Introduction
    Numerous requests have been received for information on how to trace family descent to prove Algonquin, Ojibwa or Nipissing descent. The following has been developed by the Algonquins of Golden Lake First Nation Negotiation Department, to assist you in your search. If you are trying to trace your Aboriginal family history, the following are suggestions to accomplish this sometimes difficult task.

    Where to Start
    Write down any vital statistics you know about your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great aunts and uncles, great grandparents etc. who are in your Aboriginal line of descent.

    Organize your knowledge on a chart, a family tree.

    Try to fill in approximate dates and probable places for births, marriages and deaths. Think back on how old you were the last time you saw you grandmother, and did she die soon or long after that.

    Family History
    Think of your extended family, and who might be able to add information or who would have pictures to show. Write, phone and/or visit them.

    Tell them you are building a family tree. Come with a list of detailed questions, or with your chart, and ask if they can fill in some of the blanks. If they say they can't remember, ask what the person was like, or what work they did. From general recollections, many people may gradually begin to remember. Ask to see some old pictures. You will learn a lot while someone describes who is in the pictures and when they were taken.

    Take brief written notes while you are there and fill them in immediately before you leave or run a cassette recorder during the visit. Ask them if they know of anyone else who might help you fill in blanks. Ask them for any papers that you could copy to help you document your family tree. Find out where the families lived, the town or township, and the time frame that they lived there.

    When you have names and places, you can then begin to start your research for documented proof. Start with yourself, with proof of who your parents are. The following documents may be used as proof:

    • Extended (long) Form Birth Certificate
    • Baptismal Certificate
    • Marriage License
    • Death Certificate
    • Statutory Declaration
    • Affidavits (written declaration made "under oath" before a Notary Public or other authorized officer.)
    • Census Records
    • Military Records
    • Adoption Records
    • Divorce Decree
    • Separation Papers
    • Hospital Records
    • Other Documents
    Then do the same for each of your parents, your grandparents, etc. that are of Algonquin, Ojibwa or Nipissing descent.

    Places to Search
    Census Lists
    Archives of Ontario
    77 Grenville St. Unit #300
    Toronto, ON
    M5S 1B3

    National Archives of Canada
    395 Wellington Street
    Ottawa, ON
    K1A 0N3

    The Archivist
    Inter-Repository Loan Program
    Hudson's Bay Company Archives
    Provincial Archives of Manitoba
    200 Vaughan Street
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    R3C 1T5
    Tel: 204-945-4949

    Indian Affairs & Northern Development
    Genealogical Research Unit
    10 Wellington St
    Hull, P.Z.
    K1A 0H4

    These records can also be obtained through your local libraries for your viewing. You must know the Township, County name and year you are looking for. Census records are available from 1861 to 1911. These records were taken every 10 years. 
    [Note that as of 2013, 1852 and 1921 census information is also available]

    Quebec RecordsArchives Nationales du Quebec
    Centre d´Archives de l”Outauais
    170, rue Hotel de ville
    Bureau s-120 (sou-sol)
    Hull, P.Q.
    T8X 4C2
    1-819-772-3010
    (Bilingual services offered)

    River Desert First Nation
    P.O. Box 309
    Maniwaki, P.Q.
    J9E 3C9
    Tel: 1-819-449-5170

    Archives Nationales du Quebec
    Centre D´Archives de L´Abitibi/Temiscamingue
    27, Rue Du Terminus Quest
    Rouyn_Noranda, Quebec
    J9X 2P3
    (Bilingual service offered)

    Military RecordsPersonnel Records Unit
    Researcher's Services Division
    National Archives of Canada
    Ottawa, ON
    K1A 0N3
    Fax: 1-613-992-7458

    Management of Inquiries
    Reference Services
    Genealogy Unit
    395 Welllington Street
    Ottawa, ON
    K1A 0N3

    Genealogy GroupsUpper Ottawa Valley
    Genealogical Group
    P.O. Box 972
    Pembroke, ON
    K8A 7M5

    The Ontario Genealogical Society
    Kingston Branch OGS
    P.O. Box 1394
    Kingston, ON
    K7L 5C6

    The Ontario Genealogical Society
    Nipissing and District Branch
    P.O. Box 93
    North Bay, ON
    P1B 8G8

    The Ontario Genealogical Society
    Ottawa Branch
    K1G 3H8

    Sharon Murphy –OGS277 Victoria Street S
    Kincardine, ON
    N2Z 2V9
    519-396-7631
    All of Ontario research
    Email: smurphy@primeline.net

    Adoptions of Aboriginal Children
    Ministry of Community & Social Services
    Adoption Disclosure Registrar
    Child Welfare Branch
    Lucliff Place, 2nd Floor
    700 Bay Street
    Toronto, ON
    M7A 1E9

    Indian Affairs & Northern Development Adoption Disclosure
    10 Wellington St., 18th Floor
    Hull, Quebec
    K1A 0H4 (613-593-9176)

    Algonquin & Nipissing GenealogyAlgonquins of Golden Lake
    First Nation
    Membership, Lands & Estates
    Mrs. Jan Leroux
    P.O. Box 100
    Golden Lake, ON
    K0J 1X0 (613-625-2800)

    Algonquins of Golden Lake
    First Nation
    Enrolment Clerk & Genealogy
    Ms. Helen Aubrey
    P.O. Box 300
    Golden Lake, ON
    K0J 1X0 (613-625-2397)
    Email: aglfneg@renc.igs.net

    Most Churches may have a record of a Baptism, Confirmation of a Marriage or Burial of the person you are looking for. Your local Church of Latter Day Saints is a very good place to start. A lot of times parents' names will be listed which will help you to prove your descent.

    Hospital records will show births, where at least the mother's name is listed, but you need to know the hospital and the date of birth of the child.