What is Oral History?
Oral history is an organized collection of firsthand testimony about living peoples own experiences. It is a way to compile information from people who took part in past events. Oral histories are created by interviewing people who lived through historical events or time periods.

Why is Oral History Important?
Oral history has been an important means of conveying information since the beginning of humanity. The use of oral tradition allows historians to collect accounts from people who cannot or choose not write their stories down. An extension of the art of storytelling, oral history documents the lives of families, communities, and cultures. In this sense, we all have our own oral histories - an explanation of who we are or where we come from. If we do not gather and save memories and stories then eventually they will no longer exist. Your stories and the stories of others are unique, valuable resources for you and your community.

Oral history can also be an important way to bridge the gap between younger and older generations. Traditionally in the Dakelh culture knowledge is passed down from generation to generation through elder stories. The Dakelh elders are treated with the utmost respect as they are believed to have the most knowledge. The elders play a key role in providing advice for and demonstrating skills to the younger generation. The stories that have been passed on are used as teaching aids for children, as historical records, and act to reinforce the values, beliefs, and behaviours of the Dakelh society. Click here for more information on Dakelh culture – and to Footprints in Stone.

TRY THIS Listen to the oral histories and try to identify the major themes being discussed. Why do you think that the information being recorded is important? How do you conduct an interview for oral history?