Interview with First Nations musician Jerry Alfred

Interview with Jerry Alfred – Musician – „Keeper of the Songs“

by Hubl Greiner, Pelly Crossing, Canada, 2013

Jerry Alfred – Northern Tutchone, Selkirk First Nation, living in Pelly Crossing, Yukon Territory, Canada. Alfred was born in the community of Mayo, Yukon Territory, Canada in September 1955 into traditional life and speaking the Northern Tutchone language. Alfred was born into the Crow Clan and inherited the title of „Keeper of the Songs“ from his father. This position gave him the responsibility of collecting traditional songs and performing at ceremonial events of his people, the Selkirk First Nation. Alfred’s position also involved his representing the clan at potlatches, or meetings with the broader Yukon Aboriginal community.