Phyllis Ferguson Fonds

  All archival collections
1950-2019

Biographical History


Date 1950-2021

Phyllis Marie Ferguson (née Wilson) was born in 1950 in Quetico, Ontario, a status member of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. At the age of 12, she was sent to live with her grandmother, Phyllis Tenniscoe, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. There, the young Phyllis attended Port Arthur Collegiate, where she excelled in sports and enjoyed working with the school’s audio-visual equipment, so much so that a school guidance counsellor encouraged Phyllis to pursue broadcasting as a career.
Upon graduation, Phyllis enrolled in Confederation College, in their new radio and television program. In 1970, Phyllis was hired to assist the location manager of “North of Superior,” one of the very first films shot in the newly invented IMAX format. The film’s director, Graeme Ferguson, would become Phyllis’ mentor, creative partner, and eventually, husband. After “North of Superior,” Phyllis went to host the National Film Board’s weekly “Challenge For Change” slot on local television. Later, she accepted a job with the CBC and became a radio announcer in Whitehorse. She also worked on an Indigenous community newspaper in Ottawa. In 1974, Phyllis rejoined Graeme Ferguson as the sound recordist on his film “Man Belongs to the Earth.” She later returned to television, working as the location manager for CBC’s “The Fifth Estate” and CTV’s “W5.”
Both Phyllis and Graeme eventually returned to the Thunder Bay area – this time to collaborate on a film that Phyllis was directing. Her 1977 documentary short “Nishnawbe-Aski: The People and the Land” explored the effects of change and northern development on the Cree and Ojibwa people of the Nishnawbe-Aski region, through interviews, lyrical vignettes of everyday life, and Phyllis’ own narration. Phyllis made the film pro bono, and it served as a way for indigenous community members to voice their opposition to clear-cutting in northwestern Ontario.
Phyllis and Graeme married in 1982, the same year that they launched another of their collaborative projects: “Hail Columbia!”, with Graeme serving as director and Phyllis co-producing. It was the first in a series of IMAX space films documenting NASA’s space missions in the larger-than-life format. Phyllis went on to co-produce “The Dream is Alive,” (1985) “Blue Planet,” (1990) and “Mission to MIR,” (1997) and was both co-producer and co-director of “Destiny in Space” (1994). Phyllis played a pivotal role in the IMAX Space team, particularly in winning the trust of the astronauts. With her disarming, unaffected style, her natural curiosity, and her regular presence at the Johnson Space Center, she came to be seen as the “glue that held the IMAX Space Team and the NASA 'extended family' together," according to former astronaut and associate administrator of NASA's Space Flight office, Bill Readdy.
After IMAX was sold to investors in 1994, Phyllis retired, and she and Graeme took up full-time residence at their summer home in the Lake of Bays area in Muskoka. She dedicated her time to community issues and charities, traveling, keeping in touch with her family, and taking up the sport of golf. She passed away on March 12, 2021, at the age of 70.

