The Archives is a closed archive and has limited resources to dedicate to genealogical research. Please review the information below before submitting your request.
Personal information contained in church records is only available to the general public according to the following guidelines:
- Baptism after 100 years
- Confirmations after 100 years
- Marriages after 75 years
- Burials after 20 years
The Archdiocese of Vancouver Archives does not hold sacramental records for any other Diocese in British Columbia, Canada, or the United States. For information contained in other Dioceses, please see the below links:
- Archdiocese of Seattle
- Diocese of Kamloops
- Diocese of Nelson
- Diocese of Prince George
- Diocese of Victoria
- List of Dioceses of the Latin Rite
Accessing the Collection
Residential Schools
The Archives of the Archdiocese of Vancouver does not have any individual student records or files regarding residential schools. Contact the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba to access residential school files.
Catholic Children’s Aid Society
The Catholic Children’s Aid Society existed from 1905 until 1973. It was a society incorporated under the Protection of Children Act. At all times the society was operated under the direction from the Superintendent of Child Welfare of the Province of British Columbia.
In 1934 the Provincial Government established its own Social Welfare Society and appointed a Superintendent of Child Welfare. Following in 1934, all children, including Catholic children supervised through the Society, became wards of the Province under the custody of the Society of the Province became their legal guardian. At all times the funding for the society came from municipalities in the Great Vancouver area and the Community Chest of the Provincial Government.
In 1974 the society was dissolved and all records were forwarded to the Ministry of Children and Families. All records pertaining to adoptions were transferred to the provincial government. Access to adoption records can be accessed through BC Vital Statistics, visit their website for more information.