Certified Aboriginal Record Searcher
| This class will focus on tracing Metis and Aboriginal ancestry. Emphasis is placed on setting a Code of Ethics, learning about the records, analyzing research problems, developing a research plan and reporting the results. There will be research assignments, a handbook component and an open book exam. There are two all day sessions. |
Course Description
No dates scheduled for 2009
Purpose:
- This course is intended to teach what the basic Aboriginal record sources are for western Canada, how to develop a research plan using these sources and how to document and write a research report.
- This course is a compulsory component for the Saskatchewan Certified Aboriginal Instructor Course.
Prerequisite:
- The Saskatchewan Record Searcher Course is a compulsory component for the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Record Searcher Course. It can be taken in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Record Searcher Certificate Course or later.
- It is strongly recommended that you have done some Saskatchewan research before taking the course.
- To receive a certificate (Option 1), you must be a member in good standing of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society.
Objectives:
- To develop a Code of Ethics for record searchers.
- To understand the basic record sources for genealogical research in Aboriginal records for western Canada.
- To learn how to analyze a research problem and develop a research plan.
- To learn how to conduct the research, document the findings and write the report.
Curriculum:
1. Classroom Instruction: Session No. 1
- establish a Code of Ethics for the record searcher
- begin a dictionary of research terms
- learn the basic western Canada genealogical record sources to trace Aboriginal roots focusing on Metis research
- develop a research plan
- learn how to document and write reports
- analysis of some completed reports
2. Assignment: Complete research and write the reports for four clients
3. Classroom Instruction: Session No. 2
- review and critique the research assignments
- learn the basic record sources to trace First Nations records using records created by the Department of Indian Affairs, Indian Agencies and individual bands
- analyze and develop research plans for particular searches
- learn how and when to make recommendations
- review code of ethics with regard for keeping to time and financial restraints placed by client or record searcher’s service
4. Assignment: Four research assignments. Each assignment will contain an analysis and research plan. The research report is to be fully documented and contain recommendations for further research that could be completed by either the client or the record searcher.
Fee Schedule:
Option 1: $125.00 ... Certified Aboriginal Records Searcher - complete the entire program and receive certificate (course only)
Option 2: $75.00 ... Audit the class - take part in the class, no assignments and no certificate (course only)
Texts:
- Tracing Your Saskatchewan Ancestors. A Guide to the Records and How to Use Them ... $23.40
- Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian. ... $27.00
Examination and Board of Certification:
The final examination is to be an open book exam. It will be sent to the participants when the final research assignments are received. This exam will cover all aspects of the course. It will serve as a resource guide for the Aboriginal record searcher.
The Board of Certification, which is made up of three people who have been Certified Saskatchewan Record Searcher for at least two years, will meet with successful candidates one Saturday in the spring of 2005. Certificates will be presented to successful candidates at Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Annual General Meeting in April 2005. The policy and procedures for the Board of Certification are currently under review.
Certification Criteria:
- Must have successfully completed all assignments
- Must have competed all parts of the exam
- Must be a member in good standing of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society
- Must sign SGS Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Letter of Agreement
There is an expectation that anyone who wishes to be an SGS Certified Aboriginal Record Searcher will continue to further their knowledge in the field of genealogy by reading current periodicals, continuing to do research, attending lectures and seminars and actively support the SGS.
