The BC Métis Federation Research Department recently hosted two powerful and successful seminars focused on Catholic history and archives, empowering local Métis researchers to research their rich history and memory.

Catholic archivist Carey Pallister led these engaging sessions, shedding light on both the Catholic history of the Pacific Northwest and the practicalities and techniques of Catholic archival research. Local Métis researchers, who had recently travelled to the BC Archives to explore Catholic records, actively shared their experiences, challenges, and successes from a community perspective.

“Many thanks to Carey for working to break down barriers of access and for building relationships with our team of local Métis researchers,” said Joe Desjarlais, Director of Research. “We are empowering and equipping local Métis people in communities to do their own research, to thrive in these spaces, and this is groundbreaking!” This initiative marks a step forward in reclaiming and celebrating Métis history and memory across the Pacific Northwest, putting the power into the hands of the community.