Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Rae-Edzo (Aug 29/05) - The momentous implementation of the Tli Cho agreement on Aug. 4 opened an exciting new era for the Dogrib.

A team of youth recorded the voices and the images that filled Rae-Edzo in the hours leading up to the historic event.

They were part of a film program held at Sah Naji Kwe Lodge near Rae-Edzo for Dogrib youth aged 17-20.

Guided by Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP) documentarian Twyla Roscovich, the first-time videographers participated in the filming and editing of a documentary that will explore the Tli Cho agreement and what it means for their generation.

Sisters Pam and Vanita Zoe, daughters of Tli Cho negotiator John B. Zoe, participated in the program.

"I didn't know anything about editing or holding a camera right," Pam said. "After a while you develop that eye where you can see little things people do that you can grab on film."

Pam's camera work developed quickly, Vanita said.

"Pam got most of our best shots," she said.

Vanita focused on the post-production process.

She organized the story boards and excelled in the editing room. The editing tasks involved pouring through 18 tapes worth of footage, including more than 20 interviews.

Roscovich introduced Pam and Vanita to the technical basics, then let them lead the way through the artistic project.

"Video speaks in symbols," Roscovich said. "The art is in picking out moments of significance."

They used WAMP equipment to tape and edit the documentary. Both sisters said they plan to continue working with video.

"I found that the camera is a powerful thing," Vanita said.

Their documentary will be prepared for screening soon.