How can I learn more about my family history?

Ask your family about any health conditions that parents, grandparents, parents’ siblings, cousins, or siblings may have had.

Ask about chronic disease (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure), inherited conditions, and mental health concerns.

If you’re not in contact with your family, you can check out genealogy sites for information about the generations before you. This might give you birth and death information that could help you get more information about the health of your relatives. Some genealogy sites also include genetic testing services. If you choose to have genetic testing, consider using a company that offers genetic counselling to help interpret results.

If you were adopted, start with your adoptive parents. They may have some information about your birth family.

If the adoption was in Alberta, you can contact the Government of Alberta Records, Registry and Connections for the forms you need to access information about your adoption.