Outlines the history of alcoholism in Aboriginal communities, and looks at combining western medicine and traditional healing methods to help Aboriginal people rebuild and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Wide-ranging discussion among elders touching on many topics including kinship; illegitimate children; ceremonialism; therole of the elder; financing the elder who incurs some costs associated with the organization of a ceremony.
Elders discuss a variety of matters relating to Indian culture and traditions and what can be done to retain or regain these. Most topics are touched on only briefly
Ms. Youens is a Metis, born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She was brought up in a series of foster homes and is now active in both the Women's Movement and with native groups. She talks about how the Metis are treated by outside groups, her childhood, and attitudes towards women among native societies.
Mr. McDougall is descended from French and Scottish halfbreeds and is active in the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. He gives an account of the Metis way of life and philosophy, the Riel Rebellion, shares memories of WWI, WWII and the Depression. He also talks about the discrimination against native people.
Several speakers voice concerns about changes that have crept in to the ceremonies. Recall how things were done in former times and stress need to return to old ways.
Elders discuss: loss of respect for elders; loss of traditions; problems with younger generation; alcohol-related problems; traditional hunting and trapping lifestyle.Story of woman who feigned pregnancy in order to get more money.
Discussion of the problem of alcohol abuse among native peoples. Raising children: comparison with earlier days. Establishment of the Shesheep, Sakimay and MuscowpetungReserves. Many lectures about their histories and their hopes for the future of their people.