Can you use Cannon SLR lenses on Cannon D-SLR cameras?

Recently, my aunt decided to give me her Cannon SLR lenses. Unfortunately, these lenses, 50mm and 70 mm, are pretty "ancient" by today's standards, seeing that these lenses were used for a Cannon SLR. To clarify, it's an SLR, NOT a D-SLR. Her old camera, that no longer works, was a camera that used actual film--developed, negatives, you get the idea. Right now, I'm half-way to buying a new D-SLR camera. However, the Cannon camera is actually more expensive than the Nikon that I've been eying. I just think that it'd be best to buy the Cannon if I can still use the lenses of my aunt, right?

Yes, they will work if they are EF mount lenses. The even older FD mount lenses won't.

Was it an EOS camera? If so, then they are EF mount lenses. But that should also be written somewhere on the lens itself.

Edit:
What are the exact names of the lenses? There are some really good ones, but it wouldn't make sense to get a Canon over the Nikon that you had in mind just to be able to use some old lenses that are not good.
Being comfortable with the camera and its controls should take priority.

Actually, in the beginning, EOS meant Electronic Optical System - that is lenses with motors for focus and aperture. Over the years the EOS just stuck until now no one seems to know what it really means but it's one of Canon's signatures and is pronounced as a word.

You should buy this one

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera
* 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
* 5.8x AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens included
* D-Movie Mode; Cinematic 24fps HD with sound
* 3-inch super-density 920, 000-dot color LCD monitor
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards