In the remote village of Gambell, nestled on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, subsistence hunting is not just a way of life but a matter of survival. Students are granted ten excused absences annually to partake in this vital activity, primarily focused on hunting. ‘If you don’t engage in subsistence activities, you die,’ emphasizes the school principal in the poignant documentary ‘One with the Whale.’
Directed by Peter Chelkowski and Jim Wickens, the film delves into the intricate tapestry of life in Gambell, where the Yup’ik Indigenous population numbers less than 700. The community faces numerous challenges, including climate change, poverty, and the erosion of traditional ways of life. Every essential item must be flown in, resulting in exorbitant costs. Groceries alone can deplete hundreds of dollars weekly, and fresh produce is scarce, forcing residents to rely heavily on subsistence hunting for sustenance. A single whale can provide nourishment for the entire village for months.
Despite the abundance of snow and the absence of cars, Chris Apassingok’s father expresses concern about the diminishing ice. ‘The walrus and the seal migrate with the ice. Without that ice, there’s no game and there’s no food,’ he explains. The arrival of internet service has brought both benefits and drawbacks to Gambell. While it has facilitated communication, it has also exposed the community to the darker side of social media. In 2017, Chris’s successful whale hunt, shared on Facebook, sparked an outpouring of hateful messages and death threats from individuals outside the community, primarily followers of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson.
The relentless online bullying takes a toll on Chris, leaving him withdrawn and morose. The filmmakers highlight the alarming prevalence of cyberbullying and its devastating impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in communities grappling with the newfound challenges of social media. ‘Telling a 16-year-old from rural Alaska – where suicide rates are alarmingly high – to go kill himself is insane,’ exclaims one of Chris’s teachers.
‘One with the Whale’ delves into the complexities of modern life in Gambell. The Apassingok family grapples with universal concerns about uncertainty and economic precarity. However, certain details remain frustratingly vague, leaving viewers with questions about the community’s daily rhythm, the livelihoods of its members, and the availability of mental health resources.
Nalu, the family’s eldest daughter, embodies the challenges of navigating cultural heritage and personal identity. ‘I’m not completely gay,’ she confides with a giggle, ‘but I’m not really into guys either.’ Her journey of self-discovery takes her to Anchorage, where she finds new opportunities and a sense of belonging. Yet, she remains connected to her roots and laments the historical injustices faced by her community.
‘One with the Whale’ offers a glimpse into the lives of a resilient and adaptable community. The filmmakers handle their subject matter with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the complexities and challenges faced by the people of Gambell.
