Photographer Harry Pollard traveled around Canada in the early 20th century. He documented the lives of native people, who are one of the first people who settled in Western Canada and Alberta. He visited the tribes of Tsuu T’ina, Siksika, Kainai, Piikani. The number of Sarcee people (Tsuu T’ina) went down to 200 in the mid-20th century but has since gone up to 2,000. They are depicted in traditional dresses, feathered headdresses, and hunting bison.
First Nations in Alberta before European contact included the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), and Gros Ventre (now in Montana). Other groups, including the Kootenay and the Crow, made expeditions into the land to hunt buffalo and go to war. The Tsuu T’ina, a branch of the Beaver, occupied the land’s central and northern parts, while the Slavey occupied the north.
Interesting, photo enhancement has come a long way in the last 111 years.
These are the faces of people who have lived complex lives. It’s amazing how different people just over 100 years ago looked from people today. I am incredibly grateful to be alive today.
Each of these photos is so striking. Peter Wesley certainly stands out with those facial hairs.