Extent and Medium

Audio
Overall total number of items: 24. Total RT: 11:47:02.
• 4 audio cassettes, RT 4:41:00
• 17 open reels : audio ; 1/4 in. tape, 5 in. reel, RT 5:38:33
• 2 open reels : audio ; 1/4 in. tape, 7 in. reel, RT 0:42:36
• 1 optical disc : CD ; audio, RT 0:44:53
Graphic
Overall total number of items: 69. Total b&w: 1. Total colour: 68.
• 1 artwork reproduction : b&w ; 7 x 9 in., mounted on cardboard
• 6 artwork reproductions : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 artwork reproduction : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 2 flyers : colour ; 4 x 11 in.
• 1 flyer : colour ; 5 x 8 in.
• 1 flyer : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 32 flyers : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 lenticular postcard : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 1 lenticular ruler : 7 in.
• 19 postcards : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 1 postcard : colour ; 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.
• 3 postcards : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
Moving Image
Overall total number of items: 24. Total RT: 0:07:38.
• 23 film strips : colour ; 70mm
• 1 reel : colour print, optical soundtrack ; 16mm, 275 ft., RT 0:07:38
Object
Overall total number of items: 616.
• 1 70mm film can : 3 x 8 in.
• 1 aluminum medical chart holder : 10 x 13 in.
• 1 block of insulation : 3 1/2 x 1 x 1 in.
• 3 brushed metal plaques : dimensions variable
• 118 buttons : dimensions variable
• 1 certificate, framed : 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 certificate, matted and framed : 13 x 15 in.
• 1 certificate, matted and framed : 20 x 24 in.
• 13 coins : various dimensions
• 1 cotton polo shirt, mounted on frame : 14 x 19 in.
• 58 embroidered patches : dimensions variable
• 1 envelope of self adhesive tabs : 5 x 8 in.
• 3 film frames in lucite blocks : 4 x 4 x 1 in.
• 3 flags : dimensions variable
• 1 Flex-Lite flashlight : dimensions variable
• 1 flying disc toy : 9 1/2 in.
• 2 guest passes : 2 x 4 1/2 in.
• 1 gold coin : 1 in.
• 71 identification badges : dimensions variable
• 5 identification cards with lanyards : 3 x 4 in.
• 1 information wheel : 6 in.
• 1 laminated film frame : 3 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 lanyard : 14 in.
• 1 leather and metal keychain : 1 x 3 in.
• 1 leather card case : 3 x 4 in.
• 1 leather tag : 2 x 4 in.
• 1 lens cleaning cloth : 2 1/2 x 4 in.
• 1 luggage tag : 2 x 4 in.
• 1 magnifier : 3 x 4 x 1/2 in.
• 7 medallions : dimensions variable
• 102 metal and enamel pins : dimensions variable
• 1 metal and glass pin : 1 in.
• 1 metal and plastic pin : 1 in.
• 52 metal pins : dimensions variable
• 1 metal stick pin : dimensions variable
• 2 mugs : dimensions variable
• 1 plastic pin : 1 x 3 in.
• 1 name tag : 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 notepad : 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 novelty film strip neck tie : 19 in.
• 1 novelty name tag : 2 x 4 in.
• 1 nylon ribbon : 1 1/2 x 4 in.
• 1 nylon ribbon : 2 x 7 in.
• 2 pairs of visor glasses : 25 in.
• 1 paper shopping bag with nylon handle : 17 x 13 in.
• 5 sheets of stickers : dimensions variable
• 15 sheets of stamps : dimensions variable
• 124 stickers : dimensions variable
• 1 vinyl bound notebook : 6 1/2 x 9 in.
Photograph
Overall total number of items: 3099. Total b&w: 412. Total colour: 2687.
• 11 contact sheets : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 contact sheet : b&w ; 9 x 12 in.
• 2 contact sheets : b&w ; dimensions variable
• 169 frame negatives : b&w ; 35mm
• 1 print : b&w ; 1 1/2 x 6 in.
• 3 prints : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
• 11 prints : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
• 79 prints : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
• 21 prints : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
• 4 prints : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 6 1/2 x 10 in.
• 106 prints : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 3 prints : b&w ; 10 x 13 in., mounted on cardboard
• 10 contact sheets : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 857 frame negatives : colour ; 35mm
• 1 negative transparency : colour ; 4 x 5 in.
• 15 Polaroid photographs : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 print : colour ; 2 1/2 x 2 in.
• 5 prints : colour ; 2 x 3 in.
• 3 prints : colour ; 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 96 prints : colour ; 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 3 x 4 in.
• 781 prints : colour ; 3 x 5 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 4 x 5 in., framed and matted, 11 x 16 in.
• 528 prints : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 4 x 6 in., framed
• 23 prints : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 5 x 7 in., in magnetic lucite frame
• 3 prints : colour ; 7 x 10 in.
