The fonds consists of audio tapes of interviews with seventeen First Nations elders who were interviewed between May and August of 1996. The interviews were conducted by Rhonda DeLorme of Alberta Aboriginal Affairs. The negatives and photographs depict the elders interviewed and there are labels printed on the backs of the photographs. Some of the elders interviewed include Josephine Crowshoe, Rita Auger, Joe Crowshoe, Ruth Bad Eagle , Tom Crane Bear, Wallace Mountain Horse, and Evelyn Thunder, among others.
In the recordings, the elders speak about their own family histories, traditions and celebrations from their home communities, and values. Several also related stories that had been shared with them and spoke of how resources from the land and animals were used in their communities. Many of the elders also spoke about their experiences while attending residential schools and other impacts that settler society had on their way of life (including world wars, treaties, and industry).
These interviews took place in the Bigstone Cree Reserve, Whitefish Lake First Nation, Loon Lake First Nation, Woodland Cree First Nation, Brocket, Siksika Nation, Dene Tha’ Reserve, Blood Reserve, and Alexis Reserve.
Elders Project, Aboriginal Affairs