Library and Archives Canada has a great site that offers assistance with aboriginal genealogy research in Canada. This source can be quite valuable as there are many challenges in aboriginal genealogical research. Locating records can be challenging, and once found, records can be hard to interpret.
Many of the available records are based on aboriginal oral traditions and spiritual concepts that can be difficult to understand for researchers of European origin. These records also tend to be complex in nature and organization, with records from different sources contradicting each other and all reflecting the perspectives of their creators. Often, a complete picture emerges only after consulting many types of records from many sources.
The Library and Archives Canada web site provides a two-section online guide. Quoting from the web site:
Part I of the guide provides background information on how to research aboriginal ancestry in records located at Library and Archives Canada. Several series of relevant records are described; the utility of each series will vary according to the individual researcher's needs. References for complementary sources of information are also provided, along with suggested readings to provide additional historical or sociological context.
Part II of this guide offers step-by-step strategies for using the Library and Archives Canada Internet site for doing aboriginal genealogical research. ArchiviaNet provides access to a variety of archival holdings, which can be searched by theme or type of document.
A bibliography of suggested readings and Internet addresses for sources in other institutions are included at the end of the guide.
Publications mentioned throughout this guide may be available at Library and Archives Canada for on-site consultation or, through inter-institutional loan, at your local library. Copying from publications is subject to copyright legislation. As the archival holdings grow or the Web site changes, this guide will be revised as required.
You can access Researching Your Aboriginal Ancestry at Library and Archives Canada at http://www.genealogy.gc.ca/07/07070201_e.html
My thanks to Steve Haney for letting me know about this resource.
