Provincial Archivist's Message

The women and men at the BC Archives are committed to acquiring, preserving and making accessible the documentary heritage of British Columbia for our citizens and researchers around the world.
 

The work of archivists is vital for ensuring accountability and for supporting understandings and interpretations of British Columbia through the management and retention of its personal, corporate and social memory.

We embrace the challenges of new information technologies in our ongoing commitment as stewards to this invaluable legacy.  We pride ourselves on providing access to our archival records while balancing our custodial responsibilities of "security", "integrity," and "authenticity."
 

Archives contain a wealth of records for you to discover.  They form the basis of research into all manner of subjects such as community, government, culture and heritage.  Although it can sometimes be challenging and research may take time, archives are truly an integral part of our lives.

As British Columbia celebrates its traditions, cultures and people during our acknowledgment of the 150 years of progress since the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia, we are reminded of the words of the Dominion Archivist Arthur Doughty in 1924:  “Of all national assets archives are the most precious; they are the gift of one generation to another and the extent of our care of them marks the extent of our civilization”.

 

As your stewards of this wonderful, rich asset, I invite you to explore the resources of our website, our vast and varied collections of records and encourage you to consider a research visit here in Victoria as part of your ongoing research projects or personal passions.