F.A.Q.

Questions and Answers

Browse this page for answers to your questions, or jump to specific sections with the links below. About Saskatchewan Archives Family History Newspapers Reproductions Research and Tour Services Need Help
About Saskatchewan Archives
	What are your hours of operation?
	Hours of Service: (both locations) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Limited reference service from 12 noon to 1 p.m., and after 4 p.m.) Closed statutory and civic holidays.
	What can I find at the Saskatchewan Archives?
	Saskatchewan Archives has unique, original textual documents, photographs, works of art, maps, architectural drawings, electronic records, microfilm, video, cassette and film collections. These documentary materials tell the story of the province of Saskatchewan, its people and its government. For more information about the types of records available at Saskatchewan Archives, please go to our Collections section.
	What is the difference between what is available in the Regina office and the Saskatoon office of the Saskatchewan Archives?
	The Saskatchewan Archives Board operates two offices in the province, in Regina and in Saskatoon. Both offices offer the full range of reference services described on this website. However, each office has areas of specialization, as described below: Regina office sources: -most records pertaining to the region from central to southern Saskatchewan - majority of provincial government records - court records - premiers' and cabinet ministers' papers from 1926 on architectural records Saskatoon office sources: - most records pertaining to the region from central to northern Saskatchewan - some early provincial government records - premiers' and cabinet ministers' prior to 1926 Finding aids for the records in both Regina and Saskatoon are available in both reading rooms. If you have a specific research interest, but you are unsure of where the records might be located, please contact us before your visit. If we have advance notice of your visit, we can ship records from one office to be used in the other office, for your convenience.
	Where is the Regina office of the Saskatchewan Archives Board?
	The Regina office is located at 3303 Hillsdale Street, a short walk from the University of Regina campus. The building is just north of the corner of Hillsdale and 23rd Avenue. Twenty-third (23rd) Avenue intersects with Albert Street. From Albert Street you travel east to reach Hillsdale Street, then turn left.
	Where is the Saskatoon office of the Saskatchewan Archives located?
	The Saskatchewan Archives office is located at the centre of the campus of the University of Saskatchewan. For those individuals who are not familiar with the campus, the following instructions and our map will bring you to our door. You may find it useful to print these instructions to bring with you when you visit our Saskatoon office. Take College Drive to Wiggins Ave. Turn north on to Wiggins Ave., to enter the campus of the University of Saskatchewan. At the first fork in the road, turn right. Park in parking lot across from Place Riel (the university student centre.) Enter the front doors of Place Riel; immediately, you will see the back doors ahead of you. Exit through the back doors. Walk straight ahead, on the sidewalk between two stone buildings. The Murray Building is on your left. (Marquis Hall is on your right.) Walk between these two buildings until you reach the north-east entrance into the Murray Building. (Unfortunately, there is no sign on the route you must to take that will indicate that it is the Murray Building.) Two helpful landmarks will tell you that you have arrived to the correct (north-east) entrance: a) there are about 15 wide stone stairs on the outside of the building b) there is a sign on the glass doors for the "Snelgrove Gallery" Go through the glass doors at the top of the steps of the Murray Building. Turn right. Go through a second set of glass doors. Go down the stairs, and you will have arrived at our front door. If you have any problems along the way, give us a call at 933-5832.
Family History
	Can I find information about my aboriginal ancestry at Saskatchewan Archives?
	The Saskatchewan Archives has some sources that may be of use to individuals researching their aboriginal ancestry. Saskatchewan Archives has a microfilm copy of parts of the National Archives' index to individuals receiving Metis scrip. This index may include such information as dates of birth, place of residence and names of family members for individuals receiving scrip. We also have microfilm copies of the Department of Indian Affairs records referred to as the Black Series, the originals of which are housed at the National Archives of Canada. This series includes correspondence about band pay lists. Researchers may also learn more about their aboriginal ancestors from oral history interviews and from the Archives' extensive photograph collection. Saskatchewan Archives reference staff will make every effort to refer researchers to other institutions which may be able to provide useful sources in this area. For more information about exploring your aboriginal ancestry, please see our Family History Research section.
	Can I obtain military records from Saskatchewan Archives?
	Most Canadian military records are held by the National Archives of Canada. Please see the Military and Civilian Personnel Records section of the National Archives website, at the following address: www.archives.ca Also, the Regina location of Saskatchewan Archives has some records pertaining to Saskatchewan servicemen. The records of the Department of Public Works contain nominal rolls of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War I. The names are arranged by battalion only. There is no name index to the entire collection. However, there is an alphabetical listing of those from Saskatchewan who died in World War I and World War II. Collections of the Regina Rifles Regiment, the Royal Canadian Legion, British Empire Service League, and the Saskatchewan Provincial Command, may contain biographical information on servicemen.
