First Nations preserve history

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First Nations representatives will have a chance to learn how to record the histories of their communities, thanks to three band history workshops being hosted by the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC).

Through the workshops, participants will find out how to capture the oral histories of their band in a written form, allowing them to pass the information along to the younger generation, and generations to come.

"There has been a demand from bands for more information on their own histories," explained Blair Stonechild, project co-ordinator for the band history workshops, as well as one of the workshop lecturers. "Much written information was kept from bands, and there is a lot of interest in Elder's stories."

Neal McLeod, another of the speakers at the upcoming workshops, added, "The main purpose is to encourage people at the band level to write their own histories. Another main thing, too, is that people from different bands can share ideas as to what they think is important . . . People within their own communities already know who to talk to, and have a good rapport with them as well."

"There are interesting stories and issues associated with virtually every First Nation, such as land entitlements, surrenders, de-tribalization, deposing of chiefs, economic activity, births and deaths, etc.," Stonechild said.

The people chosen to attend the workshops as learning participants will include many different people, with varied backgrounds, Stonechild explained.

"Individuals must be selected by a First Nation. Some First Nations have sent non-First Nations participants and it would be assumed they feel that these are the best persons to work on their band histories. The profile of a good prospective participant would be that they have an interest in their band's history, that they have good educational background-university preferred-which enables them to research and write, and they should also be able to work with the community and Elders."

The people teaching at the workshops are all professors from the Indian Studies department of the SIFC. Stonechild himself will be making presentations on political issues, while McLeod will cover cultural issues. Miriam McNab will cover economic issues, and Linda Otway will cover gender issues.

"My portion of the workshop deals with research and women's issues," said Otway, who teaches research methods, gender relations and contemporary issues at SIFC. "Women's issues are very important because at least half the population is comprised of women, yet often women's issues are overlooked because our band councils, tribal councils and provincial organizations are comprised predominantly of men, politically and administratively. I will be including a lecture on the history of the First Nations women's movement, how to organize at the local level, how to conduct needs assessment research in the community and from a female perspective, and the like."

The first band history workshop was held in Regina Feb. 18 and 19. Two other workshops are scheduled, one in Prince Albert March 28 and 29, the other in Saskatoon April 29 and 30.

For more information on the band history workshops, call Orenda Yuzicapi at 546-8449, or by e-mail at oyuzicapi@sifc.edu.