"Elders Digital Storytelling project series" found 2 records

Scope and Content: Arlene Belcastro tells the story of her grandmother, Dakota Lamb, who was born to Norwegian parents in the late 1800s in North Dakota. She moved to Milk River, Alberta around 1900, then took up residence in Carmengay, Alberta during the Depression where she raised four children as a single mother a…

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (7 min., 28 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: Arlene Belcastro tells the story of her grandmother, Dakota Lamb, who was born to Norwegian parents in the late 1800s in North Dakota. She moved to Milk River, Alberta around 1900, then took up residence in Carmengay, Alberta during the Depression where she raised four children as a single mother after her husband left. She supported her family by taking in boarders, ironing, and working as a midwife. The family later moved to Edmonton, where she was one of the first Avon ladies. In 1944, she was able to take a job as a pastry cook up north during the construction of the Alaska Highway and save enough money to purchase her own home. The film includes Arlene’s memories of visiting Grandma Lamb’s rustic cabin at Baptiste Lake north of Edmonton, Alberta. Starting at age 6, Arlene and her cousin, Donna, spent every summer with Grandma Lamb. The rustic cabin did not have running water or electricity, so the girls learned about kerosene lamps, wood stoves, and using a cold storage trunk for refrigeration. Grandma Lamb taught them life-skills through chores such as gathering kindling and tending the garden, and encouraged their independence. Arlene recalls that they also learned by example from Grandma Lamb, who instilled a respect for nature and for other people and never complained about life or what material things she didn’t have. She was a resilient, respectful, and wise role model.

History: Arlene Belcastro was born in Edmonton and attended H.A. Gray School and Victoria High School, where she completed commercial courses. She was married in Edmonton at age 19, and moved to Calgary after her eldest child was born. She learned to ride a horse at Elkana Ranch at Bragg Creek while living in Calgary. Following the birth of her second son, the family briefly lived in Nassau. Arlene returned to Edmonton after her marriage ended, and soon moved to the Vancouver/Burnaby area where she has lived for more than 40 years. At age 50, Arlene began acting and is currently a student of drumming, a community volunteer, and an avid traveler.

A Tribute to Grandma Lamb, 2016

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (14 min., 47 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: In this short film, Yasmin Jamal declares her passion for clocks and fancy watches, but confesses that she has a troubled relationship with them! From her kitchen clock that does not tell the correct time, to her collection of beautiful wrist watches that refuse to do their job, she is beginning to…

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (14 min., 47 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: In this short film, Yasmin Jamal declares her passion for clocks and fancy watches, but confesses that she has a troubled relationship with them! From her kitchen clock that does not tell the correct time, to her collection of beautiful wrist watches that refuse to do their job, she is beginning to question this strange relationship. Why does she hold such a love and passion for time pieces that are too stubborn to keep time? She is aware that her attraction to timepieces is about more than needing to know the time. Her touching mediation on the reasons for her attachment reminds her audience that time is a treasure and we should make the most of every moment.

History: Yasmin Jamal immigrated from Kenya over 44 years ago. She came to pursue her undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University. She is a long-time resident of Coquitlam. However, she has always been employed in the Burnaby District. She presently works as a librarian at Burnaby Public Library. Prior to that, she was employed at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby campus. She loves Canada, but still treasures the fond memories of her childhood in Kenya. Yasmin visits Kenya every 8-10 years to feel the warm waters & white sands of the tropical beaches.