February 15, 2023, Behchokǫ̀
The Tłıc̨hǫ Government was recently honoured with the Human Rights Award from the Quetzalcoatl Indigenous International Film Festival in Oaxaca, Mexico, for the film, “KǪ̀K’ETÌ: Walking with Caribou.”
This is the latest in a long list of awards and nominations for this poignant and visually stunning film. KǪ̀K’ETÌ highlights the work the Tłıc̨hǫ Government is doing to research and protect the Ekwǫ̀ (Barren Land Caribou) using traditional and modern methods, through the Ekwǫ̀ Nàxoèhdee K’è program (Boots on the Ground).
The Tłıc̨hǫ language, culture, and way of life are intimately linked to the land and the Ekwǫ̀ and, as the Bathurst Caribou herd continues to decline so does the rich cultural history, and other elements that define the Tłıc̨hǫ people.
The Tłıc̨hǫ Government is responding to this threat using the stories, knowledge and wisdom of the Elders to guide their work. KǪ̀K’ETÌ is a story of urgency, decline, and struggle, but it is also a story of the resilience of the Tłıc̨hǫ people, the power of collective and traditional knowledge, and the refusal to lose hope in the face of difficult challenges.
Other awards and recognition for KǪ̀K’ETÌ include:
- Ceres Food Film Festival, New York - Best Film Jury Prize (Winner)
- North Dakota Environmental Rights Festival - Best Cinematography (Winner)
- International Wildlife Film Festival, Montana - Best Conservation Program (Winner)
- Yorkton Film Festival - Best Point of View Documentary (Nominated)
- BC Leo Awards - Best Musical Score (Nominated)
- Nunavut International Film Festival (Official Selection)
- Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, New York (Official Selection)
Special Recognition:
The Tłıc̨hǫ Government would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the teamwork that went into the making of this film. Special Recognition goes to:
John B. Zoe, Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault, Tyanna Steinwand, Petter Jacobsen, Michel Louis Rabesca, Roy Judas, Russell Drybones, Joe Lazare Zoe, the late Leon Ekendia, JJ Simpson, Nora Ekendia, Eva Mantla, Camilia Zoe-Chocolate, John Nishi, Jimmy P Mantla, Mike Simpson, Peter Huskey, and John Franklin & Mercie Kaodloak. Special thanks to Chad Galloway, Trail Films Inc.
“Tłıc̨hǫ people have been coming here forever, and the land has always protected us. Now it’s our turn to protect this land.”
Tyanna Steinwand: KǪ̀ K’ETÌ
“It is an honour for this film to be recognized internationally. It is also incredibly important to acknowledge, respect, and share Tłı̨ chǫ knowledge about Ekwǫ̀ (caribou) and the essential role they’ve played in our past and present and will continue to play for generations to come.“Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty
Helpful Link:
To watch the KǪ̀K’ETÌ film please visit: https://www.trailfilms.ca/portfolio/koketi
For more information, contact:
[email protected]
Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty
