Item is the first of a three part sound recording of an interview with Bill Reid about the origins of his carving The Raven and the First Men, located at MOA. The interviewer is unknown. During the interview Bill Reid discusses how the sculpture was the result of a highly collaborative process involving other artists, his impression of the location of the carving in MOA, and his working relationship with Walter C. Koerner who commissioned the sculpture. He lastly discusses his representation and interpretation of the Haida legend that the carving is based on. This recording is part of Celebration of the Raven which documented the creation of the Raven and the First Men Sculpture, its relocation to the Museum of Anthropology, and the unveiling by the Prince of Wales in 1982.
Item is the fifth of eight audio recordings of George Myers of Riske Creek, British Columbia singing in the Chilcotin language, with drum accompaniment. He speaks in English in between songs about his spiritual beliefs and work as a medicine man.
Item is an audio recording of Mrs. Gertrude Kelly providing Skidegate Haida translations of words to an interviewer, Randy Bouchard as part of the How to Write the Haida Language project. According to the recording, Mrs. Gertrude Kelly was formerly of Skidegate and at the time of the recording was living in Vancouver. Randy Bouchard co-founded the BC Indian Language Project in 1968 (https://www.memorybc.ca/british-columbia-indian-language-project) and is the author of numerous books pertaining to First Nations subject matter.
Item is a sound recording of Chief William Matthews of Massett, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia discussing various topics including: the formation of Native Brotherhood of British Columbia, which was established in 1931 and is recognized as Canada’s oldest active Native organization, and a senior BC fishing organization; proceeding years of the organization’s existence including who had governance in the organization, descriptions of various delegates, which villages were represented in the organization and the growth of the organization in subsequent years; personal stories about his family; history and social structure of the village he grew up in and of Haida peoples more broadly.
Artist Bill Reid discusses the Haida legend of the Raven and the First Men and his carving based on the legend which is on display at the UBC Museum of Anthropology.
Item is a photograph showing the family and relatives of Chief Albert Harry. From left to right: Kitty Harry, Albert Harry, Ned Wesley, Thomas Hailhemas and Mary Johnson-Walkus.
A house frontal totem pole said to be from Oweekeno. This appears to be the totem pole that was taken from Rivers Inlet to the Museum of Anthropology in 1956, as part of the B.C. Totem Pole Preservation Committee.
Image of several house frontal totem poles at Ninstints on Anthony Island. The totem pole in the foreground is recognizable as one that was transferred to the Museum of Anthropology in 1954. While the others likely were as well, they are more difficult to identify.
Leather templates, used to trace consistent shapes on carvings and paintings. This photograph may be from an exhibit at the old Museum of Anthropology dealing with Northwest coast technology.
