When Hydro-Québec announced its intention to proceed with the enormous James Bay II hydroelectric project, the 15,000 Cree who live in the region decided to stand up to the giant utility. With unprecedented access to key figures like Cree leader Matthew Coon Come and American environmental activist Robert Kennedy Jr., Power – One River Two Nations is the compelling, behind-the-scenes story of the Cree’s five-year battle to save the Great Whale River and their traditional way of life.
With unprecedented access to sensitive strategy meetings, confidential talks between leaders and private moments among the Cree, director Magnus Isacsson offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important environmental battles of our times.
From the early days of the James Bay Agreement to the 1995 Quebec referendum on independence, Power chronicles a historic period in the Cree drive to self-determination. In uniting to stop a hydro project, the Cree of Northern Quebec discover their own power as a nation.