Village of Widows: The Story of the Sahtu Dene and the Atomic Bomb
Wednesday, November 5, 7 pm
Free or $10 suggested donation
Peter Blows documentary Village of Widows: The Story of the Sahtu Dene and the Atomic Bomb (53 minutes, 1999) film chronicles the plight of the Sahtu Dene village of Deline where residents worked in the world’s first uranium mine, located on Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories. Transporting the uranium for sale to the United States, all but four of the elders have died of radiation-related cancer. The uranium they transported was eventually used in the bombs that the U.S. launched on the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, 80 years ago. The film concludes with a moving trip by the people of Sahtu Dene as they visit Hiroshima to meet with Japanese survivors of the bombings.
Shown as part of the public programs as part of our exhibition, Radiation Borders, Peter Blow’s award-winning film showcases the both a little-known and far-reaching consequences of the U.S.’ atomic bomb, and how solidarities can form and be established across national and colonial borders. Special thank you to The Gem Theater in Bethel, ME. This event is supported by Teiger Foundation.
Attendees: Please note that you cannot enter Tri-Main Center after 7:30 pm. Squeaky Wheel is located in Suite 310 of Tri-Main Center. Take the elevator to the third floor, and head left. Click here to see parking, transportation, and accessibility information. Vegetarian samosas will be available.
Biography of the filmmaker
Peter Blow is a researcher, writer, producer, and director based in British Columbia. He has worked on close to 100 broadcast documentaries both in England and Canada, many of which have garnered numerous awards including two Oscar nominations.
