Minnesota Historical Society Library - Ojibwe Family History Research: Oral Histories

This libguide from Minnesota Historical Society's Gale Family Library has 3 oral history projects conducted with Native Americans in Minnesota. The collections include interviews of Minnesota's Greatest Generation (2006), interviews of Native Americans from the Millie Lacs Indian Reservation (1992), and interviews with the Vermillion Lake People (1996-97).

Oral history interviews of the Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Oral History Project: Minnesota Native American interviews, 2006

Summary: This project chronicles the lives of Minnesotan American Indians who lived during World War II and are part of "Minnesota’s Greatest Generation." Subjects discussed include: Growing up on a reservation; attending government-run boarding schools; powwows; the Civilian Conservation Corps [CCC]; the Works Progress Administration [WPA]; enlisting in the armed forces; past and present life at the Red Lake Indian Reservation; the Great Depression; combat experiences during World War II; life after the war; the dropping of the atomic bombs; American Indian cultural identity and traditions; the American Indian Movement; and views on the Cold War and Iraq War.

MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid

MNHS call number: Digital Audio and Transcripts

Oral history interviews of the Mille Lacs Ojibway Social History Project, 1992

Summary: This source contains written transcripts of the original interviews. The original tapes are held by the Mille Lacs Tribal Archives, in Onamia, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include childhood, family, education, work, social customs, language retention, relations with tribal and local county governments, and current economic and social conditions on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation.

MNHS call number: OH 36

MNHS call number: Digital Transcripts

Oral history interviews of the Vermilion Lake Bois Forte Oral History Project, 1996-1997

Summary: These oral history interviews were conducted for a project entitled The Vermilion Lake People, commissioned by the Bois Forte Heritage Center. Those interviewed discuss various aspects of the history of and life on the Bois Forte Reservation in northeastern Minnesota, including childhood, education, work, social customs, and economic and social conditions.

MNHS call number: OH 108

MNHS call number: Digital Transcripts

For more information on the projects and to access the interviews, visit their site here.