This collection contains audio oral history interviews conducted and/or facilitated by longtime Arrow Lakes Historical Society president and historical author Milton Parent (1934-2012) with residents of the Arrow Lakes and Lardeau Valley between 1970 and 2011. Originally recorded onto magnetic tape (reel-to-reel and/or cassette), these priceless recordings formed the basis for much of the society's research and publications upon the society's founding in 1984. These first-hand accounts from long-time residents of the region, many of whom have long since passed on, provide an enlightening window into pioneer life in the Arrow Lakes region. The digitisation of this collection was completed in 2016 and made possible thanks to funding from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance. PLEASE NOTE: These recordings have, in no way, been altered other than for minimal background noise filtering. The contents are presented as they were originally recorded with no content edits made. As such, some recordings may appear to begin in the middle of a conversation or end abruptly. The stories and anecdotes relayed represent the opinions and recollections of the interview participants and may vary from person to person. Due to the limitations of portable recording at the time these interviews were conducted, some sound may appear muffled or muddy. Also, note that some of the language contained in these recordings may appear archaic, defamatory, and/or inappropriate to the modern ear.
