History
The Vancouver Public Library has many resources for researching Indigenous peoples' history in British Columbia and Canada.
British Columbia Historical Source Material
British Columbia Legislative Library Newspaper Index
This index is on microfilm and is selective, covering articles of permanent value historically, economically, and politically between 1900 - 1990.
The following newspapers are included in the index:
- Vancouver News Herald
- Vancouver Province
- Vancouver Sun
- Victoria Times
- Victoria Colonist
The newspapers containing articles retrieved from the British Columbia Legislative Library Newspaper Index can be found on microfilm on Level 5 as well as the Special Collections Division on Level 7.
The Fur Trade
The Guide Canadian History - The Fur Trade will help you find material in Vancouver Public Library on the Fur Trade in Canada. The Fur Trade was a very important part of the Canadian economy and from the 17th to 19th centuries attracted European merchants and settlers to Canada. Material on this subject can be found throughout the Central Library (350 West Georgia Street). Please ask the Information staff if you need help.
Louis Riel and the Red River and North-West Rebellions
Louis Riel helped to lead two resistance movements against the Canadian government: the Red River Rebellion and the North-West Rebellion. Material on these subjects can be found throughout the Central Library (350 West Georgia Street). Please ask the Information staff if you need help or access the guide Canadian History - Louis Riel and the Red River and North-West Rebellions
Useful Websites
Recommended Books
Digital Library Resources
Northwest History Index
This card index in Special Collection provides access to the Northwest History Collection, a heritage collection covering the early history and exploration of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.
The collection includes:
- magazine and newspaper articles
- pamphlets
- books
- chapters in books
- many other resources
As of August 1998, no new material has been added to the Northwest History Index. It is continued by the British Columbia Index.