Image of an unidentified totem pole in Alert Bay. A cross stands in the ground next to the pole, possibly indicating that this is a gravesite or graveyard.

The series consists primarily of material accumulated and/or created by Gillian Darling Kovanic during her travels abroad, both as a student of anthropology and a filmmaker. This series includes field research conducted by Kovanic with the Kalash in Pakistan, the Kom/Kati tribes in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Orissa in India, the Haida on the Queen Charlotte Islands [Haida Gwaii], British Columbia and the Kwakwaka’wakw in Alert Bay, British Columbia. Much of her fieldwork is made up of a study of the languages and cultural practices of the people being studied.

Included in the series are eleven field notebooks, a handwritten Kalash’a dictionary, a notebook containing information on the ethnographic materials collected by Darling, which now reside with the Royal Ontario Museum, and approximately 4502 photographs, including slides, negatives, prints and digital photos. Also included are a number of academic and popular articles collected by Kovanic, which compliment her field research, including a unique, handwritten article by Wazir Ali Shah, secretary to the last ruler of Chital, Mehtar, in 1977, which was written after the original manuscript was lost. The series also contains published material, comprised of a teaching kit titled “Kalash Bread-making: From Field to Feast” and the Wakhi Language Book by Haqiqat Ali.

Collection illustrates the gathering of information and writing of the book “Paddling to Where I Stand : Agnes Alfred, Qwiqwasutinuxw Noblewoman.” Includes interviews to Agnes Alfred conducted by Martine J. Reid and Daisy Sewid-Smith between 1979 and 1985. Interviews are documented as audio and video recordings and their written transcriptions, and other materials gathered by Martine J. Reid and Daisy Sewid-Smith for the edition and publication of the book. Collection also contains the manuscripts and draft for the book; correspondence between Martine J. Reid, Daisy Sewid-Smith and other people; eulogies and funeral pamphlets; Agnes Alfred’s family information; historical notes; and miscellanea. Collection includes photographic materials with photographs included in the book and additional photographs gathered by Martine J. Reid and Daisy Sewid-Smith during their research, and portraits of Agnes Alfred’s parents.

Item includes two audio cassette tapes with recordings of Mrs. Agnes Cranmer.
Tape a: Mrs. Agnes Cranmer: Beliefs and Myths pertaining to the aquatic world.

• Side 1: 1- Max'enox. 2- Wawalis, 3- Xuyim
• Side 2: 4- Migwat

Tape b: Mrs. Agnes Cranmer: Beliefs and Myths pertaining to the aquatic world.

• Side 1: 1- Max'enox. 2- Wawalis, 3- Xuyim
• Side 2: 4- Migwat

Recorded by Martine de Widerspach-Thor (Reid) at the house of Mrs. Agnes Cranmer in Alert Bay.

File consists of slides depicting Minn Sjolseth's paintings and labeled "Longhouse Posts Totem, Village Island, BC, 1974," "Kitwanga Village, 1967," "'Intermission' Kwakiutl, 1974," "Kwakiutl Totems, Alert Bay 1971,", "Last Totem of Skidegate QCI," "Native Cariboo Child, 1973," "Final Rest 1973," "Kwakiutl Totem 1973," "Dominic Charlie, Weather Prophet, Squamish Tribe, 1972," "Wilderness Watch, 1973," and "Basket Weaver." Many of these paintings depict individuals also photographed by Anthony Carter for his book publications.