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Recognizing Relations
Recognizing Relations (2014-2022) began as a community naming project, bringing archival photographs of unidentified Indigenous people to local Elders in hopes of identifying those photographed by name. Our goal was to create a collection of photographs that the community could use for education, research or any other projects of interest. We are grateful to all the Elders who took the time to share their knowledge and stories with us. There were many memorable moments of connection made throughout the 9 years of the project and it has been an honour to be part of that.
As Recognizing Relations evolved, a relationship building process began and our sharing began to include presentations of archival resources through community events. We moved beyond photographs, and brought materials such as sound recordings, films, newspapers, and other written records to the communities of Mîni Thnî, Eden Valley and Big Horn.
[Two children watching Banff Indian Days event]. 1945-1950. Peter and Catharine Whyte fonds. V683 / III / B / NS - 1722. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
The Recognizing Relations photograph collection holds more than 500 images, and over 75% of the Indigenous people within those images have been named. These images have been used in projects by the Stoney Education Authority, the Stoney AV club, and many others. Within the Archives itself, we have been able to update the information of hundreds of photographs through cross referencing with this key collection. Names, locations, genealogical information and appropriate protocols on language, naming and display have been essential learning for us.
Our new initiative Hosting Indigenous Community Relations builds on this momentum, creating access for Indigenous researchers and community members. Facilitators Colleen Crawler (Stoney Nation) and Travis Rider (Stoney Nation) host Indigenous groups in the Archives. Their counsel is also offered to non-Indigenous researchers, as well as staff and administrators within the museum.