Interview with First Nations musician Jerry Alfred

Interview with Jerry Alfred

Native American 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 September 1955 in the community of Mayo, Yukon Territory, and grew up in a traditional lifestyle, speaking the Northern Tutchone language. He belongs to the Crow Clan and inherited the title of „Keeper of the Songs“ from his father. This position involves the responsibility of collecting traditional songs and performing at ceremonial events for his people, the Selkirk First Nation. Additionally, Alfred represents the clan at potlatches and meetings with the broader Yukon Aboriginal community.