YELLOWKNIFE (January 17, 2013) – The Government of the Northwest Territories congratulates the Native Communications Society and NCS Productions on the premiere of the first indigenous documentary series produced entirely in the Northwest Territories using a full northern cast and crew.

The six-part television series Dene: A Journey is produced with support from the GNWT’s Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Program (Film Sponsorship Support) and the NWT Arts Council.

“This production raises the profile of the NWT as a filming destination,” said David Ramsay, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. “It showcases the skill of our talented filmmakers and film and media arts professionals, and it employed local residents. The NWT Film Commission is exploring ways to further promote this series as an example of great northern filmmaking, and I wish NCS Productions every success as they continue to grow the northern film industry.” 

“Creating vibrant communities based on partnerships for a unified, prosperous Northwest Territories is one of the priorities of the GNWT,” said Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.  “The flourishing NWT film and media arts industry provides skilled and multi-talented cultural artists and groups with the opportunity for cultural expression. The arts strengthen our cultural identity and our economy, and I congratulate NCS Productions and all of the people involved in this excellent project.”

The series premiered on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) on January 9, 2013, and will run until February 17, 2013.

For more information, contact:
Camilla MacEachern
Associate Film Commissioner
Government of the Northwest Territories
P: (867) 920-8793  E: camilla_maceachern@gov.nt.ca

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
P: (867) 920-6222   E: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca