Raymond Yakeleya seeks stories for UFO documentary

Raymond Yakeleya has never seen a UFO, but he believes.

The filmmaker, born in Tulita, N.W.T., is collecting stories about UFOsightings in the North for a documentary.

There have been reports of sightings and encounters with extraterrestrials throughout the N.W.T. over the years, including one earlier this month in Fort Smith.

Yakeleya says there's even a UFOconnection and evidence in Dene legend.

"We have in one of our legends a story about alien visitations where the chief of the alien people has requested a Dene wife, and that it happened," he said.

Ive often wondered about that, how is it possible that our people would have alien beings in our legends, he said. One thing I do know about my people is they dont lie, they dont make things up like that.

He said hes heard many stories from elders who say theyve seen UFOs out on the land. He says even though hes never experienced alien encounters, he cant discount what others say.

Yakeleya's film is tentatively called UFOs, Aliens and First Nations.

Since starting work on the project, Yakeleya has heard many people talk about alien sightings and abductions.

If were ever going to really understand this phenomenon we have to talk about it," he said.

Yakeleya says he and other children in residential school were shamed for sharing their cultures legends and he wants people to open up about their experiences.

When were sharing things its a really poor way if were ever going to learn things to shame people, he says. Its beautiful to listen to people.

Yakeleya expects the shooting and editing will be finished this spring. Part of the challenge is illustrating the stories.Hes been working on finding drawings and some photographs.

He is now filming in Alberta and hopes to visit the N.W.T. in February.