CALL NUMBER: T1239:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bert McKay : the Nisga'a Indians : part 1 PERIOD COVERED: 1882-1972 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1972 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Bert McKay, a New Aiyansh elementary school principal, speaks about education and the Nisga'a people. He discusses the problems with high school education and residential schools, recent improvements and innovations, attempts to integrate the Nisga'a culture and language into the curriculum, current (1972) plans, "traders English", the present curriculum, non-Indian teachers and current p;roblems with communication and teaching English as a second language (TEAL). Bert McKay speaks about a resurgence of Indian unity and a disruption of the native way of life by the post-war logging boo;m. TRACK 2: Bert McKay continues speaking about Aiyansh and the Nisga'a society, the cultural strength of the community, the importance of the family unit and Nisga'a culture and traditions remaining intact. Rev. McCullagh and the impact of the missionaries is discussed, including the new role of priests. He talks about modern day wedding procedures and ceremonies, traditions, rituals, philosophy, ceremonials, crests -- territorial rights, Nisga'a elders teaching the young men and the issue of the Nisga'a Land Rights Question, 1882-1971.
CALL NUMBER: T1239:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bert McKay : the Nisga'a Indians : part 1 PERIOD COVERED: 1882-1971 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1972 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Bert McKay continues discussing the history and background to the Nisga'a Land Question -- the "Nishga Land Petition", further encroachments on native rights -- fish, game and timber permits,; Indian-white relations -- settlers, logging, the "Heart of the Nass" -- a rock 30 miles south of Aiyansh which is landmark for the Nisga'a, the richness of the Nass Valley, eulachon, the background to the destruction of the "Heart of the Nass" and the importance of a mountain in Nisga'a history -- the "great flood" myth.