In Canada, most Second World War military files are only available on request. In this blog, I'll explore the difference between ordering a complete file and a genealogy pack by looking at two requests for the same records for the same person. If you're new to Canadian military files, see my posts Exploring First World… Continue reading WWII: what is a genealogy pack?
Category: Canadian Genealogy
Was Won Alexander Cumyow framed? Researching a 140 yr old mystery, the conclusion
In examining the events surrounding Won Alexander Cumyow's rapid downfall from aspiring Chinese Interpreter to convicted felon in 1885, key questions arise regarding potential bias, the role of prominent figures like E.M. Johnson, and the peculiarities of a seemingly swift and prejudiced trial. Cumyow's eventual imprisonment highlights systemic challenges faced by the Chinese community in British Columbia.
Was Won Alexander Cumyow framed? Researching a 140 yr old mystery, part one
Won Alexander Cumyow, the first-known Chinese Canadian (1861-1955), was a prominent figure and an activist. Despite his contributions, he faced challenges, notably in 1885 when he was arrested for fraud. His trials involved questions of forgery, partnerships, and trust within his business, ultimately leading to a conviction for embezzlement. Cumyow's story highlights the systemic racism prevalent in BC, late 19th century, and his struggle against discrimination during a pivotal time in Canadian history.
Explore Canadian Pacific Ship Records on Ancestry
Ships have personalities and lives, and humans have been sailing since time immemorial. The Canadian Pacific Steamship Company records help us family historians fill in the dry details of dates of immigration and departure with colour and life. As is always the case in genealogy, I had no idea how the story would turn out when I began writing, nor that I would find the stories of ten year old Ng Choy in 1913, or the Pike family in 1950.
On becoming an Accredited Genealogist® professional – Canada Western Provinces
After recovering from the emotional roller-coaster of testing, it was wonderful to receive dozens of congratulatory messages. I am proud to be the second genealogist - and first Canadian - to accredit in the Canada Western Provinces region.
Why gratitude matters: Thanksgiving insights
To me, Thanksgiving is synonymous with gratitude. Gratitude is a personal practise. Years ago I wrote a weekly blog post about gratefulness - forty-eight essays in total. The first topics came easily: they were the things I loved without complication, from my red Miata to my tabby cat. I explored bathrooms, bookstores, booze, lying, and smoking. Over the months, I began to see things differently - to see positives even in despair. Eventually I began to reconsider my part in bad breakups, family dynamics, and life-threatening encounters. Gratitude is the antidote to the thiefs of joy: envy, grudge-keeping, regret, and toxicity. In addition, gratitude has a host of benefits from reduced blood pressure inflammation, and stress, to increased humility and happiness.
How to use AI to illustrate family history
I'd like to offer some philosophical thoughts on AI. I believe AI is as big a change to our world as the invention of the internet. Love it or hate it, it is already changing everything. I'm as nervous as the next person about the downsides (ex: deepfakes), but here's the thing: I'm not going to get less nervous by avoiding it. I believe it is incumbent on all of us, and especially genealogy professionals, to be upfront about how we are using AI in our work. If we're not sure if we are using AI, it's up to us to figure out how AI is a part of our workflow, and identify it as such.
Canada Day reflections: on accrediting, Western Canadian genealogy, and diverse ideas for celebrating
In the past four years, the accrediting process has challenged me to the limits. My questions - where are our records, who or what created them, and how can they be used for genealogy - are the foundations of my work. Digital records are fabulous. More is coming online every day. All that is true, and yet I'd estimate for every record online, there are nine that are not. With the greatest respect, I'd say Canada funds its archives minimally. We in Western Canada, with our challenges of privacy and recency, need to understand our archives, because not every archive can afford subject matter experts. To answer the question of where are the records, I have made visiting archives a priority.
Exploring the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives with the surprisingly detailed story of Thomas Thomas (1766-1828), governor of HBC
In this post I want to share both what it's like to research at the Hudson's Bay Company Archives in Winnipeg, and the story of one of those finds. It's too easy in family research to want to start with the birth of one's ancestor and never stop researching. With Thomas Thomas, chief factor and governor of HBC, the rich resources necessitated some hard decisions...
Western Canadian migration before the CPR: Tracing the voyage of the Princess Royal, London to Fort Victoria (1858-59)
Before the CPR was completed, the most efficient travel across pre-Confederation Canada was by water. In this post I've focused on the HBC Princess Royal. Fifty HBC ships - barques, brigs, frigates, schooners, sidewheelers, sloops, steamships - served the Pacific Northwest 1822-1918 beginning with the brig charter Lively (1822-24). The HBC records provide a glimpse at the many types of ships settlers took to and from the Pacific Northwest.