• 11 prints : colour ; 8 x 8 in.
• 100 prints : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 8 x 10 in., matted and framed, 12 x 15 in.
• 3 prints : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 10 x 14 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 11 x 13 in., matted and framed, 16 x 20 in.
• 3 prints : colour ; 11 x 14 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 11 x 14 in., in frame, 13 x 15 in.
• 1 transparency : colour ; 4 x 5 in.
• 238 transparencies : colour ; 35mm, mounted
Textual
Overall total: 1.8 meters, textual materials.
Video
Overall total number of items 6. Total RT: 7:35:20.
• 2 digital video discs : DVD, RT 0:55:40
• 1 video cassette : Beta, RT 3:25:00
• 1 video cassette : Hi8, RT 2:00:00
• 2 video cassettes : VHS, RT 1:14:40
Scope and content:
This fonds consists of five series, grouped together by function and format.
The first series, Early Career, consists of materials related to Phyllis Ferguson’s early film, television, and radio work.
The first subseries, General Files, consists of general textual records related to Ferguson’s early career work. This includes correspondence related to job searches, letters of recommendation and resignation, job applications, script and story outlines, crew lists, clippings and ephemera, professional membership applications, and personal stationary. There are subject files related to Ferguson’s time at CBC and CTV respectively. This series also contains records related to Ferguson’s membership on the Governing Council of the Ontario College of Art, including meeting minutes, reports, and membership lists.
The second subseries consists of records related to specific works and programs. Records in this subseries include correspondence, film synopses and budgets, film credits, and clippings, DVD screeners, and original audio recordings related to “Nishnawbe-Aski: The People and the Land.” It also includes audio recordings from “Man Belongs to the Earth.” It also includes the original sound mix and 16mm print of Ferguson’s short film “Luthier.” Finally, this subseries includes audio recordings from Ferguson’s work at CFWH Whitehorse, where she hosted a radio program.
The third subseries, Photos, consists of early photographs of Phyllis, as well as photographs related to an unknown film production.
The second series, IMAX General consists of files relating to Phyllis’ work with IMAX (not including her work on the IMAX Space Team). The first subseries, General Files and Ephemera consists of general records related to IMAX, including correspondence, press clippings, photographs of IMAX team members, internal newsletters and industry publications, conference programs, passes, and schedules, and various guest passes and identification cards. The second subseries, IMAX General Photo Archive, consists of photographs taken by Ferguson and others, documenting various early IMAX productions, such as “North of Superior,” “Circus World,” “Man Belongs to the Earth,” “Snow Job,” and “Ocean.”
The third series, IMAX Space, consists of records related to Ferguson’s work with the IMAX Space team. The first subseries, IMAX Space Files and Ephemera consists of textual records related to the production of IMAX’ various space films, including correspondence, contact lists, meeting minutes and agenda, notes, press kits, press clippings, and reports. It also consists of space-film related memorabilia and ephemera, including ID cards and press/guest passes to NASA facilities, postcards, photographs, stamps, stickers, buttons, pins, medallions, coins, and space shuttle mission patches.
The second subseries, IMAX Space Photo Archive, consists of photographs taken by Ferguson and others related to various shuttle launches, astronaut camera training sessions, space film shoots, and space theatre and film openings. The photos in this subseries predominantly relate to the IMAX space films “Hail Columbia!”, “The Dream is Alive” and “Blue Planet.”
The third subseries, Framed Space Memorabilia, consists of framed and plaqued items related to IMAX space films. This includes photographs, mission patches, and certificates related to various shuttle missions.
The fourth series, Books and Reference Material, includes books belonging to Phyllis Ferguson. Filmmaking and books about First Nations issues and identity predominate.
The fifth series, Personal, Friends and Family Materials consists of records related to personal projects, personal papers, and records related to friends and family members. Records in this series include correspondence, clippings, photographs, identification and membership cards, and personal papers relating to birth, marriage, death, and First Nations status. Please note that some of the records in this series include personally identifying information, and therefore, due to privacy concerns, those records are restricted.

