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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, and include:

1. Quileute
2. Chinook Jargon
3. Kwak’wala (U’Mista)
4. Gitxsan
5. Nuu-chah-nulth
6. Salishan
7. Shuswap
8. Haisla
9. Tait
10. Northwest Coast artists
11. Northwest Coast groups
12. UBC totems/events
13. Publications

Photograph of three men carving totem poles that would become part of the bighouse in Alert Bay, BC.

Photograph of two men carving a set of house posts that will become part of the bighouse in Alert Bay, BC. These posts were carved and raised before the rest of the structure.

Photograph of a set of totem poles that will become part of the longhouse in Alert Bay, BC. These poles were carved and raised before the rest of the structure.

Photograph of the exterior of the longhouse in Alert Bay, BC.

Photograph of Chief James Sewid (Kwakwaka'wakw), in ceremonial dress and holding a carved and painted staff, and Tom Ohmeid(?) of Fort Rupert.

Photograph of a woman identified as Mrs. Sewid and four younger women identified as her daughters. All five of them are in ceremonial dress. They are standing outside, with a group of spectators behind them. It is not clear what type of event they are at. A stamp on the verso of the print indicates that it was printed in 1958.

Photograph of a totem pole in Alert Bay, BC. This pole has been called the world's tallest totem pole, though this is a disputed fact since it is actually comprised of two pieces. The pole is not specific to a particular family, but represents multiple tribes of the Kwakwaka'wakw. The pole was completed in the late 1960's and raised in 1973. It is located near the Big House.

Image of a totem pole in Montreal, carved by Henry Hunt. This is likely one of the poles that he carved for Expo 67. The pole is seen at night, lit up from below.

Image depicts the exhibition The Pacific Passage installed at the Vancouver International Airport. The focal point of the photograph is Hetux, a large Thunderbird sculpture created by artist Connie Watts (Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan and Kwakwaka'wakw).

Image depicts a transformation mask created by artist Stan Wamiss (Kwakwaka'wakw) installed at the Vancouver International Airport.

Image of a totem pole in Alert Bay, BC, at the grave of the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. The pole was carved to honor the Chief. This image shows the pole right after it has been raised, with the ropes used to raise it still attached. Additional information and images of this pole are featured on pages 28-33 of Carter's book "From History's Locker."

Image of the memorial held for the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. A similar image of the same scene is printed on page 29 of Carter's book "From History's Locker," with the caption: "Under the direction of Chief William Scow the assembled chiefs of the Kwakiutl Nation come forward to make speeches in honor of the late Chief Mungo Martin."

Image of the memorial held for the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. A similar image of the same scene is printed on page 29 of Carter's book "From History's Locker," with the caption: "Under the direction of Chief William Scow the assembled chiefs of the Kwakiutl Nation come forward to make speeches in honor of the late Chief Mungo Martin."

Image of the memorial held for the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. A similar image of the same scene is printed on page 29 of Carter's book "From History's Locker," with the caption: "Under the direction of Chief William Scow the assembled chiefs of the Kwakiutl Nation come forward to make speeches in honor of the late Chief Mungo Martin."

Image of the memorial held for the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. A similar image of the same scene is printed on page 29 of Carter's book "From History's Locker," with the caption: "Under the direction of Chief William Scow the assembled chiefs of the Kwakiutl Nation come forward to make speeches in honor of the late Chief Mungo Martin."

Image of the raising of a totem pole made in memory of the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. The pole was placed at his grave.

Image of the raising of a totem pole made in memory of the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. The pole was placed at his grave.

Image of the raising of a totem pole made in memory of the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. The pole was placed at his grave.

Image of the raising of a totem pole made in memory of the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. The pole was placed at his grave.