Vera Creighton Murphy

My life has been filled with challenges along with interesting and unusual events.

I grew up in Yale, BC and have always had family and friends in indigenous communities. I enjoyed visiting, playing with cousins, and hearing stories. Although I knew I was related to some of them, I was not sure of the connections. So, after retiring from work, I decided to do some research, was able to create a detailed family tree going back many generations, and after decades of applying, finally received my Certificate of Indian Status when I was 86 years old.

My mother had died when I was 8 years old, and we moved a number of times. I found it hard to fit in with others, and took the easy way quitting school, after grade nine. I did my best to be self-reliant, raised my children and earned my own way. I worked in a number of jobs including Canada Post and Home Care positions. Then I took computer courses which opened a new way to follow my passion for history. I have a huge collection of of books and reference materials, along with over 30 binders of family trees and genealogy information.

When I joined the Aboriginal Genealogy Network, I was able to work with two of their elders to draft and publish My Indigenous Dream.

Published by Clios Chronicles for Aboriginal Genealogy Association