Conditions governing access

Preservation concerns may limit access, consult archivist.
  Full Record in Discover Archives

Phyllis Ferguson Fonds

Description
Scope and content: This fonds consists of five series, grouped together by function and format. The first series, Early Career, consists of materials related to Phyllis Ferguson’s early film, television, and radio work. The first subseries, General Files, consists of general textual records related to Ferguson’s early career work. This includes correspondence related to job searches, letters of recommendation and resignation, job applications, script and story outlines, crew lists, clippings and ephemera, professional membership applications, and personal stationary. There are subject files related to Ferguson’s time at CBC and CTV respectively. This series also contains records related to Ferguson’s membership on the Governing Council of the Ontario College of Art, including meeting minutes, reports, and membership lists. The second subseries consists of records related to specific works and programs. Records in this subseries include correspondence, film synopses and budgets, film credits, and clippings, DVD screeners, and original audio recordings related to “Nishnawbe-Aski: The People and the Land.” It also includes audio recordings from “Man Belongs to the Earth.” It also includes the original sound mix and 16mm print of Ferguson’s short film “Luthier.” Finally, this subseries includes audio recordings from Ferguson’s work at CFWH Whitehorse, where she hosted a radio program. The third subseries, Photos, consists of early photographs of Phyllis, as well as photographs related to an unknown film production. The second series, IMAX General consists of files relating to Phyllis’ work with IMAX (not including her work on the IMAX Space Team). The first subseries, General Files and Ephemera consists of general records related to IMAX, including correspondence, press clippings, photographs of IMAX team members, internal newsletters and industry publications, conference programs, passes, and schedules, and various guest passes and identification cards. The second subseries, IMAX General Photo Archive, consists of photographs taken by Ferguson and others, documenting various early IMAX productions, such as “North of Superior,” “Circus World,” “Man Belongs to the Earth,” “Snow Job,” and “Ocean.” The third series, IMAX Space, consists of records related to Ferguson’s work with the IMAX Space team. The first subseries, IMAX Space Files and Ephemera consists of textual records related to the production of IMAX’ various space films, including correspondence, contact lists, meeting minutes and agenda, notes, press kits, press clippings, and reports. It also consists of space-film related memorabilia and ephemera, including ID cards and press/guest passes to NASA facilities, postcards, photographs, stamps, stickers, buttons, pins, medallions, coins, and space shuttle mission patches. The second subseries, IMAX Space Photo Archive, consists of photographs taken by Ferguson and others related to various shuttle launches, astronaut camera training sessions, space film shoots, and space theatre and film openings. The photos in this subseries predominantly relate to the IMAX space films “Hail Columbia!”, “The Dream is Alive” and “Blue Planet.” The third subseries, Framed Space Memorabilia, consists of framed and plaqued items related to IMAX space films. This includes photographs, mission patches, and certificates related to various shuttle missions. The fourth series, Books and Reference Material, includes books belonging to Phyllis Ferguson. Filmmaking and books about First Nations issues and identity predominate. The fifth series, Personal, Friends and Family Materials consists of records related to personal projects, personal papers, and records related to friends and family members. Records in this series include correspondence, clippings, photographs, identification and membership cards, and personal papers relating to birth, marriage, death, and First Nations status. Please note that some of the records in this series include personally identifying information, and therefore, due to privacy concerns, those records are restricted.
Extent and Medium
Audio
Overall total number of items: 24. Total RT: 11:47:02.
• 4 audio cassettes, RT 4:41:00
• 17 open reels : audio ; 1/4 in. tape, 5 in. reel, RT 5:38:33
• 2 open reels : audio ; 1/4 in. tape, 7 in. reel, RT 0:42:36
• 1 optical disc : CD ; audio, RT 0:44:53
Graphic
Overall total number of items: 69. Total b&w: 1. Total colour: 68.
• 1 artwork reproduction : b&w ; 7 x 9 in., mounted on cardboard
• 6 artwork reproductions : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 artwork reproduction : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 2 flyers : colour ; 4 x 11 in.
• 1 flyer : colour ; 5 x 8 in.
