Elsie Justus (Burger)
Elsie Justus (Burger) 1963, Fort Providence (photo Morris Lafferty, publication unknown. courtesy of Elsie Justus (Burger)
Elsie Justus (Burger) is a Metis-Cree musician from High Prairie, Alberta.
In the early 1940s, at the age of 12, her father August Beaudry, a fiddler, taught her how to play the guitar so she could accompany him.
Later on, her brothers were also taught to play.
The family band played the old time fiddle music for many Ukranian weddings and in the dance halls around High Prairie.
In the late 1950s, with a young family and her ‘bull fiddle’ in tow, Elsie moved north, first to Fort Smith then to Fort Providence.
She settled in Pine Point and worked at the Cominco mine there.
Elsie played Bass and guitar with her band “The Pine Tones” at the Pine Point Hotel through the 1970s.
After she moved south, Elsie recorded 2 CDs featuring her singing and playing guitar on her favorite songs.
Elsie Justus (Burger) passed away in October, 2022.
August Beaudry, Elsie Justus (Burger)’s Father, 1955, High Prairie, AB. (photo courtesy Elsie Justus (Burger)
Casey and Vern Beaudry, Elsie Justus (Burger)'s brothers. 1963, High Prairie, AB. (photo courtesy Elsie Justus (Burger)
Elsie Justus (Burger) with Peter Lafferty. 1963, Fort Providence (photo Morris Lafferty, publication unknown. (photo courtesy of Elsie Justus (Burger)
Elsie Justus (Burger) playing 'Bull Fiddle' at the McClure's wedding dance. (Other musicians unknown) 1962, Hay River, NT (photo courtesy Elsie Justus (Burger)
Elsie Justus (Burger), Kevin Woodgate - drums,, other musicians unknown. Date unknown, Pine Point Hotel, Pine Point, NT. (photo courtesy Elsie Justus (Burger)
Sylvan Lake re-union, L-R, Danny Beaudry, Sid Beaudry, Elsie Justus (Burger) Verna Allenspach. Sylvan Lake, AB. (photo courtesy Elsie Justus (Burger)