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The Carrier Indians of British Columbia

Accession number: 
1923.0012
Production Years: 
1923 to 1927

Languages:

Film Properties: 
Length (feet): 
818 (35mm)
Length (minutes): 
9
Holding Institutions: 

Library and Archives Canada: 35mm, VHS.
"Documentary film of the life of Carrier Indians in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia. Various scenes include men gaffing salmon, children are shown eating soapalalie or Indian ice cream, fire is made by twirling one stick on another, dishes are made of birch bark, and a glimpse at the weird, old-time ceremonies."

"The Carriers are so named because widows once carried the ashes of their husbands on their backs. They are an energetic, athletic tribe living in the British Columbia interior. This film shows some of the customs and traits peculiar to the Carriers. Includes close-ups of faces, living accommodations, transportation and other aspects of Carrier culture. Also shows fishing for salmon with gaff. Shows men gaffing salmon, children eating native ice cream, called soapalalie, making a fire by twirling one stick on another, dishes made of birch bark,and traditional ceremonies."