Short film “Nuclear Princeton” delves into the consequences of uranium mining on Navajo territories

In a groundbreaking collaboration between Rocky Mountain PBS and a team of animators, the untold stories of Indigenous communities impacted by uranium mining are coming to life in a unique and powerful way. The film project, spearheaded by Ryo Morimoto and Thomas Dayzie, seeks to shed light on the complex issues of nuclear science and technology through the medium of animation.

The inspiration for the project came from a desire to give voice to the voiceless, to tell the stories of those who have been overshadowed by history. For Dayzie, whose own grandfather worked in a uranium refinery, the project hits close to home. The legacy of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation is still felt today, with countless lives impacted by the environmental and health effects of the industry.

Morimoto, a researcher with a personal connection to the atomic bombings of Japan, sees the film as an opportunity to challenge the dominant narratives surrounding nuclear technology. By bringing together a diverse team of creators, the project aims to foster a sense of kinship and understanding among all those affected by the legacy of nuclear science.

For animator Michael Q. Ceballos, the project has been a revelation, opening his eyes to the cultural stories and struggles of Indigenous communities. As the team delved deeper into the history of uranium mining, they uncovered shocking truths about the ongoing impacts of radiation exposure, particularly on vulnerable populations like newborn babies.

As the film nears completion, the team reflects on the power of storytelling to provoke change and inspire action. By sharing these untold stories with the world, they hope to ignite a conversation about the lasting effects of nuclear technology and the need for accountability and justice. This project is not just a film, but a call to action, a reminder that the past is not truly behind us until we confront it head on.