It's the North's most ancient, dangerous hunt: the pursuit of the bowhead whale. The tradition fell silent in Arctic Quebec but has been reborn. By Robert Fréchette

Chasing the Whale

During the 19th century, whale hunting was among the world's top industries. Whale oil was Europe's fuel of choice and baleen plates were highly prized for their use in everything from buggy whips to corset stays. But the enormous profits reaped through the harvest of whales led to shameful massacres. This was especially so in the Arctic, where the avarice of mankind brought the northernmost great whale, the bowhead, to the brink of extinction.

Following the granting of a permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the people of Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik had the opportunity in 2007 to harvest their first bowhead in modern times. These images are a testimony to their courage and extraordinary hunting instinct -- which, it seems, has not been diminished. (From the July/August edition of Up Here magazine)

Whaling in Nunavik from Up Here Magazine on Vimeo