MAP Lab
The Métis Archival Project (MAP) research team at the Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, has provided the data and digital images for the Métis Nation Historic Online Database. Since 1999, MAP has taken an innovative digital approach to archival records. MAP researchers have specialized experience with databasing, microfilm, microfiche, digital scanning and photography, and image enhancement. Over the past several summers, groups of MAP researchers have traveled to Library and Archives Canada (formerly the National Archives of Canada and before that, the Public Archives of Canada), located in Ottawa, to conduct exhaustive archival searches for relevant scrip and Métis historical materials. Student researchers are an integral part of this research project. Based on our experience, the labour-intensive conversion of archival documents to digital text actually produces a more intimate understanding of the underlying social patterns encapsulated by the historical record. Previous research projects at MAP have demonstrated that student participation in applied research has fostered many successful professional researchers and has encouraged individuals to pursue Honours degrees, graduate studies or other related professional training.
In October 2019, the MAP Lab celebrated 20 years by screening the following video at the Métis Nation Conference: Our Mother the Land Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Video Credits:
Video: Conor McNally
Sound: Dmitri Bandet
Music: Kris Glabush & Jason Borys