Certified Saskatchewan Researcher

This course provides candidates with in-depth knowledge about further record sources of value to the family historian. The course consists of a classroom session plus ten self-directed assignments that require actual visits and use of records in such agencies as the Land Titles Office and the Surrogate Court. Part of each assignment is a report of what the records are, why they were created and how one would use them to benefit a research problem. Each candidate is expected to donate twenty hours of volunteer time to helping family researchers in the SGS Library. Another expectation is that they write a major article on one facet of research which will be published in the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Bulletin. Each candidate prepares their own research guides for each of the ten assignments. These are shown to the Board of Certification at the same time they meet to discuss an ethical question. Successful candidates receive a two-year temporary certificate. At the end of that time, they are expected to complete a report on their research activities and show how they are keeping up their genealogical skills. Successful candidates then receive a permanent certificate that is to be renewed every five years.

 

Course Description

No dates scheduled for 2009

Prerequisite:

  • Must hold a Saskatchewan Record Searcher Certificate

Objectives:

  • To review the methods of research and basic sources for genealogical research in Saskatchewan

  • To learn what other sources are available, how to use them, where they are found and what costs may be involved to access them. You will learn about these sources by researching them and then reporting and analyzing their potential as a record source for your future business.

  • Learn how to abstract and transcribe records

  • Practice analyzing research questions and documents then drafting research plans

  • Practice how to write a research report that indicates procedures used, records searched, results found with recommendations for future research either by the client or yourself

  • Develop a Code of Ethics that will show the researcher’s responsibility to the client, the genealogical community and to the government with regard to license and tax requirements.

Curriculum:

  1. Classroom session to review research documents, set goals and discuss Code of Ethics.

  2. A series of assignments which enable the researcher to learn about Saskatchewan record sources. Using these sources extend work you have done for your own Saskatchewan genealogy or for an assignment that you completed as part of the Saskatchewan Record Searcher Class. Each of these sources is then used as a basis for a written report that includes quoting sources, analyzing and making recommendations.

  3. In a second classroom session we will discuss progress, examine further research sources and look at business practices.

  4. Completion of the final assignments.

  5. Volunteer projects and times to be discussed.

Assignments are to be completed by _____________.

Examination:

The final examination will have four parts:

  1. Part One will be to write a major article about one of the record sources. This article will be published in the Bulletin. Each participant will write on a different topic.

  2. Part Two will be an ethics problem.

There is a fee for the exam and Board of Certification which is a separate fee that is paid when the exam is completed. Exam is to be completed by _________________.

Location:  

Course Fee:

  • $200.00 - includes the classroom sessions and assignments (receive certification)
  • $150.00 - AUDIT - includes the classroom sessions only (no assignment, exam or certificate)

Texts:

  • Tracing Your Saskatchewan Ancestors: A Guide to the Records and How to Use Them, 3rd edition ... $23.40
  • Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian ... $27.00
  • The Records of the Department of the Interior and Research Concerning Canada’s Western Frontier of Settlement ... $28.80

Board of Certification:

  • The Board of Certification, which is made up of three people who have been Certified Saskatchewan Researchers for at least two years, meets with successful candidates once a year. Certificates will be presented to successful candidates at the Annual Meeting.
  • There is a fee for the exam and Board of Certification which is a separate fee that is paid when the exam is completed.

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

Contact the SGS Office or phone (306) 780-9207 for further details or for an application form. 

There is an expectation that anyone who wishes to be an SGS Certified 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.