From the Magic of Wullar Lake, to the World Stage on Ecology
Backed by AIUFWP, documentary film Wullar Lake, on the second largest freshwater lake in Asia, has been accepted for inclusion in a prestigious and path-breaking initiative: Pathway 8 activities and the broader Ărramăt Project water stewardship work in Canada.
Independent Ink News Desk
Good news for the All India Union of Forest Working People (AIUFWP), which doggedly fights for adivasi, forest-dwellers and indigenous communities’ Forest Rights Act (FRA) across the most remote regions of the country, and the Wullar Bachao Front based in picturesque Bandipura, Jammu and Kashmir, which has been working on the ground to preserve local ecology, in support of community rights to natural resources, and for social and environmental awareness; also, for the implementation of the FRA in the Valley.
A new documentary film made by their collective, ‘Wullar Lake’ has been accepted for inclusion in a significant and path-breaking initiative: Pathway 8 activities and the broader Ărramăt Project water stewardship work in Canada.
The project is integrally involved with the rights of indigenous communities across the world, and works on knowledge systems, research, documentation and intervention for environmental awareness and community rights of indigenous people.
According to the Arramat Project web homepage:
We are a team of Indigenous organizations, governments, university researchers, and other resource people working together for research and action to support the health and well-being of the environment and people. Our project is guided by the wisdom of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, focusing on the interconnectedness of biodiversity and community health. We aim to strengthen Indigenous voices and capacities to document the importance of the whole environment, including biodiversity, to the health and well-being of communities.
The outcomes of our research will empower Indigenous leaders to be heard by local, national, and global governments and organizations, addressing current environmental and human health challenges. Together, we are working to develop a strong voice for protecting the environment in ways that benefit Indigenous peoples.
(Dive into our inspiring videos, explore our projects, and connect with our community. Together, we can create meaningful, transformative change! Learn more here about our ongoing Indigenous-led Place-based Projects!)
In a recent communication from the Aramat Project’s Ărramăt Water Security Pathway 8 Team to Roma, General Secretary of the AIUFWP, it said: “Thanks again for contributing or sharing your video with us, your contribution will support shared learning across the Arramat network and beyond…
“Specifically, your film will help inform discussions contributing to a co‑authored policy brief and publication to be presented at the United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE (December 8–10, 2026). At this event we will be hosting a virtual side event titled “Water as a Relative, Not a Resource: Indigenous-led Solutions for Water Security, Biodiversity Conservation, and Health and Well-being…”
“We are also featuring your film in our Pathway 8 online screening series: “Water Stories” in November. Each week 2-3 films will be shown followed by a discussion. We would be very glad to have you—and the filmmaker(s)—join these events. Please let us know if you can attend…
“Your screening date is November 12, 7:00-8:30 MDT.”
The Pathway team includes experts, academics and researchers from prestigious universities, such as McGill University, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, University of Alberta and from the Fisheries Joint Management Committee and
Alejandro Argumedo – Asociación, ANDES.
The film: Wullar Lake.
Concept: Amit Sengupta.
Camera and Editing: Samuel Haq.
Research: Shakeel-ur-Rasool.
Pathway 8 Online Film Screening Schedule October 14, 2026 November 6, 2026, 7:00-8:30 MDT
• Millet Ark Team, Film Name: Mtasaw qsyax • Alison Mahurin, One Fire Associates, Film Name: Water Our Relative • Lauren Aarts, Douglas Esogok, Herb Nakamayak, FJMC, Film Name: Imaryuk (Husky Lakes) 2026 ISR November 12, 7:00-8:30 MDT • Arlyn Charlie, Film Name: Climate Change along the Teetł’it Gwinjik (Peel River) • Roma Malik, Saimul Haq and Shakeel-ul-Rasool, Film Name: Wullar Lake November 20, 7:00-8:30 MDT • Gilbert Whiteduck, Mike McKay, Erik Higgins, Film Name: Sibi • May-Britt Ohman, Henrik and Hampus Andersson, Film Name: Forest Sámi Knowledge and Views on Waters of the Flakaberg Group Territories - Swedish side of Sábme • Ndeenga Shamata, Shelter of Hope, Film Name: Engare Naishu (Living Water) November 26, 7:00-8:30 MDT • Gabriel Nemoga, Film Name: Conectando la Biodiversidad y la Salud Indígena Mhuysqa (Connecting Biodiversity and Indigenous Mhuysqa Health) • Maria Eugenia Choque Quispe, Film Name: Madre Agua.
Photos by Samuel Haq.