Betson Prince

Elders possess knowledge and wisdom about their cultures that need to be passed on to youth.
Culture shift participants were asked to interview an elder from their community to gain new insight about their cultures.

Culture Shift participant Paul Frobisher interviewed an Ojibway elder, Betson Prince.
During their conversation, they talked about Mr. Prince’s background and his knowledge about the Ojibway culture.
conversation 2.jpg
Betson Prince was born in Bisset, Manitoba.
He belongs to the Peguis First Nation.
He has lived in Winnipeg for over thirty years.
He speaks Ojibway, Cree, and English.
In his spare time he participates in ceremonies, visits the country, and travels.
Betson is proud to be Ojibway because he was born Ojibway.

Click on individual Questions to hear shorter excerpts of the interview.

Betson Prince: Interview

1 - Where were you born and where do you currently live?
Audio (0:20)

2 - What has changed with our culture since you were young?
Audio (4:55)

3 - What has changed since our people moved to the city?
Audio (2:52)

4 - Is it hard to maintain our culture?
Audio (2:34)

5 - Can you talk about an important tradition from the Ojibway culture?
Audio (3:08)

6 - Can you talk about an important legend from the Ojibway culture?
Audio (3:22)

7 - How do you live your culture in a normal day?
Audio (1:45)

8 - What's the hardest part of your day?
Audio (2:16)

9 - Do you have friends from other cultures and do you see similarities between them and Aboriginal people?
Audio (2:40)

10 - What is one thing you would want me to pass on to my children about our culture?
Audio (1:15)

11 - How do we improve communication between Aboriginal and African people in Winnipeg?
Audio (1:00)

12 - Betson translates some words in the Anishinabe language.
Audio (1:43)