This series consists of personal materials ranging from biographical information to records documenting Trigger’s student life to honours and awards. This series also contains newspaper clippings on Trigger, as well as personal correspondence files.

Biographical information consists of correspondence with biographical information sources such as Who’s Who, as well as a curriculum vitae and official documents such as an expired passport, 1984-2005, 1961, 2006 (Container 8, Files 405, 406; Container 6, File 323). Textual records include newspaper clippings and articles on Trigger, including Boyce Richardson’ article in Saturday Night, 1958-1996 (Container 15, File 581; Container 4, File 207; Container 6, File 326), which celebrates Trigger’s intellectual
contributions to society. Also included in this series are files entitled “Lubicon Business”, 1987-1988 (Container 5, 281-284), which provide a thorough overview of Trigger’s resignation from the board of the McCord Museum when members refused to join a First
Nations’ organized boycott of an exhibition of native artifacts at the Calgary Olympics, as well as a subject file entitled “Native Issues”, 1978-1991 (Container 6, File 327) which reveals his interest in First Nations’ issues. Trigger’s lengthy involvement with the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal, including his participation in the Presbyterian College Continuing Education Program, is also documented here, 1992, 1998-2005 (Container 7, File 362; Container 16, File 640). Agendas from Trigger’s office record his daily appointments and deadlines, 1984-2005 (Container 16, Files 627-633).

Trigger’s activities as a student are documented by old high school and university yearbooks, 1953-1979 (Container 8, File 416; Container 10, Files 417-418); his Sigma Xi initiation and certificate, 1963 (Container 8, File 411; Container 21, File 2); as well as his university degrees, 1959-1964 (Container 21, Files 6-7) and University of Toronto class graduation photos, 1959 (Container 21, File 20 and unnumbered). A selection of Trigger’s student papers reveals Trigger’s early scholarly potential, 1958-1959 (Container 12, Files 539-540; Container 14, Files 584-585; Container 16, File 637). A play manuscript entitled Ikhnaton: A Verse Play in Five Acts demonstrates Trigger’s effort at creative writing (Container 8, File 414). These records reveal how Trigger carefully documented his past, commencing in his teenage years, as well as his level of involvement in both scholastic and extracurricular activities. Additional correspondence files include early job offers from several universities, 1959-1961 (Container 4, File 279; Container 5, File 289).

Nominations of friends and colleagues for diverse awards, his own awards and accompanying letters and speeches, as well as memberships in honourary societies, 1983 (Container 8, File 412) reveal the extent of Trigger’s social network and his prominence in his field. In particular, Trigger’s nomination of Jerome Rousseau, a colleague and friend in McGill’s Department of Anthropology, for the Royal Society of Canada, demonstrates Trigger’s regard for others, 1999 (Container 12, Files 563). Another example of this includes Trigger’s convocation speech for the awarding of Dr. Marc-Adélard Tremblay’s honourary degree, 1998 (Container 5, File 287). This series also contains correspondence files, certificates, convocation programs, and convocation speeches from Trigger’s own honourary degrees which he received from McMaster University, 1999 (Container 5, File 286); the University of Waterloo, 1990, 1987-1990 (Container 5, File 288; Container 8, File 410); the University of New Brunswick, 1987- 1990 (Container 14, File 583; Container 8, File 410); the University of Western Ontario, 1987-1995 (Container 17, File 660; Container 8, File 410; Container 21, File 13); the University of Toronto, 2002-2003 (Container 6, File 297; Container 21, File 13; Container 16, File 643); and the University of Waterloo, 1990-1993 (Container 7, File 350).

Trigger earned such distinctions as the Order of Canada (Container 6, File 310, 328); the Innis Guérin Medal (Container 8, File 407); the Corn Planter medal (Container 8, File 408); the Ordre du Quebec, 2001 (Container 12, File 541); and the Prix du Quebec, 1991-2001 (Container 12, File 543). Associated artifacts, certificates, plaques, medals, and memorabilia are also found here, 1955-2006 (Container 21, Files 1, 2-5, 8-12, 14- 18, 26). Additional speech notes, news clippings, and correspondence files accompany Trigger’s many honours, 1958-2006 (Container 6, File 321; Container 10, File 518; Container 15, File 611; Container 16, File 639; Container 8, File 409).

The impact of Trigger’s fifty year distinguished career as an archaeologist is best exemplified in Retrospection: The Archaeology of Bruce Trigger, in which 22 of his colleagues and friends reflect on his significant contributions to the discipline of archaeology, 2003-2006 (Container 6, File 318). Trigger, himself, reflects on his own career in an interview by Eldon entitled “Understanding Antiquity- Bruce Trigger on his life’s work in archaeology”, 2005-2006 (Container 6, File 319; Container 15, File 609). Correspondence files, conference programs, and drafts for Trigger’s festschrift and symposium demonstrate the stature he attained as a scholar, 2003 2006 (Container 15, Files 612-613).

