A modern Indigenous warrior. A Goliath industry. A new way forward. -- Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis document the journey of Caleb Behn to protect the health of his land and people from the ravages of Big Oil and Gas.
Deep in the exquisite wilderness of northeastern British Columbia, the ancestral territory of Caleb’s Dene people, the multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry emits fossil fuels and cancer-causing chemicals, harming the environment and threatening human health.
Though adept with a high-powered rifle and throwing knife for hunting, a vital part of his culture, Caleb needs stronger weapons to battle Big Oil and Gas – which is why he decided to get his law degree. Now, with his Mohawk, tattoos and three-piece suit, Caleb is equally comfortable hunting moose on his land as he is taking on industry in corporate boardrooms and the courts.
Filmmakers Fiona Rayher and Damien Gillis have been documenting Caleb’s journey over the past several years, which included following him to New Zealand, where he learned from the Maori – sharing his experiences dealing with industry, and exploring common strategies. Both Maori and First Nations have faced the ravages of the energy industry, and are now raising powerful new Indigenous leaders. They are forging alliances, using ancient knowledge and the modern weapon of the law.
Like many great leaders, Caleb was born with natural talent, eloquence and passion – honed through hard work and the considerable challenges he has faced. More importantly, though, Caleb arrives at a moment in history when his people and territory truly need him.
All he wanted to do was live off the land and teach his future children the traditional ways of his people – but before he can do that, he must first do battle with the Goliath industry that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Caleb has been preparing for this moment his whole life and he is ready.