Metis/Indigenous Researcher Certificate Course

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Contact SGS for further Information

This course will focus on tracing Métis and Indigenous ancestry on the Prairie Provinces. Emphasis is placed on learning the need for using the Code of Ethics, Genealogical Standards and Standards of Evidence, analyzing research problems, developing a research plan and reporting the results. This will be an online course that is divided into ten sections. Research assignments are part of the questions for each section.

This course is offered online via zoom. Those registered are expected to make comments about each section and make recommendations for how the course could be improved.

Purpose:   This course is intended to teach what the Indigenous record sources are for the Prairie provinces.

Prerequisite:

  • it is strongly recommended that you have done some genealogical research before taking the course

Objectives:

  • To show that you know and understand the basic Prairie Indigenous and Métis record
  • To show that you know and understand how to analyze a research request, develop a research plan, complete a search of the records, write the report and make recommendations.
  • To show that you know the current addresses and fees for services you will require carrying out the research.

Expectations

  • It is expected that you will consult original sources or digital copies of them and that all documents used as sources will have complete citations.
  • It is expected that you will submit each assignment as you complete it. The assignment is due on Saturday following the class.
  • The assignments will be marked and returned with comments at least one day before the next If answers are incomplete or are not up to the recommended standard you will be expected to make the suggested corrections or upgrades and resubmit the assignment.
  • The final exam will be issued once the final assignment is submitted. The final assignment will be due one month after the end of the last

 Curriculum:

Session 1 – The Basics – Part One

  • Basic genealogy
  • The 5 Ws – Who, When, Where, What and Why for people
  • Who are you looking for?
  • When are you searching?
  • Where are you searching?
  • What are you searching for?
  • Why are you searching?

Session 2 – The Basics – Part Two

  • The 5 Ws – What, Why, When, Where and Who for Records
  • What is the record? What is it called? What medium is it found in?
    • record the complete title immediately to save time later
    • note whether it is a book, manuscript, microfilm, photocopy, digitized image
    • note when and where you found it; particularly if it is an online site, which may disappear
  • Why was the record created?
    • to provide a record of an event
    • would be useful for genealogy – provides names, dates and locations
  • When was the record created?
    • a check of the timeline may help with this date
    • knowing “when” can help with knowing what questions were asked in vital statistic or census records
    • when was it made available for public viewing? Do you need to submit a Freedom of Information request form in order to obtain the information you require?
  • Where was the record created? Where is the record found today? Where did you view it? Where have you put it?
  • Who created the record?
    • a federal, provincial, urban or rural agency, a member of the clergy, a school official, a newspaper reporter, researcher or family historian
    • who can you find in the record

Session 3.  Ethics, Citations and Analysis

  • Code of Ethics
  • Genealogy and the Law
  • Citations
  • Analyzing Evidence

Session 4.  Some Record Sources for Genealogical Research

  • Library and Archives Canada (LAC)
  • Provincial Archives
  • Legislative Libraries
  • University and Institute Libraries with specialized collections
  • Societies with special collections

Session 5.  Gazetteers, Maps and the Survey System

Session 6.  Vital Records and Alternate Sources

  • Vital Statistics, Post Adoptions Records, Church Records, Restricted Church Records, Historic Church Records, Cemetery Records, Newspapers, Directories, 1940 National Registrations, Military Records, Probate Records

Session 7.  Census Records and Alternates

Session 8.  Records to Find Metis & Indigenous Ancestry

  • Scrip Records – RG15, Manitoba Scrip Commission Records, North-West Scrip Commission Records, Hudson’s Bay Company Archives, Glenbow Archives, Library and Archives Canada.

Session 9.  Indigenous Ancestry – RG 10

  • Treaty Annuity Paylist, Indian Affairs Records, school and census records.

Fee Schedule:  Contact SGS

Texts:

  • Tracing Your Aboriginal Ancestors in the Prairie Provinces: a guide to the records and how to use them, 2nd edition … $27.00
  • Genealogy and the Law in Canada … $18.90
  • Genealogical Standards of Evidence … $18.90

All texts are purchased from SGS and prices subject to change.