I came across some beautiful pictures of Canada’s First Nations People taken by Harry Pollard. The pictures were taken in the 1910s and many of them focus on older people. I want to share four of them with you…with a twist!
Older people often have a specialty, though I’ve never heard anyone call it that. Maybe they have an ability–observation or adaptation. They might have a particular area of knowledge or skill, like a skilled artisan. Maybe they know of forgotten solutions we need today. Very often older people have developed strong intuition–they can tell you something about your life that you want to know. My dad has developed an unusually sharp ability to read people. He can look at a person–even a picture of a person–with no context and he just knows things about their personality or what motivates them.
So as you look at these four photographs, imagine you have the opportunity to ask ONE of these people a question. Who would you choose, and why? What question would you ask?
Savage Hunting Eagle, Nakoda Nation:
Harry Pollard / Provincial Archives of Alberta / History of First Nation Peoples in Alberta – Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium
Betty Hunter, Nakoda Nation:
Harry Pollard / Provincial Archives of Alberta / History of First Nation Peoples in Alberta – Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium
Peter Wesley, Nakoda Nation
Harry Pollard / Provincial Archives of Alberta / History of First Nation Peoples in Alberta – Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium
Chief Duck
Harry Pollard / Provincial Archives of Alberta / History of First Nation Peoples in Alberta – Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium
In the comments, tell us:
- Which one of these people would you most like to ask a question of?
- Why did you pick that person?
- What question would you ask?
I’m very interested to read your thoughts!
Note: If it’s your first comment, there will be a short delay until it’s approved.
old spirituals 
I would pick Chief Duck Based on his expression and demeanor, I’d have the least in common with him or his way of thinking.
Question: What quality do you most value in yourself and others?
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North American Indigenous People are fascinating. Tribes vary in cultural and societal norms. I read the face of Peter Wesley, Nakoda Nation as that of a man who is sagacious. And, I must admit I have not seen many Indigenous men with facial hair.
This post is appropriately timed. In the United States Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2025 will be celebrated on October 13, the second Monday of October.
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that’s true! few native people have facial hair!
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Jax Saggezza would appreciate a sagacious fellow! You know, I can’t think of any native people with facial hair.
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Harry Pollard looks to be a man that has partially assimilated into society by his demeanor and dress. I would guess he is even educated. What actor does he remind me of? If I were to ask a question of one of these people it would be Betty Hunter. Betty looks to be a quiet observer. I would ask her about her life and the changes she witnessed in her world. My dad was also a very good judge of character, Kimberly!
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I could see being curious about Betty’s life. She looks observant to me too. If I chose her, I’d probably ask her what is the first thing she notices about people.
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Savage Hunting Eagle because he looks confident. how can I be more confident?
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He definitely looks confident. No arguing that!
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