Aboriginal Peoples - Genealogy

Getting Started

Find out if you have native ancestors in census records as they indicate an individual's ethnic origin.  Some Aboriginal individuals are also found in parish records, land claims and even military records. The Library has handbooks on how to find and use these records. Digitized census records can also be accessed on the genealogical database, Ancestry Library Edition.

Searching the Library Website

Suggested Subjects and Keywords:

• Indians of North America genealogy
• Métis genealogy
• Registers [location] e.g.  Registers Grand River Region, Akwesasne Indian Reserve, etc.

Suggested Titles:

• Aboriginal peoples in the Archives: a guide to sources in the Archives of Ontario  
• An alphabetical listing of interments on the Six Nations Reserve
  
• Indian burial sites in Tuscarora, Onondaga, and Oneida Townships
• Indians from New York in Ontario and Quebec, Canada: a genealogy reference 
• Métis families: a genealogical  compendium   
• Northwest half-breed scrip
• Records of the Department of Indian Affairs at the Library and Archives Canada: a source for genealogical research
• Répertoires des naissances des Métis et Amérindiens(nes) extrait du P.R.D.H. du début de la colonie à 1765
• Tracing your Aboriginal ancestors in the Prairie Provinces: a guide to the records and how to use them
• Understanding Ontario first nations genealogical records: sources and case studies
• Discover your Metis ancestry

Using Online Resources

Recommended Websites

• Aboriginal Peoples

• Library and Archives Canada: Genealogy - Aboriginal Peoples
Information on where to find online resources including a useful guide on Researching Your Aboriginal Genealogy at Library and Archives Canada

Recommended Databases

• Canadian Encyclopedia Online (free online)
Information on native and tribal history, settlement, etc.

• Early Canadiana Online (Toronto Public Library card login required)
Digitized collections of early writings on native people.

In Library Resources

Database

• Ancestry Library Edition (access from any Toronto Public Library computer)

To find Aboriginal ancestors in the Canadian census, try the following search tips:

1901 and 1911 Canadian census search screen:
⇒Go to Advanced Search
⇒In the Race/Nationality box, type the term "indian"
⇒The results list should include those whose tribe was recorded as "Indian (Native American)"

1891 Candian census search screen:
⇒In the keyword box, type the term "pagan"
⇒The results list will include those who hold traditional native beliefs
Note: You can also browse the census by province, district and sub-district. A list of census districts and sub-districts is available online.

1881 and earlier censuses:
⇒In the Race/Nationality box, type the term "indian"
⇒The results should include those whose nationality was recorded as "Indian (Native American)"

Periodical

• Canadian-American Journal of History & Genealogy for Canadian, French and Metis Study

Microforms

• 1901 Census records (available at the North York Central Library)
Use reels T-6554 and T-6555 for Indian agencies enumerated separately.

 

For further assistance contact:

Canadiana Department, North York Central Library 416-395-5623
Humanities and Social Sciences Department, Toronto Reference Library 416-395-5577