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Session E:  Oral History Research - Techniques & Case Studies

A Research Workshop series would not be complete without including a session on Oral History research, as it plays an integral role in historical and family genealogical research for all of us, but has of late, taken on a new significance within Aboriginal research. This session begins by providing a step-by-step process for Oral History research, as presented by Judy Larmour, and is followed by two case studies. The first case study is presented to you by Brian Calliou, from his experience with oral history within the Treaty 8 area. Jeanette Sinclair presents the second case study of a recently completed oral history project on the Lesser Slave Lake area.

Judy Larmour is an experienced historical research and museum consultant, based near Rimbey, Alberta. Judy specializes in oral history, and frequently uses it as a method of research. She advises groups and leads workshops on setting up oral history projects, and is the author of a booklet, How to do Oral History (1999 reprint).

Brian Calliou is a lawyer from the Calgary, Alberta area, whose work focuses on Aboriginal law. In addition to this private practice, he is currently a Graduate student in legal history at the University of Alberta, as well as the Co-ordinator for the Spirit of the Peace Museums Association’s oral history project for the Treaty 8 Centennial. Brian is a member of the Sucker Creek First Nation, a signatory Band to Treaty 8.

Jeannette Sinclair, born and raised in Slave Lake, has a M.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Native Studies. Jeannette was the coordinator for the Lesser Slave Lake Aboriginal Oral History project. Her father, Sam Sinclair, was the interviewer/translator for the project and her son, Damon Kapatch, was the recorder/transcriber for the project.