Consists of an interview where he tells of legends concerning the arrival of white men in North America; Parallels to the Norse (Viking) sagas -- (Is this possibly an example of the oral tradition presenting the Indian view early Viking settlement?). He tells of prophecies concerning the arrival of white men and the eventual return of Indian ways; describes the role of women in pre-Columbian America; and gives accounts of native medical practices and the linguistic evolution.
Arsene Fontaine describes a curing by a medicine man and a brief description of how to make a canoe. She also gives a description of transportation by dog team.
Consists of an interview where she discusses Medicine Men and their purported powers. She briefly mentions Indian superstitions (being born with a caul on her face; being the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter).
Consists of an interview where she gives an account of native use of plants for medicine. She tells of prophecies concerning the arrival of the white man and general accounts of her life in the bush.
Joe Duquette, born 1904, on Mistawasis Reserve, never attended school, completely self-educated. Now Senator of F.S.I. and involved in teaching and counselling young people. He tells the story of his arranged marriage.
Lawrence Tobacco, born 1919, on the Poor Man Reserve, Saskatchewan He attended a residential school and is now involved in traditional education and counseling. He talks about farming and raising cattle on the Poor Man Reserve; shares a story of a trip he took to Winnipeg to sell cattle for a number of reserves in the File Hills area, and how Indian Affairs officials tried to bribe him with part of the proceeds of the sale; shares stories of defiance toward Dept.
She was born on the Little Pine Reserve, the first girl from that reserve to attend high school. She tells of some childhood memories; naming ceremonies; significance of Indian names; the training of children, especially girls; menarche seclusion; women: influence of, in religion and ceremonialism, pregnancy; her education: traditional; experiences in Anglican boarding school (integrated) in Saskatoon; training for roles as wife and mother.
Consists of an interview where she tells of one of her ancestors, captured during the War of 1812, married into the tribe. Early organizer of native groups in Toronto.
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.
An interview with Rufus Goodstriker, born in 1924 on the Blood Indian Reserve and attended a residential school. He tells of the origins and significance of the transfer of Indian names, especially within his own family. He also talks about Indian medicine and the power of faith; the Indian spiritual way vs. the Western technological way;of herbs, animal spirits, sweat bath in healing etc.
Consists of an interview where he tells of life in a foster home and cultural suppression; gives a description of suppression on reserves in the 1950's; and gives a description of native values and philosophy and the role of sweat lodges.