Interview includes stories about a ghost priest and a non-existent camp. Also included is a story of how a lame boy's skill as a medicine man won him a chieftainship and a wife.
Interview includes stories of attacks on women by Blackfoot and Cree raiders. It also includes the story of the acquisition of the Sioux Dance (or Grass Dance) from the bone grass spirits.
Interview of Charlie Chief who discusses the a Grass Dance, Round Dance and Sioux Dance (including songs). Also included are songs. The discusses the difference between old and new ways. Alphonse Littlepoplar is the intterpreter
Discussion by Elders who express regrets at loss of traditional customs and values and desire a return of schools on reserves ; a need to preserve Indian ceremonies and Indian medicines ; concerns about problems with alcohol recur throughout.
Elders discuss contemporary problems. Recurring themes are: problems with alcohol; education by whites from an early age; need to return to traditional teaching by elders in combination with white education.
Discussion of: Role of elders in setting young people on the right road ; Importance of breast-feeding and giving up alcohol ; Need for a tipi on each reserve, to be kept for prayer, pipe ceremonies and the counselling of the young.
The interview includes stories about the animal world before humans. Flood and creation myths combine elements of Indian and Christian stories. Also included are tales of Wasakedjak.
Mrs. Carter tells a story of her life. She talks of the traditional way of living; residential schools and tells how she was given her name. During the interview she also relates a tale from her grandfather about the Cree raiding Blackfoot camps.
Discussion on problems of the younger generation, including alcoholism. Also discussed ways in which parents and elders can help by instructing children and young people and by maintaining the Indian religion.
Mrs. Adams is a retired white schoolteacher and was 69 years old at the time of the interview. She tells of her induction as an honorary chief of the Blackfoot reserve and shares her experiences among the Blackfoot.
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor & the Commonwealth Legal Education Association Roundtable
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Georges Erasmus
Description
Discusses the role of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in dealing with a variety problems of arising from the residential school system, and argues that a healing environment must be included in the compensation process.