Gaza Documentary Sparks Uprising in Yellowknife: 5 Powerful Ways a Small City Is Driving Global Change

In Yellowknife, over 100 residents gathered for a powerful screening of No Other Land, an Oscar-winning documentary capturing Palestinian resistance in the West Bank. Co-directed by Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, the film offers a raw portrayal of life under occupation, sparking urgent local dialogue about human rights and Canada’s role in global conflicts. Organized by YK Citizens for Ceasefire, the event also raised funds for a water well in Gaza’s Beit Hanoun through their Well of Hope initiative.

Though the well’s use is currently hindered by Israel’s blockade, organizers remain committed to completing the project. The screening ignited election-season discussions, with many attendees vowing to vote based on candidates’ positions on Palestine. The absence of a U.S. distributor raised concerns about censorship and narrative control. This event illustrates how small communities can drive global solidarity through education and activism. Yellowknife’s response shows that even in remote places, advocacy and empathy can thrive.

Gaza Documentary Sparks Uprising in Yellowknife: 5 Powerful Ways a Small City Is Driving Global Change

In a remote northern Canadian city, a community’s commitment to global justice took center stage this week as over 100 Yellowknife residents gathered to watch No Other Land, an Oscar-winning documentary chronicling Palestinian resistance in the West Bank. Organized by the grassroots group YK Citizens for Ceasefire, the event transcended a typical film screening, blending education, activism, and tangible humanitarian aid—all while sparking urgent conversations about Canada’s role in international conflicts.  

The Film: A Raw Look at Occupation 

No Other Land, co-created by Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, documents the systematic demolition of Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta, a region Israel designated as a military firing zone in the 1980s. Filmed between 2019 and 2023, it captures the daily realities of families facing displacement, violence, and erasure. Attendees described the documentary as “humbling” and “eye-opening,” with local resident Lois Little noting how it underscored the fragility of human rights. “The Israeli co-director said it plainly: ‘I have rights; my Palestinian colleagues do not,’” she reflected. “It’s a stark reminder of inequality.”  

The film’s Oscar win in February amplified its message, yet its absence of a U.S. distributor—a point highlighted during the post-screening panel—raised questions about censorship. “This film challenges dominant narratives,” said organizer Amy Lam. “Its struggle for distribution speaks volumes about whose stories get heard.”  

From Screen to Action: A Well of Hope 

Proceeds from the event support YK Citizens for Ceasefire’s Well of Hope initiative, funding a community water well in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. The project, nearing its $50,000 goal, symbolizes a direct link between Yellowknife and Gaza. While the well has been drilled, its use is paused due to Israel’s recent reoccupation of the area and a lack of fuel for pumps—a consequence of the ongoing siege.  

Lam remains undeterred: “This well is permanent infrastructure. It ties our community to theirs, even amid chaos.” The group plans to continue fundraising, emphasizing that access to clean water remains a lifeline for Gaza’s civilians.  

Politics and the Polls: A Federal Election Issue 

With Canada’s federal election approaching, the screening ignited discussions about voter priorities. Attendees like Aislinn Stirling-Crosby and Reyhan Sarikaya stressed that candidates’ stances on Palestine will influence their votes. “We need leaders to take concrete positions, not sit on the fence,” said Sarikaya.  

This sentiment echoes broader shifts in Canadian politics, where public demand for accountability over Israel’s military actions has grown. Last year, Northwest Territories MLAs passed a motion urging Premier R.J. Simpson to advocate for a ceasefire—a request the territorial government deferred to Ottawa, citing jurisdictional limits. MLA Kate Reid, who tabled the motion, encourages voters to grill candidates: “This isn’t just about international policy; it’s about humanity.”  

Why This Matters Beyond Yellowknife 

The event highlights how grassroots activism in small communities can ripple outward. Yellowknife’s engagement with No Other Land—and its decision to fund Gaza-focused aid—reflects a growing trend of localized global solidarity. It also underscores the power of storytelling to bridge divides: by witnessing Masafer Yatta’s struggles, residents connected with a conflict often reduced to headlines.  

Moreover, the screening’s timing amid election fervor reveals how international issues are increasingly shaping domestic politics. As Reid notes, the N.W.T.’s Palestinian community—though small—reminds Canadians that global crises have local echoes.  

The Takeaway: Advocacy in the North 

Yellowknife’s screening of No Other Land is more than a one-time event. It’s a microcosm of how ordinary citizens can leverage art, education, and philanthropy to confront injustice. While the Well of Hope faces logistical hurdles, its existence embodies resilience—a testament to what communities can achieve when they refuse to look away.  

As debates over Gaza continue to polarize governments worldwide, this northern Canadian city offers a model: listen, learn, and act—one screening, one well, one vote at a time.