NWT Arts

Camilia Zoe-Chocolate is a Tłı̨chǫ citizen, the daughter of the late Lucy and Johnny Zoe-Chocolate, and a proud mother to four children. She is fluent in the Tłı̨chǫ language and was born and raised in the community of Behchoko, Northwest Territories, Canada. She spent her childhood living on the land with her traditional Tłı̨chǫ parents and grandparents who trapped and hunted for a living. Camilia has 25 years of experience in Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy research, northern environmental research, northern Indigenous politics, community engagement, project management, Tłı̨chǫ Language education/translation, and Photography (nature, culture, landscapes, weddings, and photojournalism). She served as a board member of "The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board," "Wek'eezhi Land and Water Board," and Arctic Council's "Conservation Arctic Flora and Fauna" and "Sustainable Development Working Group" as a representative of the Arctic Athabaskan Council. Camilia is a graduate of the Natural Resource Technology Program at Aurora College and a Bachelor of Education at Aurora College/University of Saskatchewan, and recently, with a Photography Certificate at MacEwan University.

Camilia's love for Photography was introduced by her family while on the land during the spring trapping camp. Camilia was first intrigued with Photography by her traditional Tłı̨chǫ grandfather, Jeremie (Zimmy) Lacorde, who had purchased a Polaroid camera and actively used it while living on the land. Her grandfather would take photos of daily life, from traditional home life to cultural activities. Camilia says, "My Tłı̨chǫ family's strong cultural upbringing has greatly influenced my pedagogy, expressed through my photos capturing our contemporary Northern Indigenous life. Through my images, I hope to express the love and resiliency my Indigenous parents have instilled within me for our rich Northern people's cultures, land, and wildlife. “

Camilia also enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing., Photography, collecting plants, and writing. She loves to share her Tłı̨chǫ stories and photos on her social media. She also loves drum dances, community feasts, and spending time with her family.