The fonds consists of 66 photographic prints, some of which are hand-coloured, stamped “B.W. Leeson Quatsino, B.C.”, labelled on the front or back with explanatory information, or signed in ink. One print of a longhouse is stamped “The Leeson Collection Copyright 1914.” The photographic subject matter relates to British Columbia’s Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations and the British Columbia landscape. Also included is a copy of Portraits of the Indians of Quatsino by Benjamin W. Leeson (Kit #20) by Susan Roper, produced by the Research Project on Early B.C. Photography at the Vancouver Public Library around 1972, and 23 duplicate slides which accompany it.
Image depicts a man dancing outdoors. He wears swim trunks and regalia and is accompanied by two male drummers standing behind him. Spectators stand in the background.
Image depicts a woman wearing wearing a mix of western clothing and regalia dancing outdoors. Several other woman can be seen dancing behind her. Spectators watch the dance as well.
Image depicts several people involved in a performance. A female plays the drum. A male, clad in a bathing suit and regalia, dances on his knee. Another man wearing a headdress, stands at the back of the photo. Spectators are also visible in this outdoor scene.
Image depicts a male elder wearing regalia that includes a black tunic with some kind of tassels on the tunic front and on his boots. Other people, both elders and young people, also appear in the picture, wearing regalia. Picture was taken outdoors and a man wearing a button blanket speaks into a microphone.
Image depicts a woman wearing a button blanket looking at a display of pelts that may be for sale. Other people and booths are visible in this outdoor area.
Image depicts several adults and children standing outside. Some people wear regalia; others wear western clothing. A sign appears in the background identifying the Cormorant Athletic Club.
