Records and collections partners
Records related to the Indian Residential School System and the Survivors who attended the schools are held in government, church and community archives as well as individual private collections. Many records related to the IRSS were gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), however, many exist outside of the TRC’s mandate of collection.
The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre collaborates with libraries, community archives, museums and organizations at the local, provincial and national level to expand its records and collections. The Centre is grateful for these partnerships.
The United Church of Canada Archives, located in Toronto, includes the General Council Archives and the Central Ontario Conferences Archives serving Bay of Quinte, Hamilton, London, Manitou, and Toronto Conferences. The purpose of the Archives is to acquire, preserve, and make available records, private documents and publications. The General Council Archives also holds the bulk of the administrative records relating to residential schools, as well as records relating to ongoing reconciliation and legacy work, with digital copies at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg.
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is the custodian of our distant past and recent history, and a key resource for all Canadians who wish to gain a better understanding of who they are, individually and collectively. It is mandated to serve as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. LAC acquires, processes, preserves and provides access to our documentary heritage in all types of formats from Canada and around the world.
The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is a national Indigenous-led, charitable organization founded in 2000 with the goal of educating and raising awareness about the history and many legacies of the Residential School System. These include the direct and ongoing effects on Indigenous Survivors, their communities, and their descendants. The LHF works with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and others across the country to develop educational materials, commemoration projects and research initiatives that support their mission.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is the permanent repository for all statements, documents, and other materials collected by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. NCTR’s mandate flows directly from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The Centre cares for thousands of Survivor statements and millions of records which they are responsible for sharing with Canada in a respectful way to advance the ongoing work of truth, healing, reconciliation.
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC is world-renowned for its collections, research, teaching, and public programs. Its mission is to promote awareness and understanding of culturally diverse ways of knowing the world through programs and partnerships with Indigenous, local and global communities. MOA supports the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by committing to developing close working relationships with Indigenous Peoples, groups, and organizations that have a claim to, or an interest in, the material in its care.
The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery is mandated to promote understanding and discussion of contemporary art and contemporary issues in art history, criticism and curating. Their mandate is realized through research, exhibitions, acquisitions, publishing, education and public and academic programs in the field of contemporary art with a focus on region within a national and international context. The Belkin Art Gallery emphasizes practices and projects that challenge the status quo, support emerging artists and practices, and present artist-initiated projects.
The Musqueam Archives and Research Department is the repository for all records of the Musqueam Indian Band’s governance and administration. The Archives’ mandate is to acquire, maintain, and facilitate access to: the records of the Musqueam Indian Band’s Government (Chief and Council, Administration), its boards, and entities; private-sector archives (non-governmental records); research materials relating to Musqueam and/or Musqueam traditional territory; and Musqueam heritage resources.
The Royal BC Museum and Archives are located in Victoria, but they reach every region of the province through their website, exhibitions and services. The BC Archives provide research access to records of the Government of British Columbia, including images, books, government records and more. The Museum contributes to many different areas in the provincial government: providing curriculum-based interactive education materials online, strengthening relations with BC’s First Nations and by providing information and advice to ministries that make up BC’s natural resource sector.
United Church of Canada Pacific Mountain Region Archives is part of a Canadian-wide network of regional archives within the United Church of Canada. Pacific Mountain Region encompasses the province of British Columbia, excluding the Peace River District, and including Banff, Alberta and Whitehorse, Yukon Territories. Records relating to residential schools and their legacy, often representing a higher level of administration, can be found throughout their holdings which run from 1859 to present.
UBC Library includes the branches of Xwi7xwa Library, UBC Archives, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, and Walter C. Koerner Library. Collections – both physical and digital – are at the core of UBC Library’s mission. UBC Library is a globally influential research library, leading and partnering with the University and communities in the creation, stewardship, exploration and discovery of knowledge.