Docuseries follows northern Ont. couple as they build a life in the wilderness
Peawanuck’s Gilbert Chookomoolin and Emilie Veilleux share their experience on and off camera
A northern Ontario couple was chosen to be part of a new series on Amazon Prime, documenting people as they build lives in the wild.
Peawanuck residents Gilbert Chookomoolin and Emilie Veilleux describe being in disbelief when they heard they had been selected to be a part of the series.
They couldn't believe a camera crew would be flying up to their isolated community of 200 residents on the mouth of the Winisk River at Hudson Bay.
"They had to find a way to come to Peawanuck and bring all their gear," Veilleux told CBC Radio. "A regular flight wasn't possible. They had to get a charter coming in."
Season one is all about building a cabin
The premise of Hard North's first of four seasons is following the couple as they build a cabin.
Being a land base co-ordinator for his Cree community, Chookomoolin has a lot of bush skills that came in handy during the building process.
He says he was a bit nervous when the cameras first turned on, but quickly grew comfortable. He's now happy he got to share some of his knowledge with a wide audience.
"It's unique and very lucky that I can do that," he said.
The couple describes the experience of being recognized in public after the show aired its first season.
"It was really cool to hear people's perspective on the show and hear how it affects them and how it makes them want to make a cabin and go in the bush," said Veilleux.
She says there is still lots she would like to share with the audience, including the challenges that come with hunting and gathering food for the family.
"We're so remote that it can be hard to get nutritious food from the store," said Veilleux.
"A lot of our life in Peawanuck revolves around hunting and gathering. That's what we are showcasing a lot more."