Interview with Alonzo Logan who discusses the migration of the Potawatomi Indians and the Indian role in the War of 1812. Name of interpreter is missing. Transcribed by Joanne Greenwood.
Canadian Historical Review, vol. 55, no. 3, September 1974, pp. 261-291
Description
Uses contemporary French accounts which report views that they were unattractive, physically, mentally and morally inferior, did not practice personal hygiene, consumed unhealthy food, etc.
Interview with the respected storyteller and singer Antoine Lonesinger. Interview includes the Legend of Cut Knife Hill and stories of BlackRock and Chokecherry Wood.
Antoine Lonesinger discusses different methods of earning a living that included making charcoal and lime. Also included is the story of a boy saved a camp from starvation with the help of the raven spirit.
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 about a Cree band who avenged the killing of a young boy by the Blackfoot. He tells of his grandfather who helped a Cree raiding party find food.
Interview includes a biographical account of Antoine Lonesinger's life that includes stories about farming, trapping, house construction and the making of charcoal and lime. He also tells of the murder of an Indian Agent at the hands of a Blackfoot named Owl Eyes.
Interview with Mr Lonesinger who tells stories of Indian agents both good and bad. He also tells of the Battle of the Cut Knife Hill and the banning of the Sundance.
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 relates to understanding of Treaty #8 promises; the establishment of Wabasca Reserves; and the loss of treaty status by many people in the area.
A discussion of Land rights under Treaty #7; trade of furs for goods; and the dispersal of the Blackfoot people and eventual return to the Blackfoot Reserve under Crowfoot.
Interviewee recounts stories told to him by his father about the signing of Treaty #8;denial of Indian requests for reserve; and traditional lifestyle.
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
Examines reasons for supporting Aboriginal participation in the management and development of surrounding land and resources for the economic sustainability of Aboriginal communities.
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 discuss concerns regarding: loss of Indian culture and traditions; failure to educate young Indians in traditionalways; young well-educated chiefs who will not take advice from elders.
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.