Interview relates to understanding of Treaty #8 promises; the establishment of Wabasca Reserves; and the loss of treaty status by many people in the area.
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.
Elders speak of their concerns regarding leadership on the reserves; new young leaders with education but no experience who ignore the elders and their advice; the failure to educate the young in traditional Indian ways.
Discussion of the educational system: relative merits of day schools, residential schools, integrated schools, etc.; need for inclusion of Indian culture into the curriculum at all levels ; the role of the elder as teacher.
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.
An interview which discusses the negotiation of Treaty 8 at Fort Chipewyan, and promises made ; problems of insufficient land for trapping on Chipewyan Reserve ; and alcohol abuse among native people.
Mr. Phelps was the Minister of Natural Resources in the Saskatchewan CCF government from 1944 to 1948. He speaks of attempts to replace welfare in the north with programs for fish and fur marketing.
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.
This paper, based on his many field interviews, represents Mr. Rain's views on why the Indians in the Treaty 6 area wereanxious to sign treaty, the problems of language, and therefore of their understanding of the terms.