Researching Family History

Indigenous Peoples and Métis Nation - Ontario

Please refer also to our separate Indigenous / Métis genealogy research guide for more resources for researching Indigenous ancestors.

First Nations, Inuit, Métis are collectively referred to as Indigenous peoples.

An important note on bias and colonial records language in historical records: 

Language in historical records reflects the culture of the times in which they were written. As such, you will see terms we would not use today such as “Indian”, “Native”, and racial slurs such as “Half-Breed”, used for Indigenous peoples, “Racial Origins” used for heritage, and “white” for Caucasian people. While we strive to develop new relationships with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of their rights, respect, and cooperation, family historians will need to look for and use these types of historical terms when searching historical records.

Census Records

Census records may be a good starting point as “racial origins” are often noted on the census, as well as household members, place of birth and birthdates. Determining the geographical location could also lead you to a band name.

Cloverdale Library owns microfilm number T-6554 covering the 1901 Native census returns for several provinces.

See page 7-1 of Canadian Family History Resources: A Guide to the Materials Held at Cloverdale Library for more information on how to search census records for Indigenous information. Searches for 1871 and 1881 allow you to search by “ethnic origin”. One way to help establish Indigenous ancestry -use terms such as “Indian” or “Indigenous” in the keyword fields.

Online

Library and Archives Canada has many resources for researching Indigenous and Metis family history:

Microfilm


Section 7 of the library’s Canadian Family History Resources: A Guide to the Materials Held at Cloverdale Library describes the microfilms that we have at Cloverdale for Métis scrip records. Ask the information desk staff for assistance.

Print


Listed below are a few of the books you can find by doing a subject search of the library’s catalogue using the terms: METIS – GENEALOGY or INDIGENOUS - GENEALOGY

Understanding Ontario First Nations Genealogical Records: Sources and case studies Faux, David K Toronto: Ontario Genealogical Society, 2002 GEN 929.3713 FAU 2002

Indians from New York in Ontario and Quebec, Canada Bowie, MD : Heritage Books, 1995 GEN 929.308997 PRE 1995

Gail Morin has compiled several excellent and comprehensive collections of Metis family genealogies, including the 35 volume series Company Men GEN 929.37127 MOR, and

Métis Families: A Genealogical Compendium. (6 vols) Morin, Gail. Pawtucket, R.I.: Quinton Publications, 2001. GEN 929.37127 MOR 2001