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Shuswap Indians of British Columbia

Accession number: 
1928.0041
Production Years: 
1928

Languages:

Film Properties: 
Length (feet): 
307 (16mm)
Length (minutes): 
7
Holding Institutions: 

Library and Archives Canada: 16mm, VHS.
"A look at the Shuswap Indians and their Fraser Valley environment. Footage of village life shows a summer lodge covered in bark; a subterranean house for winter use; a winter lodge; modern wood-frame houses; a horse-drawn wagon; Indian petroglyphs; and a dug-out canoe. A man is seen in characteristic fur cap and another wears a buckskin jacket with decorative fringes. A woman is seen wearing a decorative headband. The activities of women appear to be many: one or more women are seen pounding dried meat; dressing a hide with a stone scraper; making baskets; smoking a long pipe; preparing a sweat house for religious purposes; and dancing to a drum accompaniment. An elderly man demonstrates the bow and arrow. The film also includes footage of fauna - deer, mountain goats, beaver, and bear - and flora - cactus, sage brush, and wild carrots."

"Intertitles accompany footage of the Fraser River and Rocky Mountain areas where the Shuswap Indians live. Also shown is the wildlife of the area; summer lodges constructed of poles, brush and bark; and log homes in a small settlement. Footage includes: residents of the village with traditional clothing, footwear, bows and arrows; food preparation; basket weaving; tanning hides; and fishing using dugout canoes."

Comments: 
Harlan I. Smith is also credited for the titles.