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In 1976, a group of students from the Kyuquot Elementary, a First Nations elementary school on the West coast of Vancouver Island, decided to make a filmstrip that documented their lives in the fishing village. The children’s intention behind making these photographs was to raise money for a summer field trip to Victoria, Vancouver, and the Okanagan. As part of the fundraiser, the children made a visual map depicting their daily travel to school by boat and a hand-written order form for the film. Collection consists of documents created by the Kyuquot Elementary School and Mr. Moore, a former Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the 1970s. The collection consists of one correspondence letter written by Mr. Moore requesting a copy of their filmstrip, four pages of typewritten filmstrip descriptions, one handwritten map and flyer created by the Kyuquot Elementary School and one 70 frame color filmstrip that was digitized in 2017. [At the time of processing, it was unknown if the fundraiser was successful.]

The collection consists of eight photographs likely taken in the Nuu-chah-nulth community in the 1920's. Some of the photographs may have been taken by Catherine, the daughter of an early Indian Agent named Augustus Cox. They include a number of images that appear to be a Samiilth or Saatlsaach ceremony, with K'aanaatla mimicking wolves. Some of these images are taken near a seaside village, which shows various types of structures and canoes. Other images taken on a beach show canoe runs, as well as two images of individuals in robes and headdresses. Another image shows a detailed view of two headdresses. There are also images of what seem to be preparations for a parade, with individuals dressed in costumes and decorated motorcars nearby.

Fonds consists of records relating to the numerous culture and language projects that Powell and Jensen worked on since 1976. The communities with which they worked include:
• The Quileute of La Push
• The Kwakwaka’wakw of Alert Bay
• The Gitxsan of Kispiox, Gitanyow, and surrounding villages
• The Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island
• The Musqueam of Vancouver
• The Seton Lake St'at'imc (Lillooet) of Shalalth
• The Shuswap of Alkali Lake, Soda Creek, Dog Creek, Canim Lake, and Sugar Cane
• The Haisla of Kitamaat
• The Nisga’a of Gingolx (Kincolith) and New Aiyansh

Most of the projects had an end goal to produce a book, language education materials, or teacher training materials. Often the education materials incorporated cultural lessons throughout. The records created in the production of the books are varied and reflect the intrinsic connection between language, culture, and daily activities in the communities. Powell and Jensen were co-editors for nearly all of the language books and materials produced. Although some of the projects reflected in the records were done primarily by Powell or primarily by Jensen, the vast majority of the work involves collaboration between the two in some aspect. As Jensen and Powell immersed themselves in the communities they worked for, often their personal photographs and records are interspersed with those relating to their work. This community involvement enhanced their relationships with the people with whom they were working and allowed them to experience and participate in cultural activities as part of those communities. This close relationship is reflected in and is integral to their work. Jensen and Powell have two sons: Nels, born in 1978, and Luke, born in 1981. Their sons travelled with them to the communities in which they worked and lived, and on their work trips and sabbaticals. Nels and Luke are also present in many of the photographic records.

The records contain a mixture of research, field notes, administrative records, and publications at various stages, in addition to audio and visual records. Field notes, for the most part handwritten, and archival research into language and culture groups was undertaken by Powell, whilst the majority of the photography, found in a variety of formats, was done by Jensen. Manuscripts and final publications were a combined effort and are included at various stages. Administrative records, including grant proposals, are found throughout.

Fonds consists of 13 series of records. Series are arranged according to community and/or project.