Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Ted Wheatley
Sam Osawamick
Ernest Debassigae
Joe Yellowhead
Kate Assinewe
Ron Wakegijig
Herman Atkinson
Charlie Neilson
Dan Pine
Louis Bruce
Noel Knockwood
Angust Pontiac
Ernest Tootoosis
Indian History Film Project
Description
A discussion of Cree funeral songs. Includes a story of a woman's vision of the afterlife.
1983 Elders' Conference 2/5
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Ted Wheatley
Ernest Benedict
Angus Nogongiig
Jim Dumont
Johnny Thomas
Sam Osawamick
Alex Fox
John Tootoosis
Louis Bruce
Sid Fiddler
Lawrence Tobacco
Mary Lou Fox
Eddie Benton
Herman Atkinson
Carl Roberts
Indian History Film Project
Description
Talks about the traditional teacher in the University setting ; proposal for friendship ceremony between Iroquois and Ojibway ; the Iroquois confederacy ; Kootenay plains initiative to return to traditional lifestyles ; reflections on past and future wars ; and the importance of elders in recovery of traditional values.
4 Men at Sun Dance
Images » Photographs
Author/Creator
Mabel Devlin
Description
Image of 4 young men in traditional dress. Description on back reads: " This picture was taken in the summer of 1913 at an Indian Sun Dance held between Mr. Moise L'Heureaux's ranch and Cochin the usual place for holding Sun dances, at this particular dance the Indians were asking their gods for rain. Picture taken and finished by Mabel Devlin School teacher at St Hippolyte at the time. She is now Mrs. J.D. Paulhus of Vawn. Mr. Paul L'Heureux of Jack Fish who spoke Cree assisted in persuading these gentlemen to pose."
An Act to further amend The Indian Act [Assented to 22nd July, 1895]
Alternate Title
58 - 59 Victoria. Chap. 35.
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Government of Canada
Description
Includes material on the lease of land, restrictions to celebrate festivals, dances, or other ceremonies, and regulations on band membership.
Adam Solway Interview 1
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Adam Solway
Christine Welsh
Tony Snowsill
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview where Adam Solway talks about being orphaned at 8 years and adopted by the Blackfoot Reserve, Alta; his attendance at a residential school; becoming a councillor and then chief of the reserve. He comments on the issues he had to deal with as well as providing comments on contemporary lifestyles and leadership.
Antoine Lonesinger 11 Interview
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Antoine Lonesinger
Alphonse Littlepoplar
Indian History Film Project
Description
Interview includes two stories: the first about a boy who saves a boy and wins a wife in the process; a second about a boy who upon returning to his band with a wife becomes chief.
Antoine Lonesinger 6 Interview
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Antoine Lonesinger
Indian History Film Project
Description
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.
Being Lakota: Identity and Tradition on Pine Ridge Reservation
E-Books
Author/Creator
Larissa Petrillo
The Blackfoot Sun-Dance
Alternate Title
Proceedings of the Canadian Institute ; no. 151, 1889
E-Books
Author/Creator
John McLean
Description
Reprinted from the Proceedings of the Canadian Institute, No. 151, 1889.
Circle of the Sun
Media » Film and Video
Author/Creator
Colin Low
Description
Film about 1961 Sun Dance gathering of the Blood Nation in Alberta. Accompanying material: An Integrated Educator's Guide.
Duration: 29:40.
Circles, Trees, and Bears: Symbols of Power of the Weenuche Ute
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
Robert S. McPherson
American Indian Culture and Research Journal, vol. 36, no. 2, 2012, pp. 103-129
Description
Comments on the similarities and the differences between various ceremonies and the blending of the past with the present.
The Comanche Sun Dance
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
Ralph Linton
American Anthropologist, vol. 37, no. 3, pt. 1, New Series, July-September 1935, pp. 420-428
Description
Discusses the history, rituals and ceremony of the Sun Dance of 1878, at that time thought to be the last ever performed.
The Comanche Sun Dance and Messianic Outbreak of 1873
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
E. Adamson Hoebel
American Anthropologist, vol. 43, no. 2, pt. 1, New Series, April-June 1941, pp. 301-303
Description
Brief overview of anthropologists understanding of the role of the dance among Comanche in 1873-74.
Comparison Analysis of "Custer Died for Your Sins" and "Killing the White Man's Indian"
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Dee Ansbergs
Description
Compares two books, written more than twenty years apart, for their strengths, weaknesses, biases, and value to Native American Studies.
Cree Elders Workshop 1
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Jim Kanipitetew
James Waskewitch
Daniel Ochapooways
Jim Pesim
Norman Frank
Indian History Film Project
Description
Elders discuss: payment for chiefs; conduct of and assistance at ceremonies; need for respect towards ceremonies and ceremonial locations. No date given, probably in the early 1970's.
Cree Elders Workshop 10
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Charley Buffalo Calf
Jim Hoostie
Pius Dustyhorn
Alex Bonaise
Alex Stick
Eli Bear
Jim Kanipitetew
Jonas Lariviere
George Morningstar
John Rockthunder
Mrs. Waskewitch
Mrs. Alec Child
Eva Paskimin
Indian History Film Project
Description
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.
