Long, long ago, my brother, men had no fire. They were cold.

Credit: Radio-Canada, colour, 00:56


Inon or the Conquest of Fire was the second film produced by the Radio-Canada animation studio under the exchange program with the European Broadcasting Union. Having completed the first year of the program, management hesitated about continuing their involvement. When the decision to renew the agreement was eventually taken, it left very little time for creating a new film. Back suggested reworking a theme he had previously used in an animated sequence for the Quebec School Telecast.


Inspired by an Algonquin legend, the story tells of how humans and animals agree to put an end to the misery of cold by conquering fire. Fire was in the possession of Inon, the God of Thunder, but he was unwilling to share it, preferring instead to use it to frighten people. After Bear had a dream, it was decided to send Hawk, Wolf and Beaver in search of fire. A series of adventures eventually leads to a happy ending.

The thunder god is a deity common to all North American Aboriginal peoples. In Quebec, the Algonquin once occupied lands corresponding to the present-day Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. They lived mainly from hunting, fishing and gathering, but also practised farming.


With this lively tale, the activist filmmaker emphasizes that harmonious co-existence with the animal kingdom ensures an easier and more honourable life.