Collection consists of Haisla cultural documentation and X̄a’islak̓ala/X̌àh̓isl̩ak̓ala (Haisla language) learning material, including sound recordings, stories, a dictionary, and lessons/workbooks. The collection has been divided into two series:

1. Sound recordings
2. Textual materials

Fonds consists of records relating to the numerous culture and language projects that Powell and Jensen worked on since 1976. The communities with which they worked include:
• The Quileute of La Push
• The Kwakwaka’wakw of Alert Bay
• The Gitxsan of Kispiox, Gitanyow, and surrounding villages
• The Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island
• The Musqueam of Vancouver
• The Seton Lake St'at'imc (Lillooet) of Shalalth
• The Shuswap of Alkali Lake, Soda Creek, Dog Creek, Canim Lake, and Sugar Cane
• The Haisla of Kitamaat
• The Nisga’a of Gingolx (Kincolith) and New Aiyansh

Most of the projects had an end goal to produce a book, language education materials, or teacher training materials. Often the education materials incorporated cultural lessons throughout. The records created in the production of the books are varied and reflect the intrinsic connection between language, culture, and daily activities in the communities. Powell and Jensen were co-editors for nearly all of the language books and materials produced. Although some of the projects reflected in the records were done primarily by Powell or primarily by Jensen, the vast majority of the work involves collaboration between the two in some aspect. As Jensen and Powell immersed themselves in the communities they worked for, often their personal photographs and records are interspersed with those relating to their work. This community involvement enhanced their relationships with the people with whom they were working and allowed them to experience and participate in cultural activities as part of those communities. This close relationship is reflected in and is integral to their work. Jensen and Powell have two sons: Nels, born in 1978, and Luke, born in 1981. Their sons travelled with them to the communities in which they worked and lived, and on their work trips and sabbaticals. Nels and Luke are also present in many of the photographic records.

The records contain a mixture of research, field notes, administrative records, and publications at various stages, in addition to audio and visual records. Field notes, for the most part handwritten, and archival research into language and culture groups was undertaken by Powell, whilst the majority of the photography, found in a variety of formats, was done by Jensen. Manuscripts and final publications were a combined effort and are included at various stages. Administrative records, including grant proposals, are found throughout.

Fonds consists of 13 series of records. Series are arranged according to community and/or project.

Item is the second of three sound recordings made by Dr. Ida Halpern that feature Mr. and Ms. Fred Louis of Kitimat, British Columbia singing Nuu-chah-nulth songs, along with drum accompaniment. Fred Louis introduces each song. There is some use of the Haisla language in the content descriptions written on the reel container. This recording was possibly made by Dr. Ida Halpern.

File contains images of the First Nation artists involved with the Through My Eyes exhibit. The images show them looking at objects in the Vancouver Museum's collection. The artists shown in the photographs are Cyril Carpenter, Ben Davidson, Robert Davidson, Norman Tait, Isabel Rorick, Doreen Jensen, Judge Alfred Scow, Lyle Wilson, Dolly Watts, Bill Reid, Glen Tallio, Richard Hunt, Terry Starr, Tim Paul, Richard Summer, Dempsey Bob, Jim Hart, and William White.