inhabitants.

The main focus of the film is on two local residents, traditional Haida storyteller and artist Roy Vickers and marine biologist Dr. Hermann Meuter. Vickers, who is also a respected elder and community leader, offers his perspective on the relationship between the Haida people and the natural world. He shares his traditional knowledge and stories, which offer insights into the Haida worldview and their deep reverence for the environment.

Meuter, on the other hand, is a scientist who has spent over a decade researching the ecology of the Great Bear Rainforest. His work has focused on the delicate balance between the whale population and the salmon that form a major part of their diet. Meuter's research highlights the complex web of relationships that exist in the ecosystem and shows how human actions can have far-reaching effects on the delicate balance of the environment.

The Whale and the Raven explores the impact of modern development on this delicate ecosystem, particularly the proposed construction of a liquid natural gas pipeline from Alberta to the coast of British Columbia. The pipeline, if built, would traverse through the Great Bear Rainforest and could have potentially devastating effects on the environment, including disturbing whale migration patterns, disrupting salmon populations, and increasing the risk of oil spills.

The film is nuanced in its portrayal of this issue, presenting the perspectives of both the developers and the local community. It highlights the importance of listening to the voices of the people who have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years and who possess knowledge and wisdom that can help protect the environment for generations to come.

Overall, The Whale and the Raven is a remarkable film that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. It invites viewers to engage with the ideas and perspectives of the Haida people and to consider the broader implications of our relationship with the environment. The film is a powerful reminder of the need to respect and protect the natural world around us, and to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Whale and the Raven is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.