Indigenous Peoples of Canada
These resources provide a wealth of information on local First Nations peoples, as well as Indigenous Peoples and issues across Canada.

- Last updated: November 27, 2020
LIBRARY DATABASES
Access these resources using your WVML card.
Know BC is home to the Encyclopedia of British Columbia, an authoritative resource on BC past and present that features more than 4,000 articles and 1,500 accompanying photographs, maps, charts and tables, as well as sound and video clips.
Access Information: Licensed for West Vancouver residents only
An online version of the 1999 reference work that covers over 115 different peoples/ethnic groups that make up Canada’s population.
Points to the Past provides access to primary source material dating from 1450 to 2008. This includes over half a million books, digitized newspapers (The Economist, Financial Times, and more), 6.5 million manuscript pages, maps, photos, pamphlets, sermons and poems.
Available in the library and at home within BC.
on the shelf
Check these out the next time you’re in the Library.
A mix of fiction and non-fiction for kids and teens. All fiction titles are Own Voices, meaning one or more of the creators is First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
Indigenous Fiction
Indigenous Fiction
Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools
Legacy of Canada's Residential Schools
Pacific Northwest First Nations Cultural History
Pacific Northwest First Nations Cultural History
on the web
These recommended websites are free and easily accessible! All you need is an internet connection.
British Columbia's "Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation" page provides access to information about the Ministry itself as well as news and services relating to Indigenous groups throughout the province.
Online version of the City of Vancouver's "First Peoples: A Guide for Newcomers". While targeted at newcomers, this guide would serve as a great resource for anyone wanting an introduction to Aboriginal issues and history in Canada, with a focus on local First Nations history, groups, and resources. Also available in print at the Library.
Indigenous Foundations was developed by the First Nations & Indigenous Studies Program at the University of British Columbia for students, teachers, researchers and the broader public. It is a great information resource that covers key topics relating to the histories, politics, and cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.
West Vancouver is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, in particular the Squamish, Tsleil-Watuuth and Musqueam First Nations.
The official site of the Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) Peoples of BC, with information about governance, lands, current events, and their social sector.
First Nations ethnologies, community profiles, local histories, maps, newspapers and many other types of information on the development, people, land and culture of the area north of Quesnel, west of Haida Gwaii and east to the Alberta border.
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake in the spring of 2013. Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and community agencies to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
Born from the vision of Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk Elder, Reconciliation Canada is leading the way in engaging Canadians in dialogue and transformative experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
West Vancouver is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, in particular the Squamish, Tsleil-Watuuth and Musqueam First Nations.
The official site of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation, with access to current news and events as well as cultural and historical information.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is mandated to learn about and inform Canadians about the truth of what happened in Canadian residential schools. The site provides information about the Commission; related events and projects; a place to provide survivor statements online; and full access to the recently published TRC Report.
West Vancouver is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, in particular the Squamish, Tsleil-Watuuth and Musqueam First Nations.
The official site of the Tseil-Waututh Nation (formerly known as the Burrand Band), with information about their history, governance, businesses, lands, and community projects and events.
multimedia
Photos, videos and more, available online for free.
The Indigenous Heritage Portal of LAC provides a window to vast collections of resources created by or about Indigenous peoples in Canada, and reflects their significant contributions to this country’s political, social, economic and cultural development. The site features numerous e-collections, databases, virtual exhibitions, Indigenous genealogy, and tools to help locate materials.
A collection highlighting over 200 films made by Indigenous directors, made freely available as part of the NFB’s 3-year action plan to redefine its relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and Indigenous film creators. Read more here: http://onf-nfb.gc.ca/en/about-the-nfb/indigenous-action-plan2/