What Is Twice Colonized About?
The premise of Twice Colonized in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the vast, stark landscapes of the Arctic, where ancient traditions meet the weight of modern history, Aaju Peter emerges as a guiding voice for Indigenous peoples. An Inuk lawyer shaped by the legacy of her ancestors, she carries the profound understanding of what it means to be “twice colonized”—first by Danish settlers in Greenland, and now by the policies and institutions of contemporary Canada. Her perspective is both deeply personal and universally resonant, blending time-honored knowledge with a fierce dedication to justice and human rights.
The film immerses viewers in Aaju’s world, where the fight for recognition unfolds on international stages and within the quiet corners of her own heart. As she advocates for the establishment of an Indigenous forum at the European Union, her efforts highlight the ongoing struggles of Arctic communities striving to reclaim their voices. Yet, beneath the urgency of her activism lies a deeply human journey, one marked by resilience, reflection, and an unwavering commitment to honoring her heritage while confronting the shadows of the past.
A landmark collaboration, the documentary represents the first co-production between Inuit across colonial borders, itself a testament to the power of unity in the face of division. Spanning seven years of intimate observation, it captures the textures of Aaju’s life—her moments of triumph, her quiet grief, and her relentless pursuit of truth. The tone is contemplative yet urgent, inviting viewers to witness not just a movement, but a soul navigating the complexities of identity, loss, and the enduring strength of Indigenous resilience.
Through its rich, observational lens, the film offers more than a record of advocacy; it presents a portrait of a woman determined to bridge worlds, challenging Western audiences to reckon with histories often left unexamined. It is a story of reclamation, where every step forward is both a personal healing and a stride toward collective justice.
What Happens in Twice Colonized?
The complete story of Twice Colonized, from the first scene to the last, in 203 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Twice Colonized is a poignant documentary that follows the life and work of Inuk lawyer Aaju Peter. The film explores the concept of being “twice colonized,” referring to the Inuit experience of first being impacted by Danish settlers in Greenland and subsequently by the policies and institutions of modern-day Canada.
As a dedicated activist, Aaju Peter defends the human rights of Indigenous peoples across the Arctic, challenging Westerners to critically reflect on the lasting legacy of colonization. While she works toward the establishment of an Indigenous forum within the European Union, the narrative also delves into her deeply personal struggle and the heartbreaking loss of her youngest son.
The production was a landmark achievement, filmed over seven years by director Lin Alluna and co-writer Aaju Peter. Notably, it stands as the first co-production between Inuit across colonial borders, utilizing a funding treaty between Canada and Denmark. This project allowed for a more intimate portrayal than previous works, as Peter expressed a desire for total transparency:
“In this one I wanted everything shown, (…) and how hard it has been for me to be colonized and to reclaim myself. I wanted Lin to show all the good all the bad and everything in between.”
Twice Colonized Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “First colonization: Denmark in Greenland” to “Twice Colonized reaches the world”. 5 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
First colonization: Denmark in Greenland
The Inuit of Greenland experience their first colonization at the hands of Danish settlers, who establish colonial control over the island. This historical chapter marks the beginning of the 'twice colonized' experience that inspires the film's central theme.
When:18th century Where:Greenland
- 2
Second colonization in Canada
Inuit living within Canada face a second wave of colonization, this time through modern-day Canadian policies and institutions. Together with the earlier Danish colonization, this creates the double marginalization that Aaju Peter describes as being 'twice colonized'.
Where:Canada
- 3
Aaju Peter becomes a lawyer and activist
Aaju Peter builds a career as an Inuk lawyer and dedicates herself to defending the human rights of Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Through her activism, she urges Westerners to reflect on their history of colonization and its lasting consequences.
Where:Arctic, Canada
- 4
The loss of her youngest son
Peter suffers the devastating loss of her youngest son, a tragedy that profoundly reshapes her personal life. Alongside her public advocacy, she embarks on a painful personal journey of grief, healing, and reclaiming herself.
- 5
Fighting for an Indigenous forum at the EU
Peter advocates for the establishment of an Indigenous forum at the European Union, seeking to give Arctic Indigenous peoples a voice in European affairs. The campaign becomes a central thread of both her political work and the documentary itself.
Where:Brussels, Belgium
- 6
Angry Inuk is released
Filmmaker Alethea Arnaquq-Baril releases the documentary Angry Inuk, which originally began as a film about Aaju Peter. The project evolved into an issue-based documentary, as Arnaquq-Baril struggled to capture the more personal side of Peter's life.
