Dr. Penny Serafina Petrone (1925-2005) taught at Lakehead University's Faculty of Education. She was also an author, researcher, and traveller. The records reflect her research on Indigenous literature and culture and on the history of education in Canada; her writings including memoirs, personal records, and records of travel.

The records are divided into series as follows:

• First Nations Literature and Culture (First People First Voices, 1983; Native Literature in Canada, 1990)
• Inuit and Arctic Literature and Culture (Northern Voices, 1988)
• Isabella Valancy Crawford (research supporting thesis)
• Memoirs, biographical, and family materials (Breaking the Mould, 1995; Embracing Serafina 2000)
• Travels (Europe, USSR, Asia, South America, North America)
• Speeches, reviews, articles, and lectures
• Education & teaching
• Canadian writers
• Travels (Uganda, China)

A media kit, produced by Grand Council Treaty Number 9. Titled "Reed's Greed," the materials here relate to opposition to Reed Paper (Canada) Ltd., the company responsible for mercury pollution in the English & Wabigoon River system, affecting the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation/Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek.

Most material dates from 1976. At this time, Reed was planning an expansion of its forest products operations and requesting increased timber rights from the Ontario government. This is also a time after the mercury pollution had been identified by researchers and made known to governments, but long before any settlements were reached.

Documents include media releases, clippings, information sheets, and posters for protest events in Winnipeg.

Most materials are in English; some in an Indigenous language written in syllabics.