Igloolik filmmakers launch Internet video site; Yurt accommodations arrive in the Yukon.

Nunavut’s Isuma Productions, based in Igloolik, has launched a free Internet video site offering its own remarkable films as well as indigenous filmmaking from around the world.

Isuma.tv launched with 100 films in seven indigenous languages and with big plans: Co-founder Norman Cohn imagines 10,000 films in 100 languages plus live TV programming, all providing a window on the indigenous universe. “It could have a transformative effect on public opinions and impact on trillion-dollar issues,” says Cohn, citing oil and gas, mining, fisheries and climate change. “If I were a mining engineer planning a development I would go to Isuma.tv and see if there are any films that tell me what indigenous people are thinking about mining.”

Will Isuma.tv make money? Cohn’s not worried about that, insisting that the most successful Internet businesses – Google, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, eBay – all started with a business model of not thinking about how you make money. “You create a community first and then assume that revenue will follow because you’ve assembled an enormous community of loyal people,” Cohn says. Isuma.tv is assembling quickly: The site saw 4,500 unique visitors and 600,000 hits from 50 different countries in its first three weeks.

Boréale Mountain Biking – in keeping with the indigenous theme – is an adventure-tourism company opening yurt accommodations in a wilderness setting just minutes from downtown Whitehorse. Circular wooden structures with an insulated canvas covering, windows and a domed roof, yurts originated with Mongolian nomads.

The three Boréale yurts sit on blocks off the ground, run on solar panels and propane, and offer composting toilets and hot solar showers. The main yurt is the communal kitchen and living room, with solid wood floors and comfy furniture. The price is a steal. For $80, two people spend the night.