Specific Land Claims Research
Canada’s Specific Land Claims process is a mechanism through which Indigenous Peoples can seek redress for Canada’s failure to meet its fiduciary obligations in the past. From the website of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada:
Settling specific claims is one of many steps on the journey to reconciliation with First Nations and helps create a better future for everyone. Specific claim settlements help to right past wrongs, renew relationships and advance reconciliation in a way that respects the rights of First Nations and all Canadians.
Dave has conducted specific claims research for the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, as well as independent consultants such as David Vogt and Traditions Consulting Services.
Digitization
Providing online access to historical materials frees researchers from geographical restrictions, democratizes access to archival collections, and allows public history projects to easily reference primary source documents to combat disinformation. Dave has worked with the Ridington Dane-zaa Archive to digitize and catalog thousands of photos, hundreds of hours of audio and video, as well as dozens of traditional songs and oral histories.
Database Design
Collecting data is easy – structuring that data in a way that makes it easily accessible is hard. Dave has helped the Ridington Dane-zaa Archive and the British Columbia Historical Textbooks project design their databases in ways that ensure project goals are met.
Document Retrieval
Finding relevant archival materials in various government repositories can be daunting. Whether you’re looking for files held at Library and Archives Canada, the British Columbia Archives, the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia, or the Province of British Columbia, Dave can help you find what you need.