Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, August 6, 2007

AKLAVIK - Do you know an aboriginal man who can drive a dog team?

Even better, does this man have a steely glare and a look of great strength, just like the great RCMP special constable Lazarus Sittichinli?

At Inuvik's Mad Trapper Pub on Aug 2, bartender Josh Ecker put up a flyer advertising the casting call for actors to play the guides in a film about the Mad Trapper. "There's probably a few people I know who'll try out," he said. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

If you answered yes - or think you might fit the role yourself - the Discovery Channel might be interested in you.

A team of documentary filmmakers are scheduled to hold a casting call in Inuvik on Aug. 8, and are looking for aboriginal actors.

They are specifically searching for men with a resemblance to Lazarus Sittichinli, Joe Bernard and John Moses, the great Gwich'in Guides who helped the RCMP track "the Mad Trapper," Albert Johnson across the wilderness in 1931.

As Aklavik's famous graveyard sign declares, it was an adventure full of "howling huskies, dangerous trails and frozen nights" which the filmmakers are hoping to re-enact next January.

Carrie Gour, who is a producer on an upcoming Mad Trapper film, said those interested don't need to be great actors.

In fact, people chosen for the film probably won't have a speaking role.

Instead, they will reenact scenes from the famous Mad Trapper chase, such as driving dogsleds and surviving in the wilderness.

Field skills such as driving a sled or building a fire are therefore very important.

"Being able to drive a dogsled would definitely be an asset," she said on Aug. 2.

While Sittichinli is remembered as a great Gwich'in hero, Gour said the team would consider all aboriginal actors.

"We are looking for men aged 25 to 40, provided they are aboriginal and look the part," she said.

At Inuvik's famous Mad Trapper Pub on Aug. 2, bartender Josh Ecker put up a flyer advertising the call, which got a few curious glances.

"There's probably a few people I know who'll try out," he said.

For those looking for inspiration, it's interesting to mention that Sittichinli was once immortalized in song by former NWT premier Stephen Kakfwi.

The lyrics certainly speak to the legend which has come to surround this famous tracker, who is now known across the NWT.

"Lazarus Sittichinli was to me, the proudest man who'll ever be," go the lyrics to Lazarus Sittichinli. "Young Sittichinli grew like a tree, two feet taller'n you and me. His mind, it was clear and strong. Sittichinli, I sing your song."