Focus on local Indigenous culture

Listening to oral histories recorded more than eight decades ago will provide Grades 6-12 students in Bruce and Grey County schools with a unique window into local Indigenous culture at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton

Along with the lecture series for eight classes of Grades 6-12 students, the Museum recently opened the “Voices of Chief’s Point” exhibit.

Presented by Bruce Power, guest curator Dr. Bimadoshka Pucan will provide eight classes of Grey Bruce students with an Indigenous program that compliments the exhibit.

Dr. Pucan will share her ancestor’s knowledge – songs and stories recorded by Robert and Elizabeth Thompson of Chief’s Point Indian Reserve #28 – that were recorded on wax cylinders in 1938 by Dr. Edwin Seaborn.
Dr. Pucan will reveal details of the exciting discovery of the recordings, and her subsequent research that led to digitization of them, and creation of the “Voices of Chief’s Point” exhibit with Museum London.

The project was her PHD dissertation, and local students will be treated to a master class on oral history told through stories and songs in the way of preserving culture.

Students will hear about technological advances in conservation, and research beyond Internet searches. They will create audio recordings reflecting on the Anishinaabe tradition and their own experiences.

There is limited space for eight classes and teachers are invited to call Education Coordinator Lauren Beer at 519-797-2080 or email lbeer@brucecounty.on.ca to reserve a visit.

The “Voices of Chief’s Point” exhibit was developed by Museum London in partnership with Saugeen First Nation, University of Western Ontario, and was funded in part by the Government of Canada.
The exhibit opens Dec. 14.

For details visit brucemuseum.ca