	Can I obtain naturalization and citizenship information from Saskatchewan Archives?
	Most information about naturalization and citizenship is not available from Saskatchewan Archives. Citizenship and Immigration Canada holds records of naturalization and citizenship from 1854 to the present. Unfortunately, the originals of records dated between 1854 and 1917 have been destroyed. However, a nominal card index has been maintained and provides information given at the time of naturalization. It includes present and former place of residence, former nationality, occupation, date of certification, name and location of the responsible court. The index rarely contains any other genealogical information. Records created after 1917 are more detailed, indicating the surname, given name, date and place of birth, entry into Canada, and in some cases, the names of spouses and children. Requests for copies of naturalization/citizenship records should be mailed to: Citizenship and Immigration Canada Public Rights Administration 365 Laurier Ave West 15th Floor OTTAWA ON K1A 1L1 A Canadian citizen or a resident of Canada must submit each application for copies on an Access to Information Request Form. The request must be accompanied by a signed consent from the person concerned or proof that he/she has been deceased twenty years. Proof of death can be a copy of a death record, a newspaper obituary or a photograph of the gravestone showing name and death date. The request should include the following information: full name, date and place of birth, and if possible, the number of the Canadian citizenship or naturalization certificates. There are fees for searches. More information can be obtained by calling the Citizenship and Immigration Canada call centre at 1-888-242-2100 (toll-free), or be consulting their website at the following address: www.cic.gc.ca.
	Do you have census records?
	The Saskatchewan Archives Board has a copy of the microfilm of the census of 1881, 1891 and 1901 for that part of the North-West Territories now known as Saskatchewan, and the 1906 census of the North West Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Indexes for the 1881 and 1891 enumerations have been prepared by the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, greatly simplifying research. Because of statutory restrictions over the use of more recent enumerations, 1906 is the latest census available for public research. The census records provide a household-by-household listing in each enumeration district. Each resident is listed by name along with his or her age, country or province of birth, religion, ethnic origin, occupation and marital status. Where there is no alphabetical index to these records, the researcher must first establish the place of residence of the ancestor(s) and search through all residents for that place.
	Does Saskatchewan Archives have a copy of ships' passenger lists?
	The Saskatchewan Archives has a copy of the microfilm of passenger lists for the ports of Halifax, 1881-1919, Quebec City, 1865-1919, Saint John, 1900-1918, and New York, 1906-1919. The Saskatchewan Archives also holds border entry records for the period 1908-1918. Due to the time required to search these records, Saskatchewan Archives staff cannot look for individuals on these lists. Personal visits to the Archives are encouraged when consulting these sources.
	Does the Saskatchewan Archives have birth, death, and marriage records for Saskatchewan?
	No, the Saskatchewan Archives does not have birth, death and marriage records for Saskatchewan, so please do not forward these requests to us. Registrations of vital events which occurred in Saskatchewan are filed with Vital Statistics, Saskatchewan Health. Direct public access to vital information is not available at the present time. Departmental policy stipulates that genealogical photocopies of birth, marriage or death registrations are restricted to family members for genealogical research only. If a genealogical photocopy of a registration is being requested, an explanation must be provided as to why it's required. Also when requesting a genealogical photocopy of a birth or marriage registration, the client must indicate whether the individual is deceased. Requests for record searches should be submitted on prescribed application forms which are available from the Division of Vital Statistics. The current fee for a three-year record search and the subsequent issuing of a certificate or report of the search is $50.00. This fee should be submitted with the application in the form of a cheque or money order made payable to the Department of Health. Record searches for purposes of genealogy are handled only as time permits. Therefore, applicants should not expect to receive results of record searches immediately following application. Applications will be processed more quickly where full and accurate identifying information is provided. Vital Statistics information and application forms are available online at: www.health.gov.sk.ca. Enquiries can also be made by conventional mail or telephone. The address of the agency is as follows: Vital Statistics Saskatchewan Health 1942 Hamilton Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V7 Tel. (306) 787-3092 Toll Free 1-800-458-1179 (In Saskatchewan only) Fax (306) 787-2288
	Does the Saskatchewan Archives have church records?
