Photograph Archives

The United Church of Canada Archives in Toronto holds a substantial collection of photographs depicting the children, staff, and buildings of their residential schools. In many cases, church officials and principals took these photographs for the purpose of promoting the schools and the assimilation of Indigenous children. They are a concrete expression of the Methodist and United Church’s role in colonization.

At the same time, these photographs speak to the strength and resilience of the children and their families and communities. While many photographs are of students, they often remain unidentified in the records. We have provided the opportunity for viewers to contribute any information they may have about these images to provide a deeper understanding of the photographs’ context. Any information about individuals in the images will not be posted online, for privacy reasons. The purpose of gathering this information is to ensure the records are as helpful as possible for the Truth and Reconciliation process.

Please note that descriptions may include outdated cultural references, stereotypes, or problematic wording that is no longer used or considered appropriate and does not reflect the views of the United Church of Canada and their commitments to equity. Please see The United Church of Canada Archives Equity Statement for more information.

Collections

Below is a list of collections and fonds where images on this site can be found.

• Images with the accession BCCA are part of the Pacific Mountain Regional Council Archives Reference collection.
• Images with the accession 1976.001 and 1976.003 are part of the Portraits collection.
• Images with the accession 1983.058 are part of the United Church of Canada Woman’s Missionary Society fonds.
• Images with the accession 1986.078 are part of the Anne E Copithrone fonds.
• Images with the accession 1986.158 are part of the United Church of Canada Board of Home Missions fonds.
• Images with the accession 1986.229 are part of the Denzil Ridout fonds.
• Images with the accession 1990.162 are part of the Ontario Churches and Institutions Photograph collection.
• Images with the accession 1993.049 are part of the From Mission to Partnership Photograph collection.
• Images with the accession 1998.165 are part of the Bessie French fonds.
• Images with the accession 2008.011 and 2013.181 are part of the United Church of Canada Division of Communications fonds.
• Images with the accession 2013.012 are part of the United Church of Canada Office of the Moderator and General Secretary fonds.
• Images with the accession 2013.064 are part of the United Church of Canada Board of Publication fonds.
• Images with the accession 2013.122 are part of the United Church of Canada General Council Committees collection.