• 1 flyer : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 32 flyers : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 lenticular postcard : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 1 lenticular ruler : 7 in.
• 19 postcards : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 1 postcard : colour ; 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.
• 3 postcards : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
Moving Image
Overall total number of items: 24. Total RT: 0:07:38.
• 23 film strips : colour ; 70mm
• 1 reel : colour print, optical soundtrack ; 16mm, 275 ft., RT 0:07:38
Object
Overall total number of items: 616.
• 1 70mm film can : 3 x 8 in.
• 1 aluminum medical chart holder : 10 x 13 in.
• 1 block of insulation : 3 1/2 x 1 x 1 in.
• 3 brushed metal plaques : dimensions variable
• 118 buttons : dimensions variable
• 1 certificate, framed : 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 certificate, matted and framed : 13 x 15 in.
• 1 certificate, matted and framed : 20 x 24 in.
• 13 coins : various dimensions
• 1 cotton polo shirt, mounted on frame : 14 x 19 in.
• 58 embroidered patches : dimensions variable
• 1 envelope of self adhesive tabs : 5 x 8 in.
• 3 film frames in lucite blocks : 4 x 4 x 1 in.
• 3 flags : dimensions variable
• 1 Flex-Lite flashlight : dimensions variable
• 1 flying disc toy : 9 1/2 in.
• 2 guest passes : 2 x 4 1/2 in.
• 1 gold coin : 1 in.
• 71 identification badges : dimensions variable
• 5 identification cards with lanyards : 3 x 4 in.
• 1 information wheel : 6 in.
• 1 laminated film frame : 3 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 lanyard : 14 in.
• 1 leather and metal keychain : 1 x 3 in.
• 1 leather card case : 3 x 4 in.
• 1 leather tag : 2 x 4 in.
• 1 lens cleaning cloth : 2 1/2 x 4 in.
• 1 luggage tag : 2 x 4 in.
• 1 magnifier : 3 x 4 x 1/2 in.
• 7 medallions : dimensions variable
• 102 metal and enamel pins : dimensions variable
• 1 metal and glass pin : 1 in.
• 1 metal and plastic pin : 1 in.
• 52 metal pins : dimensions variable
• 1 metal stick pin : dimensions variable
• 2 mugs : dimensions variable
• 1 plastic pin : 1 x 3 in.
• 1 name tag : 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 notepad : 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 novelty film strip neck tie : 19 in.
• 1 novelty name tag : 2 x 4 in.
• 1 nylon ribbon : 1 1/2 x 4 in.
• 1 nylon ribbon : 2 x 7 in.
• 2 pairs of visor glasses : 25 in.
• 1 paper shopping bag with nylon handle : 17 x 13 in.
• 5 sheets of stickers : dimensions variable
• 15 sheets of stamps : dimensions variable
• 124 stickers : dimensions variable
• 1 vinyl bound notebook : 6 1/2 x 9 in.
Photograph
Overall total number of items: 3099. Total b&w: 412. Total colour: 2687.
• 11 contact sheets : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 contact sheet : b&w ; 9 x 12 in.
• 2 contact sheets : b&w ; dimensions variable
• 169 frame negatives : b&w ; 35mm
• 1 print : b&w ; 1 1/2 x 6 in.
• 3 prints : b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
• 11 prints : b&w ; 3 x 4 in.
• 79 prints : b&w ; 3 x 5 in.
• 21 prints : b&w ; 4 x 6 in.
• 4 prints : b&w ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : b&w ; 6 1/2 x 10 in.
• 106 prints : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
• 3 prints : b&w ; 10 x 13 in., mounted on cardboard
• 10 contact sheets : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 857 frame negatives : colour ; 35mm
• 1 negative transparency : colour ; 4 x 5 in.
• 15 Polaroid photographs : colour ; dimensions variable
• 1 print : colour ; 2 1/2 x 2 in.
• 5 prints : colour ; 2 x 3 in.
• 3 prints : colour ; 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 96 prints : colour ; 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 3 x 4 in.
• 781 prints : colour ; 3 x 5 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 4 x 5 in., framed and matted, 11 x 16 in.
• 528 prints : colour ; 4 x 6 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 4 x 6 in., framed
• 23 prints : colour ; 5 x 7 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 5 x 7 in., in magnetic lucite frame
• 3 prints : colour ; 7 x 10 in.
• 11 prints : colour ; 8 x 8 in.
• 100 prints : colour ; 8 x 10 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 8 x 10 in., matted and framed, 12 x 15 in.
• 3 prints : colour ; 8 1/2 x 11 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 10 x 14 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 11 x 13 in., matted and framed, 16 x 20 in.
• 3 prints : colour ; 11 x 14 in.
• 1 print : colour ; 11 x 14 in., in frame, 13 x 15 in.
• 1 transparency : colour ; 4 x 5 in.
• 238 transparencies : colour ; 35mm, mounted
Textual
Overall total: 1.8 meters, textual materials.
Video
Overall total number of items 6. Total RT: 7:35:20.
• 2 digital video discs : DVD, RT 0:55:40
• 1 video cassette : Beta, RT 3:25:00
• 1 video cassette : Hi8, RT 2:00:00
• 2 video cassettes : VHS, RT 1:14:40
Date Range
1950-2019