	The Saskatchewan Archives Board has in its custody many original and microfilm copies of parish registers. Most of these are from United, Anglican and Presbyterian churches in the province, but other denominations are represented as well. Since in most cases access to these records is subject to the permission of the Conference or Diocese, the researcher should contact the appropriate church body first. Unless one definitely knows that the church to which his family belonged is still open, it is best to write to the central office or archives of that denominational body with one's inquiries. If necessary, the letter will usually be forwarded to the appropriate congregation. For addresses of the various church archives, please go to our Family History Research section.
	How can I get access to the homestead files for Saskatchewan?
	The Saskatchewan Archives houses the homestead files for the province of Saskatchewan. If you are interested in obtaining information from, or copies of, the homestead files, please use our online form (see Contact Us) to send us your inquiry. Please include the following information with your homestead file search requests: name(s) of the homesteader(s); legal land descriptions of the quarter sections (quarter, section, township, range and meridian), or the name of the nearest town or district. We do have a nominal index for all homesteads patented before 1930. For homesteads patented after 1930, you must provided an exact legal land description. For more information about land grants and homestead files, please see "Family History Research" in the "Services for Public" section of this website.
	How do I find school attendance records?
	From a genealogical standpoint, the most valuable records kept by the local schools is the attendance register of pupils. The register provides a list of all children enrolled in the school, along with their ages and sometimes the names of parents or guardians. Unfortunately these records are not always readily accessible. In fact, in most instances they were simply lost or destroyed, or they were kept by the last secretary-treasurer when the school closed. In some cases the records have been acquired by the Saskatchewan Archives. If not, the attendance registers should be retained by the School Division office in the area concerned, and most of them are to be found at this source. A Directory of School Officials is available from Saskatchewan Education, 2220 College Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 3V7, or one can find addresses in the Canadian Almanac and Directory. Access to school attendance records, as in the case of all provincial or local government records, is governed by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Permission for access to these records in the Saskatchewan Archives collection must be obtained from the Provincial Archivist.
	How do I start researching my family history?
	For a detailed guide to doing family history research in Saskatchewan and at the Saskatchewan Archives, please go to Family History Research section. Also, you may want to visit the website of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society at www.saskgeneology.com.
	What information can I find in a homestead record?
	Three basic documents completed under the provisions of the Dominion Lands Act, and included in the homestead files are: a) application for entry: the homesteader signed this form when he applied for entry on the land and gives the land location of the homestead, the date of entry, and the applicant's nationality. It also can provide the place of birth, previous residence and occupation, and a list of ages of family members but not their names. Applications for entry were not retained in every file. The homesteader also signed an affidavit in support of the application for entry. If the homesteader had previously made entry on a homestead, the date of entry and land description of this land are given on the affidavit. b) sworn statement in support of application for patent: this was signed by the homesteader providing proof that he had met the requirements of the Dominion Lands Act. The information provided includes the name, age and citizenship status of the homesteader, length of residence on the land and the number of family members residing with him, cultivation done on the land, stock held, and the value of his dwelling, buildings and other improvements. If the homesteader had been naturalized, the date of certificate of naturalization is usually written on the sworn statement. On the reverse side of the document are the sworn statements of two witnesses verifying the information provided by the homesteader in his statement. c) notification of patent: this is a notification from the Lands Branch to the homesteader that patent was issued in his name and that he was eligible to apply for a certificate of title at the Land Registration District office. The date that patent was issued and the postal address of the homesteader are given on this document. Other documents sometimes contained in files are declarations of abandonment, notification of cancellation of entry, inspector's reports, statutory declarations of the homesteader's progress, copies of wills and naturalization certificates, and correspondence regarding a variety of subjects, particularly seed grain liens or interpretation of homestead law. Infrequently, statutory declarations regarding nationality, township maps and even photographs have been found in files.
	What sources do you have to help me with my family history or family tree?
	For a detailed guide to doing family history research in Saskatchewan and at the Saskatchewan Archives, please go to our Family History Research section.
	Where can I find copies of wills (probate records)?
	The probate records kept by the Surrogate Courts are the most informative court records from the genealogical standpoint. In the will filed in these records, members of the family of the deceased are usually mentioned and an indication of his material wealth and the ultimate division of the estate can be determined. Even when someone has died intestate (without leaving a will), probate records of the administration of the estate may list property and legal heirs, and may designate one or more executors. Probate records created before 1958 will be found in the Surrogate Court of one of the 14 permanent court locations nearest to the residence of the deceased. Since 1958, wills can be probated at any one of the judicial centres in the province, and genealogists might now look in the centre closest to the residence of the executor of the will as well. Copies of all probated wills are also filed with the Surrogate Registrar at the Regina Court House but are accessible only if the full name of the deceased, the date of death and the place of last residence can be provided. There is a charge for this search. The address for the Regina Court House is: Provincial Court - Regina 1815 Smith Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V7 Phone: (306) 787-5250 Fax: (306) 787-7037 Addresses for the other 13 court locations can be found on the Saskatchewan Justice website at: www.saskjustice.gov.sk.ca.
