Métis National Council Historical Database Usability Testing Workshop

On March 6, 2020, President Chartier introduced the new MNC database of Métis scrip records.  The workshop took place at the Cameron Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

The new MNC Historical Online Database is a web-interfaced database that contains textual information extracted from archival documents relevant to the historic Métis Nation.

 “It is simply amazing the distance we have travelled since the mid-1990s in this field of research and the use of modern technology to preserve and present it” stated President Chartier.  “This research on the Métis Nation and in particular the Manitoba declaration, the northwest scrip and the censuses will go along way in assisting the Métis Nation in putting our claims forward in the political and legal areas, and in educating our people about this part of our history” conclude President Chartier.

To access the MNC online database go to https://apps.srv.ualberta.ca/ns/mnc/. No login required.

Background:

In 2007, MNC and University of Alberta launched The Métis National Council Historical Online Database.  This project of the highest significance for the Métis Nation is a part of the Métis National Council’s National Research Initiative, is a result of three years of extensive research by the Métis Archival Project (MAP) team lead by Dr. Frank Tough and based at the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta.  The project included developing a database of textual information extracted from numerous archival documents and high-resolution digital photos, as well as scans of various historical documents.

The MNC Historical Online Database is a state-of-the-art tool which enables researchers, and more importantly, Métis Nation citizens to access valuable historical information and reconstruct their genealogies, which is of vital importance to the ongoing clarification of Métis rights.

Video:  Métis Archival Project: 20 Years of Research and Rights