Digitized Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Documents Released by Library and Archives Canada (LAC)

November 3, 2016

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) today announced the release of over 600 digitized documents from Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, including:

• transcripts from public hearings, consultations and roundtables;
• research studies by academics and community experts;
• and submissions by non-governmental organizations.

Library and Archives Canada announces the digitization of over 600 documents from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples

November 3, 2016 — Winnipeg, Manitoba

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is proud to announce the release of documents related to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) on the 20th anniversary of the RCAP. This new database is now available on LAC’s website. It will provide enhanced access to over 600 RCAP documents, including transcripts of more than 175 days of public hearings, consultations and roundtables; research studies by academics and community experts; and submissions by non-governmental organizations.

Over its six-year mandate, the RCAP amassed thousands of hours of recorded testimony and hundreds of thousands of pages of documents, culminating in the publication of the 1996 RCAP final report. Until now, clients could only access this collection in person at LAC’s downtown Ottawa location, or by submitting a reprography request. LAC hopes that the new RCAP database will stimulate even more interest in this important topic.

Quick facts

• This announcement was made at the Sharing the Land, Sharing a Future National Forum in Winnipeg on November 3, 2016.
• The RCAP archival fonds at LAC includes 72 metres of textual records; approximately 20,000 photographs, video and audio cassette recordings; and over 900 computer diskettes.
• The RCAP documents selected for digitization include copies of 641 distinct items, including 175 days of hearings; nearly 200 research reports; more than 100 submissions from tribal councils, organizations and interest groups; and RCAP publications including its final report.

Quotes

“When I first arrived at Library and Archives Canada, I said that our fundamental mission was to help Canadians know themselves. As we continue to enhance access to our history, notably by launching digitization initiatives like this one, we contribute to fostering an environment where genuine reconciliation can happen.”

– Dr. Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada

Associated links

• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (database)
• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (archival records)
• Sharing the Land, Sharing a Future National Forum
• Read more on Library and Archives Canada’s blog