UBCIC Library & Archives is a specialized research library and institutional archive focusing on BC land rights research. Our library houses the largest specialized specific claims research collection in Western Canada.
The archival records of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs consist of the historical documents, publications, maps, posters, images, documentary films, and audio and video recordings created and received by the UBCIC since its inception in 1969. We are currently in the process of organizing these materials and creating finding aids to make them more accessible to researchers. Some of these materials are available in our digital collections.
We serve all researchers who have a Band Council Resolution (BCR) to conduct research on behalf of a First Nation. Scholars, students, and outside researchers may also use the library with permission and after agreeing to abide by our Ethical Research Policy. We are a non-circulating library, except for UBCIC staff.
The Library and Archives is open by appointment only Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. We may close with little notice. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
The Library and Archives regularly closes on the following days:
- During Chiefs Councils and Annual General Assemblies, as well as the day following these meetings
- All British Columbia statutory holidays
- National Indigenous Peoples Day
Please read our User Policy and Ethical Research Policy before making a research appointment.
Fee Schedule for reproduction services
Permissions Application and Agreement to apply for permission to use UBCIC documents, images, or recordings for publication or commercial use
You can contact the Library and Archives by phone at 604.684.0231 or by email at [email protected]
Books and periodicals available at the library are listed in our online catalogue. Our library materials classified in a Brian Deer Classification scheme adapted to our collection. We are non-circulating, but warmly welcome visitors to visit the library and browse upon appointment.
Browse the UBCIC Library's holdings in the online Catalogue in advance of your visit. Some resources are also made available online. The collection contains a range of published and unpublished materials.
A legal research collection was created in honor of Louise Mandell upon her retirement, recognizing her vast contributions to Indigenous peoples and laws. This collection consists of physical materials and reports as well as a digital collection available online.
Environmental consultant John Jemmett made an extensive donation of his collection in 2012. This collection includes works of environmental studies and natural sciences and is of immense value to anyone involved in aquatic resources, forestry, wildlife management, energy development or environmental assessment, management and protection. These records are viewable through our online catalogue, researchers are welcome to view them on request.
A large volume of materials was received from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) when their libraries were closed. These are being made available and being integrated into our collections on an ongoing basis.
The library holds many records of the Department of Indian Affairs (RG10) and BC Provincial Archives on microfilm. We host a finding aid for these materials and a list of microfilms held in the library. Library and Archives Canada also hosts an RG-10 finding aid.
The UBCIC Library & Archives hosts a variety of online collections, exhibits, and resources that are available through the UBCIC Collections, Exhibits & Resources website.
These collections include some of the outreach and advocacy materials, photographs, posters, and periodicals, produced by UBCIC since its founding in 1969.
Materials produced by the Joint Indian Reserve Commission (1876 to 1878) and the Indian Reserve Commission (1878 to 1910) as well as supplemental information and indices.
These periodicals contain some of the outreach and advocacy materials – the photographs, posters, and periodicals – produced by the UBCIC since its founding in 1969.
UBCIC has produced a number of publications and documentary films, many of which are available online in full or part.
These specialized exhibits include digitized materials of important events, topics, and research relating to BC Indigenous political movements and land rights advocacy.
UBCIC also stewards some online research resources relating to land claims and First Nations issues.
Materials produced by the Joint Indian Reserve Commission (1876 to 1878) and the Indian Reserve Commission (1878 to 1910) as well as supplemental information and indices.
The "Our Homes Are Bleeding" collection has grown out of the stories of cut-off lands in British Columbia. Research resources in this collection include the testimonies provided to and the report produced by the McKenna McBride Royal Commission (1913 - 1916) as well as other primary and secondary sources.
The First Nations Digital Document Source (FNDDS) is a collection of electronic documents used primarily for research in land claims and First Nations issues. Documents include court decisions, legislation, treaties, claims policies, privy council orders, research guides, and instructional resources related to land claims and Aboriginal title, particularly in the Canadian context. The FNDDS is owned collectively by the Claims Research Units (CRU) research directors.
Living Proof is a tool for Indigenous peoples looking to assert their ongoing ties to the land, or for anyone working with resources on Indigenous territories, written by Terry Tobias. This book is a methodology guide for conducting land use-and-occupancy projects. It provides best practice recommendations for all steps in map projects, from equipment and project management to interview techniques.