By John F Gray
@JohnFosterGray
Sisters Alexanna Salmon and Cristina Salmon, along with brothers Auberin Strickland and Dundein Strickland, have deep roots in the region and a profound respect for the Sockeye salmon population that continues to return to breed there. The film features breathtaking drone shots, showcasing the remarkable journey of these fish, which travel thousands of miles but always return to Bristol Bay at the end of their lifespan.
Unearth is a feature-length documentary directed by Hunter Nolan, produced by Auberin and Dundein Strickland, and co-executive produced by Michael Cain. It was initially released in 2024, but I caught a showing at the Dallas International Film Festival in April 2025. The film spans five years of investigation and activism by a group of four Alaskan locals from Bristol Bay.
Hunter Nolan, known for the documentaries Tehachapi and Paper & Glue, he is both a director and cinematographer. His interest in Unearth comes from a belief that Somebody should preserve certain areas of the world and an understanding that neglecting preservation can lead to unprecedented destruction.
After hearing about the Salmon Sisters’ lineage in the town, taking a tour of the bay itself, and witnessing the incredibly balanced life the Strickland brothers live alongside the salmon, Hunter was invested.
The film targets a group of mining companies vying for permits to develop the Pebble Mine, a gold and copper mine in Bristol Bay. It highlights multiple instances where the EPA has failed to effectively regulate permits for projects, including the BP oil spill and the Brazilian dam collapse that killed 65 people in the town below it.
The film uses powerful footage of these ‘accidents’ to emote an emotional response from the audience, reminding us that these companies rarely take responsibility for the destruction they cause. A large portion of the film takes place on the road, with plenty of drone and handheld footage that helps the audience connect with the Strickland brothers. Early in their journey, they realize that none of the mining companies will answer their calls when they try to ask questions.
As a result, they decided to attend a mining expo in Toronto, where they went undercover as potential investors in an attempt to engage the CEO of the company targeting the Pebble Mine. Using small cameras hidden on the buttons of their shirts, they capture footage of their conversations. There’s a tense moment when the CEO becomes suspicious and keeps looking directly at the camera before asking, “Who are you with?”
Meanwhile, back in Bristol Bay, the Salmon sisters have been communicating with the EPA and attempting to secure an agent to assess whether the area warrants protected status. The entire film feels like a race against time, which is impressive considering the five years of footage they had to work with.
After watching this film, I found myself drawn to other nature documentaries, but Unearth stands out for being much more than just another nature film. Its message is straightforward: “We want Bristol Bay protected.” There’s no effort to villainize mining specifically; instead, it highlights past disasters and the conversations taking place at the top of the industry. Unearth has a profound beauty within its darkness.
While there’s certainly hope felt by the time the credits roll, the true beauty lies in the filmmaker’s ability to provide the audience with the tools to form an informed opinion about other potential large-scale ecological disruptions.
Overall, Unearth was shot wonderfully and made me reconsider the need for balance between environmental preservation and human convenience. To this day, Northern Dynasty Minerals continues to challenge the ruling that protects Bristol Bay.