Cree Elders Workshop 3
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Eli Bear
Jim Kanipitetew
Felix Sugar
Norman Frank
Indian History Film Project
Description
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
Cree Elders Workshop 4
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Mike Bear
Daniel Ochapooways
Indian History Film Project
Description
Loss of Indianism through white education.Founding of White Fish Lake Reserve. Problems on reserves as a result of electing 'young' chiefs. Loss of Indian ceremonies and healing.
Cree Elders Workshop 5
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Charley Buffalo Calf
Sandy Lonethunder
Jim Ryder
Jim Hoostie
Pius Dustyhorn
Alex Bonaise
John Cappo
Alex Stick
Lloyd Stanley
Alex B. Kennedy
Eli Bear
Smith Atimoyoo
Jim Kanipitetew
Jonas Lariviere
George Morningstar
John Rockthunder
Alber
Indian History Film Project
Description
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.
Cree Elders Workshop 6
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Sandy Lonethunder
Jim Hoostie
Pius Dustyhorn
Alex Bonaise
John Cappo
Alex Stick
Mrs. Waskewitch
Indian History Film Project
Description
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.
Cree (Elders) Workshop 9
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Pius Dustyhorn
John Cappo
Jim Kanipitetew
Indian History Film Project
Description
Discussion of Indian ceremonies: how these are passed on from generation to generation; the role of women. Tipis: particular kinds of tipis; decorated tipis; tipis inrelation to death customs. No date given but probably January 1974, same as the others in this series.
[Crime Report re Little Pine Reserve Indians ... Alleged Sun Dance]; [Re: Indian Sundance, Rocky Mountain House District, Alberta]
Alternate Title
[Selected RCMP Documents Regarding the Sun Dance]
Archival » Archival Items
Author/Creator
W. Kingston
A. H. McCormack
Native Studies Review, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 93-95
Description
First document is a report written by Kingston, dated July 6, 1928, asks for instructions regarding whether or not participants should be charged given the fact that the event did not appear to violate the Indian Act. Second document is a letter by McCormack, describing ceremonies which took place at Rocky Mountain House and Hobbema, Alberta.
The Crow Sun Dance
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
Robert H. Lowie
Journal of American Folklore, vol. 27, no. 103, January-March 1914, pp. 94-96
Description
Examines context of practice and purpose of the ceremony.
Dances With 'Religion': A Critical History of the Strategic Uses of the Category of Religion by the Government of Canada and First Nations, 1885 to 1951
Theses
Author/Creator
Michael Ruecker
Description
Religious Studies Thesis (M.A.)--University of Ottawa, 2015.
Dancing Together: The Lakota Sun Dance and Ethical Intercultural Exchange
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
Ronan Hallowell
IK: Other Ways of Knowing, vol. 3, no. 1, 2017, pp. 30-52
Description
Addresses the question of non-Aboriginal people practicing traditional Native American ceremonies.
The Development of Ethnological Theory as Illustrated by Studies of the Plains Sun Dance
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
John W. Bennett
American Anthropologist, vol. 46, no. 2, pt.1, New Series, April-June 1944, pp. 162-181
Description
Uses discussion of this cultural phenomenon to illustrate changing attitudes in the study of anthropology during the early 20th century.
Discourse in the Sun Dance War, 1880-1914: An Analysis of the Narrative of Suppression, Resistance, Reaction, and Revitalization ...
Theses
Author/Creator
James Robb
Description
Sociology and Anthropology Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 1995.
The Dynamic Between the Individual and the Community in Selected Native American Performances
Theses
Author/Creator
M. Joshua Karter
Description
Drama Thesis (Ph.D.)--New York University, 1979.
Elderly Ladies Workshop 3
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Dan Pelletier
Harold (Mrs.) Roberts
Harold Roberts
Smith Atimoyoo
Indian History Film Project
Description
Elders, men and women, reminisce on their early lives involving hard work and strict discipline and voice regrets that the young people of today are not given enough guidance.
Emil Wings
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
Emil Wings
John Hellson
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview about the origin of the Pigeon Society of the Blood Indians as well as the Ghost Dance and Big Smoke ceremonies.
Ethnology of the Gros Ventre
Alternate Title
Anthropological Papers of the American Museum of Natural History ; vol.1, pt. 4
E-Books
Author/Creator
A. L. Kroeber
Description
Part of the Anthropological Papers of the American Museum of Natural History, vol. 1 (p.145-281).
The Face Pullers: Ch.1 Images - Camp at Great Sun Dance, Blackfoot Reserve
Alternate Title
The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939
Images » Photographs
Author/Creator
Norman Caple
Description
Black and White Photograph of a camp on a Blackfoot Reserve in the North West Territories during a Sun Dance Gathering, with an indigenous person sitting in the foreground.
From the book The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939 by Brock Silversides.
The Face Pullers: Ch.1 Images - Ceremony of Erecting Sundance Lodge
Images » Photographs
Author/Creator
Harry Pollard (photographer)
Description
Photograph of the ceremony surrounding the building of a sundance lodge on the Peigan reserve near Brocket Alberta.
