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Documents and Records

Pioneer Medallion Application Forms 1966-1967

Basics

As part of Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967, commemorative medallions were awarded to residents of B.C. who were born in Canada or resident in Canada before January 1, 1892. A similar program was offered in 1971 in connection with the centenary of B.C.'s entry into Confederation in 1871- see Pioneer Medallion Application Forms 1970.

Eligible B.C. residents could apply by completing and submitting a Pioneer Medallion Application Form. The following information was collected on the forms:

  1. Name in full
  2. Date of birth
  3. Place of birth
  4. If married - Maiden name
  5. Husband's given names
  6. Wife's full maiden name
  7. Occupation now or before retirement
  8. If born outside Canada:
    a. When did you first come to Canada
    b. Where did you first live in Canada
    c. Where did you live immediately before coming to Canada
  9. If born in Canada but outside British Columbia:
    a.When did you first come to British Columbia
    b. Where did you first live in British Columbia
    c. Where did you live immediately before coming to British Columbia
  10. Names of parents in full, including maiden name of mother:
    a. Father
    b. Mother
  11. Given names of brothers or sisters
  12. Any remarks you may care to make about your family background or experiences
  13. Do you have in your possession family records?
    - Photographs?
  14. Would you be wllling to make them available to the Provincial Archives as a gift?
    - Loan?

Finding the Records

Although increasing numbers of Chinese were settling in Canada by 1892, virtually no Pioneer Medallion Application Forms corresponding to individuals of Chinese origin have been found among the records. However, there is no index and they have not been comprehensively surveyed.

The records are owned by the B.C. Archives and have not been microfilmed. Forms were completed in duplicate, and filed in two separate sequences: by name of community and name of pioneer. To see the files, it is necessary to visit the B.C. Archives. A list of boxes and files is found in the archival description of GR-1489, which includes a Detailed Finding Aid. If you are unable to visit in person, contact the B.C. Archives for more information.

Photo banner: Detail from VPL Historical Photograph 78362