I would like to address the readership of this column and say it is great to begin writing again about the unexplained 鈥� the paranormal.
This subject has interested me since I was about nine years old, when my grandmother told me some trappers were seeing UFOs in the Tulita region skies. At that time, I did not know what to make of these stories. It was said that they did not fly like airplanes, but sometimes flew in strange angles. Other times, these objects just sat in the sky, changing their lights and then zoomed off to God-knows-where at blazing speeds.
Who were they and where did they go? What was their purpose? Many questions and no answers, but we saw them.
In the the greatest book of mysteries 鈥� the Bible 鈥� the prophet Ezekiel provides a description of a UFO that he saw and it's description. It tells us that they have been around for a long time as we wonder what is in our skies, lands and waters?
I was given a great piece from cattle mutilations researcher Fern Belzil, of St. Paul, Alta., who told me this before I ever saw my first paranormal event: "You must have an open mind." I pass this along to readership, as sometimes what you see or hear will not make sense, but there it is.
I have been fortunate to meet some leading figures in the paranormal field. Some shared their unusual experiences and I thank them publicly for their kindness and generosity. I was lucky to be able to listen and learn from them. I am also a film director of national programs and had to learn this important asset along with our important questions to be asked.
In this column, we will explore UFOs, alien abduction, nahgunne (sasquatch), reincarnation, near-death experiences, prophets and prophecy, cryptids, strange animals and other subjects. I look forward to hearing from readership in shared stories and experiences, and will try to answer questions you have. I find this the best way to learn is when we share, as we all have different experiences and perspectives. If we don't know, we will tell you so, but do our best to find out why.
Researching and writing about this subject has allowed me to learn about many things which I could not have imagined years ago. For this I am thankful as it has allowed me new perspectives on how I see the world and understand it. Trying to 'explain the unexplainable' has been a challenge, but a good one, and I accept it, So let us begin...
Nahanni: Land of Mystery
The Nahanni region, in the southwest corner of the Dehcho, is one of the mysterious areas of the NWT. Around 1963, I remember hearing about some unexplained deaths when gold miners sat around with my dad, who was also a gold miner, intently discussing this subject. They were clearly mystified by the deaths, where the skulls were missing from the bodies. Who and what could do such a thing? Their discussions lasted many hours into the day. I remember this clearly as they asked valid questions with no answers forthcoming about these deaths and disappearances. I also wondered why the RCMP and, later, Nahanni Park officials provided no answers.
This all started in the early 1900s, when the McLeod brothers were looking and reputedly found nuggets in the Nahanni Valley. These tragedies continued until 2005, when two Dene men died in strange and unusual ways. For all families, we would like to see closure and healing as we seek answers.
I am a film producer who is making inquiries about producing a two-hour documentary on this subject. I also think it's very important to have a strong Dene voice in this project as we will have a million questions. The Nahanni holds many sacred and special places important to our people historically, culturally and spiritually that all visitors and Canadians should learn about in order to protect them for future generations. There has been some misinformation where outside writers and filmmakers have speculated about these lands incorrectly.
I hope that this discussion and documentary involving Dene voices and perspectives will correct this. This will not be easy, but you have to start somewhere. It is important that Dene people understand what is going on on Dene lands.
I would like to close by thanking the many people who have shared with me their knowledge and perspectives on how to see the world around us and understand this journey which is unfolding in front of us. Many thanks for your time and patience.
I would also like to congratulate our new prime minister, Mark Carney, who was born in Fort Smith on becoming first 快盈v3er to hold the office. Congratulations and best wishes!
鈥擳ulita-born Raymond Yakeleya is interested in all things paranormal. Send him your stories at ryy1954@hotmail.com
