Asitu’lisk | That Which Gives You Balance | Mini Documentary on Saving the Ancient Hemlocks

Asitu’lisk: That Which Gives You Balance is a documentary that follows the Mi’kmaq people's urgent mission to protect one of the last remaining old-growth Hemlock forests in Mi’kma’ki.

For thousands of years, the Mi’kmaq people lived in balance with the wabanaki forest and its waterways, guided by a deep spiritual connection to the land. In the 1800s, the Wentzell and later the Drescher families became stewards of the forest, practicing sustainable forestry that preserved its old-growth beauty. But in 2021, through a landmark land-back initiative, the Dreschers returned the land to its original caretakers — the Mi’kmaq people — fulfilling a decades-long dream. The forest was renamed Asitu’lisk, meaning "That Which Gives You Balance."

Today, Asitu’lisk faces a dire threat: the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), a tiny pest capable of decimating entire forests. The film captures the voices of Mi’kmaq leaders, knowledge keepers, and volunteers as they come together in ceremony, science, and action to save the ancient hemlocks. Viewers witness the emotional connection between people and trees as stories of care, love, and resilience unfold beneath the forest canopy.

Saving the Heart of the Forest highlights the ecological and cultural significance of hemlocks, the impact of HWA, and the community’s tireless efforts to preserve this sacred place for future generations.

This documentary is not just a story about saving trees — it is a call to action. It invites viewers to reflect on their connection to nature, support conservation efforts, and stand with the Mi’kmaq in the fight to protect the living legacy of Asitu’lisk.