Stevie Horn's Images

Indigenous Woman I chose this image of an elderly indigenous woman standing outside of a shop because I think it exemplifies the evolution of the relationship between two cultures, or the increasing assimilation of indigenous culture. In earlier times, Europeans may have been trading for homemade indigenous goods on indigenous terms in indigenous camps; however, here the aboriginal woman, still with her hair in traditional style, but wearing western clothing, must go to a European shop to buy goods.
Food Airlift I chose this clipping because it, like many other items in this file, details the hardships experienced by aboriginal people, particularly in the northern regions, including shortages of food, clothing, and jobs. From the Dienbaker Fonds: Image 71 of 146
Treaty Celebration This image was taken at a Treaty Celebration in Carlton sometime between the mid nineteen-forties and the mid nineteen fifties. I chose it because it shows the way that indigenous culture came to be almost mythologized in the modern era. That is, after years of attempting to eradicate indigenous culture, it resurged in an idealized and contemporized form in popular culture, and particularly the popular culture of the nineteen fifties. Traditional garb became an elaborate, costumized version of traditional garb, but still retained some traditional elements, as can be seen in the outfits worn by these two men.
Industrial School This image features the spinning and knitting department of the St. Albert Industrial School. Industrial schools were created as places where indigenous children could be sent to learn how to function in western culture. Children wore western clothing, were taught western language and manners, and western skills such as, in this photograph, spinning and knitting. I chose this image because I found the industrial schools fascinating in the ways they were conducted and organized, and a little frightening as tools used to assimilate indigenous culture.

Back to slideshow page