Need Help
	I can't find an answer to my question. Where can I get help?
	If you are unable to find an answer to your question on this website, please contact us directly by completing our contact form here.
Newspapers
	Where can I find Saskatchewan newspapers?
	Saskatchewan Archives has been microfilming weekly newspapers from across the province, since the late 1940s. We continue to borrow and microfilm early and current issues of over 500 newspapers from publishers and private sources, maintaining a comprehensive provincial collection of microfilmed weekly newspapers. With the exception of daily papers from Regina, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon, our entire collection of newspapers on microfilm is available via interlibrary loan. Inquiries about which newspapers are available can be made to our reference services using our on-line form. You must arrange for the interlibrary loan through your local library, which must have a microfilm reader. Our Saskatoon office houses newspapers on microfilm from central to northern Saskatchewan. Our Regina office houses newspapers on microfilm from central to southern Saskatchewan.
Reproductions
	Can I get copies of records from Saskatchewan Archives?
	Reproductions can be made of some types of archival material, including textual records, oversize maps and architectural drawings, microfilm, photographs, audio cassettes, films, videotapes, and some records in electronic format. Researchers should note, however, that reproduction service is subject to the terms and conditions of private donor agreements and the Copyright Act. Saskatchewan Archives reserves the right to refuse to provide a reproduction of archival materials on conservation or preservation grounds. For more information about obtaining reproductions of records from Saskatchewan Archives, please go to our Reproduction of Archival Materials in Research and Reference section.
	Can I purchase microfilm?
	Saskatchewan weekly newspapers, in 35 mm microfilm format, are available to libraries, historical societies, and the general public for a nominal charge. Please see our price list.
Research and Tour Services
	Are any records available on-line?
	At this time, no archival records are available on-line.
	Can I use a laptop computer in your reading room?
	Laptop computers may be used in the reading rooms of Saskatchewan Archives. However, researchers are advised that there are only a limited number of power sources. The case for your laptop computer must be stored in a locker.
	Can researchers borrow records from the Saskatchewan Archives?
	Researchers cannot borrow original records from the Saskatchewan Archives. These records are unique and irreplaceable. Some of our microfilm is available through interlibrary loan. For information about borrowing microfilm from the Saskatchewan Archives Board, please go to our Research and Reference Services section.
	Do I have to have an appointment to do research?
	Although you are not required to make an appointment, it is often wise to contact the Archives before your visit, to determine which sources are available for your topic and their accessibility. While many archival materials are available for public use, access conditions have been placed on some public and private record collections.
	How can I receive information from Saskatchewan Archives?
	For complete information about how to receive information from Saskatchewan Archives, please go to our Research and Reference services section.
	How do I arrange for a group tour?
	Introductory presentations and tours of the facilities of the Saskatchewan Archives Board may be arranged upon request. Groups or classes may find these sessions particularly helpful in familiarizing themselves with research methods and potential sources of information on their topics. The size of groups or classes that can be accommodated by the Archives varies between offices because of physical limitations. Scheduling of presentations is also dependent upon the availability of staff. The Archives should be approached well in advance of the anticipated visit to discuss requirements. The expertise of our staff is also available for on-location displays, speaking engagements and conferences. Plenty of advance notice is necessary for these requests. To arrange for a presentation, tour or speaker, please direct your request to: In Regina: Chris Gebhard Chief Archivist Reference & Special Media Tel: 306-787-3381 In Saskatoon: Nadine Charabin Chief Archivist Reference & Collections Tel: 306-933-8321
	What is the registration procedure to use the reading rooms of the Saskatchewan Archives, and why is this necessary?
	If you wish to use the reading rooms at the Archives, our reference staff will ask you to complete a registration form and to produce one piece of identification (preferably photo id.) The form includes a list of the rules and regulations which govern the use of our archival materials, which we hope you will read to become more familiar with the care and handling of archival records. Once you are registered, you receive a research pass, which is valid in both of our offices. We ask that you bring your pass whenever you visit us, and that you sign our daily register on your way into the reading room. This register helps us maintain user statistics.

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