Beyond the Archives


The Provincial Archives is a major resource centre for family history research related to Saskatchewan families. However, many other organizations and sources can help inform your search.

Loading bales of hay at O.A. Williamson farm, north of Ponteix, 1956 (photographer: Ralph Vawter), PAS series S73 (Photo Services), no. 56-228-002

Tips for Contacting Organizations for Information

Be brief and specific

When writing to an archives or to a public records office, keep the message short and to the point. A specific request may be researched and answered quickly.
 

Other correspondence

Mention any other correspondence or requests that may have been sent, to avoid duplicating work, and mention any sources which you have consulted.

Be professional

Use proper writing etiquette when composing your correspondence. Be sure to include your contact information. Enquiries from anonymous senders may not be taken seriously.

Groups and Organizations


Library and Archives Canada: Genealogy and family history

This site provides access to both indexes and records online through Library and Archives Canada.
Other Canadian genealogy links and resources available on the LAC website.

 

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society

The Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS) was formed in 1969 by a group of people interested in promoting the study of family history, preserving heritage documents and collecting materials for the study of this discipline. Today the Society has branches throughout the province and members scattered throughout the world, the largest genealogical lending library in Canada and a professional certification program.

Two excellent research tools, Tracing Your Ancestors in Saskatchewan: A Guide to the Records and How to Use Them, and Tracing Your Aboriginal Ancestors in the Prairie Provinces, are available for purchase from the Society. These publications contain comprehensive reviews of genealogical sources, and are highly recommended for novice and experienced family historians alike.

 

Other Genealogical and Historical Societies


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS): FamilySearch

In addition to FamilySearch.org, the church has family search centres in Saskatchewan that contain standard reference books and indexes of names, places, and subjects. Microfilm copies of original genealogical record sources from around the world may be borrowed from the vast collection in the Church’s main library in Salt Lake City. An individual does not need to be a member of the Church to make use of its facilities. It is best to arrange for a personal visit to discuss research objectives since staff are unable to undertake research projects for individuals.

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Saskatchewan Family Search Centres

Ancestry.ca

On this page

Records To Explore and Where to Find Them

 

Adoption and Foster Care

Ministry of Social Services | Records and Privacy Unit | 1920 Broad Street Regina SK S4P 3V6

306-787-0227 | Contact Information 

Births, Marriage, Adoption and Death Records

The two most common sources of information for these types of records are church records, and the eHealth Saskatchewan Genealogy Index.

Census Records

Census returns are official records that enumerate Canada’s population. They are an invaluable source of information for genealogy research.

Church Records

Churches are a great resource to search for vital statistics such as baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials.

Immigration, Naturalization and Citizenship Records

Information about immigration, passenger manifests, border entry lists, citizenship (naturalization) records that are available at the Provincial Archives or at Library and Archives Canada (LAC).

Military Records

Canadian military records are primarily available at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). The Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan does have some records available.

Municipal Records

Records of rural municipalities, villages, towns and cities may be very helpful to those tracing your ancestry.