Trigger’s declining health is documented by get well cards and correspondence from friends, students, and close colleagues, and letters of condolence to his family in the aftermath of Trigger’s death, 2006 (Container 6, Files 324, 322; Container 21, Files 23- 25). Trigger’s obituary, eulogy, and funeral program are also found in this series, 1954- 2006, 1985-2006 (Container 6, Files 329-334; Container 8, File 415, 428-429; Container 10, Files 519-523).

This series documents Trigger’s scholarly contributions, in the form of conference papers, publications, reviews, and editorial work for peer-reviewed publications, mainly from his years at McGill University’s Department of Anthropology, 1963-2006. Professional correspondence is also found within these files, which are arranged by date of conference or publication date. These files demonstrate Trigger’s prolific publication output, his correspondence with an extensive network of colleagues in the international
research community, as well as the diversity of his research interests, ranging from indigenous cultures to ancient civilizations.

Files relating to conferences and symposia, as well as reviews, articles, and books provide insight into Trigger’s approaches to organizing his research, some of the major contributions he made to the field, as well as his role as a much sought after lecturer. Record types include correspondence, conference proceedings, manuscripts, articles, reprints, editorial guidelines, drafts, and lecture notes, 1949-2006 (Container 1, Files 1- 43; 44-134; Container 3, Files 135-206; Container 4, Files 209-278; Container 6, Files
290-296; 298-308; 311-312, 316, 320, 335-336; Container 7, Files 337-349, 351-361, 363-404; Container 8, Files 420, 422-424; Container 9, Files 430-484; Container 11, Files 524-537; Container 12, Files 561-564; Container 14, Files 573-578, 580, 586-588, 599; Container 15, Files 602-604, 619-620; Container 16, Files 641-642, 645-646; Container 17, Files 647-659, 661, 664-674, 676-723). These files document Trigger’s passion for archaeology, his efforts to stay current in terms of the literature in the field, and his respected position in the international arena. For example, Trigger was the editor of Volume I of the prestigious Cambridge History of the Native Peoples of the Americas. Artwork for this volume, as well as book reviews, reveal Trigger’s level of involvement with the project, 2003 (Container 14, File 598). Conferences of note include the Seagram Lectures I and II at the University of Toronto (1986) where Trigger delivered a paper entitled “The Historian’s Indian: Native Americans in Canadian Historical Writing from Charlevoix to the Present”, 1989-1997, 1985-1986 (Container 1, Files 41, 42), and the Fourth Gordon Childe Memorial Lecture at the Institute of Archaeology, the University of London (1982). Trigger’s lecture, entitled “If Childe were Alive Today”, 1981-1983 (Container 3, File 175) is a fine example of his long standing research interest in V. Gordon Childe and Childe’s contributions to archaeological theory and his relationship to Soviet/ Marxist archaeology, 1977-1986 (Container 3, Files 142-143, 174-175.

Materials relating to Trigger’s books include drafts of published and unpublished manuscripts, research notes, reviews, and correspondence with colleagues and publishers, as well as translations of these works into numerous languages, 1990-2004 (Container 1, Files 19, 20; Container 3, File 192; Container 6, Files 294, 311; Container 15, File 621-622; Container 7, File 372; Container 9, Files 482-483). Records pertaining to Trigger’s seminal texts contain complete drafts, manuscript notes, correspondence, and publication information. For example, The Children of Aataentsic, 1975-2002 (Container 2, Files 95-96; Container 3, File 196; Container 7, File 342 ; Container 9, File 434, Container 14, File 579; Container 17, File 662, 663, 675, 710, 718 ); Understanding Early Civilizations, 1995-2005 (Container 6, File 295; Container 11, Files 525-537; 6 Container 15, File 618), and A History of Archaeological Thought, 1989-2004 (Container 6, File 301; Container 7, File 340, 371; Container 9, File 460) are comprehensive in this regard. In particular, A History of Archaeological Thought, which also includes notes for the revised edition, 1991-2002 (Container 11, Files 524), as well as correspondence with Cambridge University Press regarding the index for the book, demonstrate the writing, editorial, and publication processes from the perspective of an academic in a comprehensive manner, 1989-2004 (Container 15, Files 614-1-617, 623-626).

A comprehensive list of Trigger’s publications is available in the accession file.

This series contains textiles created by McGill University, McGill students, or McGill student societies between roughly 1907 and 2006. Many items in this series are undated.

This series is described at the item level. Includes T-shirts, textile patches, cardigans, blazers, pillow cases, tobacco silks, neckties, a jacket, a cap, and a banner.