When:2016 Where:Canada
- 7
A new documentary takes shape
Director Lin Alluna teams up with co-writer Aaju Peter to begin work on Twice Colonized. This time, the goal is to follow Peter herself, documenting her activism, her past, and her personal journey in depth.
- 8
First Inuit co-production across colonial borders
The film is structured as the first co-production between Inuit across colonial borders, uniting Indigenous creators from different colonial nations. This marks a groundbreaking moment for Inuit filmmaking and Indigenous self-representation on screen.
- 9
Financing through the colonizers' treaty
To fund the film, financing has to be set up through the co-production treaty between Canada and Denmark, the very colonizing nations at the heart of Peter's story. The irony underscores the systemic obstacles Indigenous filmmakers still face today.
- 10
Peter asks for 'everything' to be shown
Peter tells the filmmakers that she wants everything shown in the documentary: all the good, all the bad, and everything in between. She explains how hard it has been for her to be colonized and to reclaim herself, opening her private struggles to the camera.
Show the other 3 events of Twice Colonized Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Seven years of filming
Over a seven-year period, Lin Alluna follows Peter through her political battles and moments of personal grief. The long production allows the documentary to capture the full depth and complexity of her life as an activist, a mother, and a survivor of colonization.
When:2016 - 2023
- 12
Peter reflects in The Guardian
In an interview with The Guardian, Peter speaks openly about her motivations for participating in the film. She emphasizes that she wanted Lin to show all the good, all the bad, and everything in between, describing her long path to reclaiming herself.
- 13
Twice Colonized reaches the world
After seven years of work, Twice Colonized is completed and released, chronicling Aaju Peter's fight for Indigenous rights and her deeply personal journey of loss and resilience. The film stands as a landmark of Inuit-led, cross-border documentary filmmaking.
When:2023
Who Are the Main Characters in Twice Colonized?
Aaju Peter: who they are and the part they play in the story. The profile links to the actor’s page.
- AP
Aaju Peter
Played by Aaju Peter
Aaju Peter is a prominent Inuk lawyer and activist who passionately defends the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Arctic. Throughout the film, she addresses the profound impacts of colonialism on her life and community, balancing her personal journey with a strong commitment to advocacy and education regarding Indigenous issues.
- ⚖️ Lawyer
- 🗣️ Activist
- ❤️ Grief
Where and When Is Twice Colonized Set?
Twice Colonized is set in Greenland and Canada. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film spans several years, focusing on current issues related to colonization and Indigenous rights. It reflects ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in contemporary society, while also drawing from historical contexts of past colonization that impact their present.
Where
Greenland, Canada
The movie is primarily set in Greenland, a predominantly Inuit territory known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, and Canada, where modern-day Indigenous policies continue to affect the lives of Indigenous peoples. Greenland has been significantly shaped by its history of colonization, while Canada serves as the backdrop for contemporary Indigenous activism and legal battles.
- 🇬🇱 Greenland
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🌍 Indigenous Settlement
What Are the Themes of Twice Colonized?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Colonization, Loss and Activism.
-
01
Colonization
The theme of colonization is central to 'Twice Colonized,' illustrating the historical impact of Danish settlers and modern Canadian policies on Indigenous communities. Aaju Peter’s activism highlights the continuing ramifications of these colonizing forces and their influence on the identity and rights of Indigenous peoples today.
-
02
Loss
Loss is another powerful theme in the film, particularly as Aaju Peter navigates the grief of losing her youngest son. This personal journey intertwines with her activism, showcasing the emotional weight and personal stakes involved in fighting for Indigenous rights while reflecting on her own life experiences.
-
03
Activism
Aaju Peter's role as an Inuk lawyer and activist underscores the theme of advocacy for human rights and the need for recognition of Indigenous voices. Her efforts to establish an Indigenous forum at the European Union exemplify the broader struggle for justice and self-determination among Indigenous communities.
What Kind of Film Is Twice Colonized?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A deeply contemplative documentary that weaves personal grief with a larger political fight for indigenous rights, creating a slow, heavy, and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
- contemplative
- grief-stricken
- reflective
- heavy
- slow burning
- resilient
- indigenous rights
- colonization
- grief and loss
- activism
Content notes: death of a child, grief, indigenous trauma, cultural erasure.
Quiz
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