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Vi Hilbert (1918-2008) was a member and noted elder of the Upper Skagit tribe. Her first language was Lushootseed, a Coast Salish language found in the Puget Sound region of western Washington state. During her long and productive life, Vi Hilbert played a major role in the revitalization of the language and culture of the First People of the Pacific Northwest. She became known as a teacher, storyteller, publisher, and public speaker. For over 40 years she built and maintained a research archive of cultural materials. Working with other scholars, she developed and published teaching materials and volumes of stories through Lushootseed Research, an organization which she founded. Her commitment to preserving Lushootseed language and literature is largely responsible for the renaissance of interest in Lushootseed culture and the growth of tribal language programs all over western Washington.
Recordings made by John Forsen on mini-DV videocassettes; transferred to digital files in UW Media Center 11/2016; external drive containing backup file copies stored in room 52.
Recordings are available for on-site viewing only, due to restrictions set in the agreement between the recordist and the Seattle Symphony.
Contents include interviews with Gerard Schwarz, Vi Hilbert, Patricia Kim, and Bruce Ruddell; pre-concert activities in the lobby of Benaroya Hall; the performance by the Seattle Symphony in Benaroya Hall; post-performance on-stage discussion.
Associated documentation provided by Larry Blain includes the following: CD containing a MIDI demo version of "The Healing Heart..."; CD containing scans of 22 color prints taken the day of the performance; CD copies of several other works by Bruce Ruddell; full score of the work; concert program, review, flyer, etc.; materials related to other compositions by Bruce Ruddell.
Documentation: See notes below.