The fonds consists of photographs documenting the welcome ceremony that occurred in February 1987 for the canoe project by Nisga’a carver Norman Tait. The Museum of Anthropology appears in the background of multiple pictures in which spectators can be seen gathered for the 1st cut ceremony of the canoe log. Norman The event included speeches as well as ceremonies and performances by Norman Tait and his close relatives. Joe David, Reva Robinson, and Bill Reid are among the other notable individuals that appear in these images.
Image is of welcome ceremony crowd including children and spectators holding umbrellas. Norman and Sadie Tait stand at right side of image while part of museum exterior can be seen in the background on the left side of image.
Image is of two Tait family members holding drums as they chant with their backs to the camera. Further away Norman appears blurred as he performs his squirrel dance on top of the canoe log.
Image is of Norman performing his squirrel dance on top of the canoe log while two family members hold and beat skin drums. All three have their back to the camera.
Image is of Norman performing his squirrel dance on top of the canoe log while Mercy stands watching him with her back to the camera on the left side of image. Another Tait member appears on the right side of image holding a drum.
Image is of Rob't, Mercy, Norman, and Bill Reid during welcome ceremony. Bill Reid is speaking with folded notes in his hands. Mercy holds an umbrella while Norman holds a paddle.
Item is a b&w negative of a photograph of people after log has been moved into the old UBC carving shed. Three photos of button blanket are possibly one that Dorothy Grant was making—three images that follow may be her and Doreen Jensen (Gitxsan carver) on the right. I don’t remember who they are talking to.
Geographic Location: all photos at area around the old UBC Carving Shed
Item is a b&w negative of a photograph of people after log has been moved into the old UBC carving shed. Three photos of button blanket are possibly one that Dorothy Grant was making—three images that follow may be her and Doreen Jensen (Gitxsan carver) on the right. I don’t remember who they are talking to.
Geographic Location: all photos at area around the old UBC Carving Shed
File consists of photographs documenting the final stage of log preparation for the creation of the Native Education Centre pole by Norman Tait and crew. At the beginning of the file images depict the carvers making their finishing tools, including small single handed adzes and curved knives. This stage involves the carvers adding all the finishing details, such as teeth and eyelids, to the figures. It also includes the raising of the pole during a ceremony given by the Native Education Centre. The textual info is in WHERE THE PEOPLE GATHER or paperback TOTEM POLE CARVING.