The Face Pullers: Ch.1 images - "Indian Sun Dance, Making a Brave"
Alternate Title
The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939
Images » Photographs
Author/Creator
Boorne and May
Description
Black and white photograph of a brave-making initiation ceremony conducted during a Sun Dance gathering on the Blood Reserve near Fort Macleod.
From the book The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939 by Brock Silversides.
The Face Pullers: Ch. 1 Images - Participants at Sun Dance
Alternate Title
The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939
Images » Photographs
Author/Creator
George Anderton
Description
Black and white photograph of two young Indigenous men on horseback. From the book The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939 by Brock Silversides.
The Face Pullers - Unused Photos - "Sun Dance. Inside Medicine Lodge"
Alternate Title
The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939
Images » Photographs
Author/Creator
Charles W. Mathers
Description
Black and white photograph of a sun dance taken inside of a medicine lodge.
Unused photograph from the book The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939 by Brock Silversides.
Fine Day Interview #19
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
D.G. (Dr.) Mandelbaum
Fine Day
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview with Fine Day where he describes the transferal of bundles. He also describes power acquired from spirits and through fasting.
Fine Day Interview #21A
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
D.G. (Dr.) Mandelbaum
Fine Day
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview with Fine Day where he lists various articles used in connection with the Sundance. He also gives the reasons for having a Sundance.
Fine Day Interview #23
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
D.G. (Dr.) Mandelbaum
Fine Day
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview with Fine Day where he describes a significant dream he had as a child. He gives a description of a naming ceremony. He also describes the procedures leading to a Sundance.
Fine Day Interview #24
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
D.G. (Dr.) Mandelbaum
Fine Day
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview with Fine Day where he outlines the proper (as opposed to the improper) procedures for giving a Sundance.
Fine Day Interview #26
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
D.G. (Dr.) Mandelbaum
Fine Day
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview with Fine Day where he gives a brief description of the duties of a chief, a description of treatment for successful warriors and a description of the ceremonialism involved in the Sundance.
Fine Day Interview #29
Alternate Title
Indian History Film Project
Oral History » Oral Histories
Author/Creator
D.G. (Dr.) Mandelbaum
Fine Day
Indian History Film Project
Description
Consists of an interview where he gives various reasons for holding a Sundance.
From Souvenir to Sundance: Perceptions and Participation of Residents in Cultural Tourism on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Theses
Author/Creator
Melanie Ann Graham
Description
Anthropology Thesis (M.A)--Colorado State University, 2009.
[G. F. Shepherd, Notes 1937-1974]
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
G.F. Shepherd
Description
File contains hand written and typed notes of historian George Shepherd, dated from 1937-1974. The notes include several pages on Aboriginal history in the North-West, that were scanned for this database. This includes a wide variety of material: from copy of a letter written by Louis Riel, to a list of the reserves in Saskatchewan in 1962 and their estimated landbase and populations.
Historical note:
George Gwynne Mann Family Fonds
Archival » Archival Items
Description
George Gwynne Mann was a farm instructor and Indian agent for the government of Canada in Onion Lake, North-West Territories from 1879 to 1900. Mann and his family fled Onion Lake to Fort Pitt after the so-called Frog Lake "massacre," and were later taken as hostages from Fort Pitt and held for two months by Plains Cree warriors. The file contains hand written manuscripts and photocopied documents that detail Mann family's involvement in the 1885 rebellion, and describe aspects of Aboriginal ceremony and culture.
"Group of Indians and Curious Wigwams, 'Blackfoot Indian Sun Dance.'"
Images » Photographs
Description
An image of a group of Aboriginal people posing in front of their tipis. Most are wrapped in blankets, and two are wearing wide brimmed hats. Artificial colour has been added to the picture in a chromolithograph process.
The Hoop of Many Hoops: The Integration of Lakota Ancestral Knowledge and Baha'i Teachings in the Performative Practices of Kevin Locke
Theses
Author/Creator
Pauline Isabel Marie Tuttle
Description
Ethnomusicology Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2002.
"Indian Music of the Canadian Plains"
Archival » Archival Items
Description
This oversize file is divided into two parts for this data base. Part one (A-792-1) contains a 33 1/3 record titled "Indian Music of the Canadian Plains," copyright 1955 Folkways Records and Services Corp. There is a booklet accompanying the record that explains the various songs and Indian customs.
Indian Sun Dance / Young Bucks Proving Their Endurance by Self-torture. - Engraving. - 2 January 1875.
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jules Tavernier Frenseny
Description
Reproduction of engraving from the 2 January 1875 issue of Harper's Weekly. The sun dance, performed by Sioux members, is held in June in honour of the sun. The engraving shows male Sioux at centre, surrounded by onlookers in a outdoor scene. The artist's name appears to be Jules Tavernier Frenseny; location unknown.
Historical note:
Indian Sundance Ceremony
Images » Photographs
Description
A photograph of an exterior view of Sundance Lodge including people seated around outside of lodge and circle of tents and campers around perimeter. Probably near Saskatoon.