Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Fort Good Hope (May 30/05) - An impressive first video made by students in Fort Good Hope provided the community with some invaluable information that has been neglected for several years.

Ten senior students from Chief T'Selehye school produced a 14-minute video about HIV infection and screened it at a public information session April 21 as part of an HIV Awareness program. It was the first time in five years a session to inform residents about sexually transmitted diseases took place in the community.

"I was really impressed with the video," said Alphonsine McNeely, a respected elder in the community who was interviewed for the video.

"It's so nice to see the students wanting to know more about sexual activities and what types of problems they could get into. It will help them become who they were meant to be."

Thanks to a $10,000 grant provided by the Native Women's Association and Health Canada, the school was able to purchase a Sony camcorder and the necessary software, said Harry McNeil, program support worker at the school.

Prior to shooting, with the help of former Sir John Franklin high schoolers, students spent two days learning the finer points of moviemaking and then three weeks editing the final cut.

Each student earned Career Technology Studies credits towards graduation.

Well prepared

"They came to me well prepared with questions. They asked what they could do to create awareness about prevention," said McNeely.

"I told them to go around and ask questions to the elders because when you're young you need to find out why you're going through all the different emotions in the body."

Tom Jackson was also featured with other elders speaking of traditional values.

Students throughout the Sahtu can arrange for a copy.

Approximately 40 residents turned up at the school for the evening which also included a presentation about HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted infections before students served their audience a traditional feast. Community health representative Millie Manuel emphasized how different diseases were contracted; and that condoms, not sold in stores in the community, were available at the health centre.

"It was a good thing to do. The children really made their point, they take HIV seriously and they set a good example for their peers."

With the numbers of aboriginals and young people infected with the disease increasing at higher rates than elsewhere in Canada, MacNeil wished more young people would have attended the meeting, but he may have it covered for next year.

This was a good exercise, students learned skills and improved their self-esteem, said MacNeil. "We might offer another short CTS credit next year."

Students were unavailable for comment.