An interview discussing various topics: evidence given to the Office of Specific Claims and Research by Jim Black; signing of Treaty #7; an account of the CPR line being taken through Blackfoot Reserveterritory; a description of two murders: Frank Skynner killed by Scrapings, and Charcoal's murder of Medicine Pipe Stem; the surrender of Blackfoot Reserve land; and an understanding of land rights.
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.
John Breretton describes what he knows of the history of some Alberta reserves including Saddle Lake, Washatanow, and Blue Quills. He talks about conflicts resulting from amalgamation.
John Kaskamin, age 70 at time of interview, describes signing of Treaty 8, and promises made; requests for reserve at Fort Chipewyan for hunting and trapping; and frustration at failure to make progress on this.
John Testawich, former chief of the Peace River Crossing Reserve, discusses the different attitudes of Indians and non-Indians to fishing and trapping.
Interview includes a description of traditional life style and the life of settlers on the prairies. It also includes stories of theft and murder by Indians.
An interview which discusses the signing of Treaty 8: understanding of promises made, the establishment of Wood Buffalo Natural Park, and the need for a reserve at Fort Chipewyan for trapping and hunting.
Interview includes a description of life on the reserve that describes milking, sheep-shearing and fishing weirs. It also consists of stories about a woman whose husband turned into a lizard; a story of Wisakedjak; and how Thunder Blanket killed his wife and then himself.
Interview includes a story of an evil spirit which caused an epidemic that killed many people. She also tells of the sale of their reserve and the subsequent moves to Sweet Grass Reserve and then to Moosomin Reserve.
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.
This 75 year old man describes changes brought about by Treaty #8; promises of reserve at Prairie Lake; and confusion over treaty status of many northern people.
Recollecting: Lives of Aboriginal Women of the Canadian Northwest and Borderlands
The West Unbound: Social and Cultural Studies
E-Books » Chapters
Author/Creator
Kristin Burnett
Description
Gives accounts of Indigenous midwives aiding the births of European-Canadian women who were distanced from familial support.
Chapter 6 from Recollecting: Lives of Aboriginal Women of the Canadian Northwest and Borderlands edited by Sarah Carter and Patricia McCormack.