This series consists of various materials on women's activism kept or created by Madeleine Parent. A large portion of the documents relates to Parent's work with the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC), of which she was a founding member. However, the series also contains files on various women's rights initiatives and groups.
Topics covered include pay equity, pro-choice legislation, poverty and family allowance, and women workers in the textile industry, nursing, and food services. Several files document the NAC's work, including correspondence, reports, and meeting documentation. Files on the Gulf War, Meech Lake Accord, Federal constitution proposals, and free trade relate to worker's rights, peace activism, and the Canadian constitution from the perspective of the NAC.
Furthermore, there are materials from various groups such as the Fédération des femmes du Québec, Le regroupement de Centres de femmes, and Feministe Action féministe, as well as files regarding the Lea Robback foundation, which promotes education and provides scholarships for women. Several files relate to Indigenous women's rights, including materials on changes to the Canadian Federal Indian Act. Also included are files on Mary Pitawanakwat, an Ojibway woman unjustly dismissed from her job after filing a sexual harassment and racial discrimination suit against her employer, the Federal Secretary of State office in Saskatchewan, in 1984. The files include correspondence and various documentation on the case, Parent's notes, and two files on a biography project. Finally, there are files of correspondence and articles on various topics, including correspondence regarding Parent's speaking engagements and documentation on events and meetings.

This series relates to Trigger’s teaching activities in McGill’s Department of Anthropology, 1964-2006. Included are detailed lecture notes, class outlines, examinations, and teaching evaluations, 1978-2005 (Container 12, Files 544-551, Files 553-555; Container 17, Files 724-741). These files are arranged by course number. As well, correspondence between Trigger and undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students is found in this series, 2001-2006 (Container 12, File 557; Container 10, Files 510, 552). The aforementioned files reflect Trigger’s commitment to his pedagogical role, his meticulous revision and record keeping of course curricula, and the high regard his students felt for him.

Some administrative correspondence and annual report excerpts from the Department of Anthropology reflect Trigger’s involvement with his department, McGill’s Board of Governors, and with other staff members, 1967-1996, 1981-2003 (Container 4, File 280; Container 12, File 558). Correspondence files, meeting agendas, and reports from the McGill Joint Committee on Religious Studies document Trigger’s activities on this committee, as well as his commitment to this area of study, 1997-1999 (Container 16, Files 634-636). A sabbatical leave application form, 2000-2004 (Container 14, File 582) and Trigger’s final office schedule are also located in this series (Container 8, File 309). Recognition for his contributions to pedagogy include correspondence files pertaining to the distinction of being named James McGill Professor, 2000-2006 (Container 7, File 325), as well as his final report for this period, 2006 (Container 15, File 610). A McGill Quarter Century Club photo is also included, in recognitions for 25 years of service at McGill, 1989 (Container 21).

Correspondence pertaining to the Killam Award, curriculum vitae, Trigger’s project outlines and proposals, 1988-2003 (Container 8, File 413; Container 16, File 638) and Trigger’s Professor emeritus file, 2006 (Container 6, File 317) reveal how he was regarded as a highly esteemed professor at McGill.

The committee memberships series includes minutes, protocols and reports reflecting Somerville’s work as a an expert in ethics on the Law Reform Commission of Canada, the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Research Ethics committee, Expert Advisory Committee to the Canadian Red Cross on Stored Serum Samples, the National Research Council Human Subject Research Ethics Committee, the World Health Organization, the World Jurist Association, UNESCO, the McGill Aids Centre, the Beatty Memorial Lecture, the NWMO, the OACG, the CCES, and the Colloquium on Transdisciplinarity.

This series consists of H. Rocke Robertson’s numerous degrees, 1936 1971 (Container 4, File 87), 1932, 1936 (Container 20, File 269 270) and medical certificates, 1936 1976 (Container 20 Files 272-275, 277 278, 280-283 , 287-288), honorary degrees, 1964-1968, 1967-1971 (Container 2, File 33; Container 6, File 131; Container 20, Files 276, 279, 284, 289), awards, including the Montreal General Hospital Award of Merit, 1992-1993 (Container 1, File 1), the Brotherhood of Temple Eman-El Award, which includes an soundtape, 1970 (Container 2, File 28), and the Lister Centenary Prize, Doctor of Laws, the University of Glasgow, 1965 (Container 4, File 105). Robertson also received recognition and awards for his athletic abilities, such as the McGill Sports Certificate, 1936 (Container 20, File 268). Also included in the series are medals, such as the Order of St. John and the Order of Canada, 1969-1985 (Container 1, Files 25 26), military medals, 1939-1945, 1940 (Container 7, Files 139 141, 143; Container 20, File 271), and other honours, 1930 1974, 1962 (Container 7, Files 132 138, 142, 144).

Scholarships and chairs in his name reflect Robertson’s contributions to the fields of surgery and medicine, 1962-1996 (Container 1, File 11), such as the H. Rocke Robertson Chair in Surgery at the University of British Columbia, 1987 (Container 1, File 12), the H. Rocke Robertson Award for Clinical Teaching at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine, 1950 2005 (Container 4, Files 100 101), and the H. Rocke Robertson Chair in Surgery at McGill University, 1987 (Container 1, File 12), which was first awarded to David S. Mulder.