Indigenous history

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) acquires, preserves, and provides access to published and archival heritage material that represents First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation experiences and contributions to Canada. This includes text, photographs, maps, and audio-visual material. Explore the collection through our online databases, digitized documents and thematic guides.

Residential School records resources

This guide provides some information to conducting research on Indian Residential School records

Interpreting our documents

Records relating to Indigenous peoples must be approached with extra care

We Are Here: Sharing Stories

A mass digitization initiative that involves in-depth research into Indigenous archival content from all media held at LAC

Métis Nation genealogy

Most of our records relate to the Red River Métis, in Manitoba, as well as Métis in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Learn more about them in this guide

First Nations genealogy

Find resources for researching the genealogy and family history of First Nations, particularly in RG10 records

Inuit genealogy

Find family history and genealogy of Inuit in records of federal initiatives like the Family Allowance program.

Research guides and other resources

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TitleGuide descriptionTopicSub-topicType of guide
Index of Bands in Western CanadaEasily locate records relating to Western First Nations bands with this list of standardized and other names. There is also information about field offices, agencies, and inspectorates.Indigenous historyFirst NationsIndex
Library and Archives Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission Web Archive

Access archived websites of organizations connected with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Indigenous historyIndian Residential SchoolsDatabase
Interpreting our documentsRecords relating to Indigenous peoples must be approached with extra care.Indigenous historyFirst Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation recordsHow to's
Writing titles for descriptions of Indigenous-related archival materialsBest practices for rewriting archival descriptions and titles relating to Indigenous content.Indigenous historyFirst Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation recordsHow to's
Residential School Records ResourcesThis guide provides some information to conducting research on Indian Residential School records.Indigenous historyIndian Residential SchoolsSubject guide
Finding Métis ScripScrip were documents that entitled holders to money or sections of crown lands in Western Canada.Indigenous historyMétis NationSubject guide
First Nations genealogyFind resources for researching the genealogy and family history of First Nations, particularly in RG10 records.Indigenous history; Genealogy and family historyGenealogy; First NationsSubject guide
Project NamingHelp us identify people, places and activities depicted in these images of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation.Indigenous historyFirst Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation recordsCommunity engagement project
Métis Nation genealogyMost of our records relate to the Red River Métis, in Manitoba, as well as Métis in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Learn more about them in this guide.Indigenous history; Genealogy and family historyGenealogy; Métis NationSubject guide
Inuit genealogyFind family history and genealogy of Inuit in records of federal initiatives like the Family Allowance program, relocations and disc numbers.Indigenous history; Genealogy and family historyGenealogy; InuitSubject guide
We are Here: Sharing StoriesSee the results of our initiative to digitize and describe hundreds of thousands of Indigenous-related collection items in LAC holdings.Indigenous historyFirst Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation recordsIndex
Indian Affairs Annual Reports, 1864-1990 View digitized and transcribed copies of reports from 1864-1990.Indigenous historyFirst NationsDatabase
First Nations Reserves - Western CanadaFind maps and plans related to First Nations reserves and settlements in Western Canada.Indigenous historyFirst NationsDatabase
Treaties, Surrenders and Agreements, 1680-1956 Find historic treaties, land surrenders and related agreements between the Crown, First Nations and the Métis Nation.Indigenous historyLandDatabase
Royal Commission on Aboriginal PeoplesThis commission was mandated to investigate and propose solutions to the challenges affecting the relationship between Indigenous peoples, the Canadian government and Canadian society.Indigenous history; Politics, government and lawPolitics, laws and government; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation recordsDatabase
School Files Series - 1879-1953 (RG10)These files deal with all aspects of the administration of the Indian Residential School system. They're organized by institution.Indigenous historyIndian Residential SchoolsMicroform
File History Cards, 1872-1984Use this index to track files created at the former Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (RG 10).Indigenous historyFirst NationsIndex
First Nations, Inuit and Métis terminologyUse this terminology guide to find terms used in historical documents.Indigenous historyFirst Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation records; First Nations; InuitSubject guide
Indian hospitalsFind resources for researching about “Indian hospital”Indigenous historyFirst Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation records; First Nations; Inuit; Métis NationSubject guide
Day Schools ProjectRead about the Day Schools project and how LAC is increasing access to these documents.Indigenous history
Unmarked burialsUse this page for sources and strategies to help identify burial sites associated with Indian Residential schools. It can also help identify names of children who went to these schools and hospitals.Genealogy and family history ; Indigenous historyFirst Nations; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation records; Genealogy; Indian Residential SchoolsSubject guide