National Geographic’s The Last Ice Shows the Real Threat to the Inuit Way of Life

In its latest documentary, The Last Ice, National Geographic shows a stunning yet grim look at the real dangers Intuit communities face as a result of melting ice and the ‘white man’s development’ in the area. Although it may seem like it’s a story about climate change, the real message of the documentary is to pose the question of what matters more: money or human life.

The Exploit in the Eastern Arctic

The director of the film, Scott Ressler, focuses on the life of Inuit communities and how dependent it is on ice and animals. With Europeans, Russians, and the Chinese looking to capitalize on new shipping routes, tourism, and oil extractions, the pursue to pump millions, if not billions, into the global economy comes at a high cost — human life.

The Last Ice on Inuit Communities

The Last Ice delves into the lobbying for native rights and how, not long ago, communities were forcibly relocated. Canadian and Danish governments would take children to residential schools in the hope to “civilize” them. Yet, there were numerous reports that those same children were mentally and physically abused at these schools.

Another major problem that native communities face is food insecurity. With European influence on wildlife management in the area, the region’s fauna has become increasingly scarce. Inuit people need animals to sustain their way of life, both in terms of securing food and providing skins for clothing.

A Documentary Packed with Gorgeous Scenery & Pending Questions

In the span of 83 minutes, you’ll get to see breathtaking nature scenes, Greenland sled dogs, unique culture, and long-standing traditions. You’ll also have an alarming feeling that this is already going away by someone else’s greediness. Though there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Last Ice also shows a couple of inspiring people who try to preserve their communities and fight against the venture capitalists.