Colonial Times in BC

Journal Reflection #5

Do you think the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few?

Numbered Treaties● Between 1871-1921 Canada signed a series of numbered treaties with

various First Nations in accordance with Royal Proclamation and the British North America Act.

● FN concepts of land title were at odds with European ones. Clans or individuals could have the right to a particular activity on particular land, but one did not “own” the land itself.

● Thus, generally these treaties allow FN to hunt, fish, and extract resources on the land.

● However, with some exceptions, these were generally not carried out in BC.

BC’s Early Days● The HBC moved its headquarters to Fort Victoria in response to American

expansion West. Vancouver Island was then made an official colony, with the HBC to run it for a short period.

● One of the first governors was James Douglas, a man who would have a profound impact on FN relations.

● Although the fur trade was still very important, the FN recognized that the Europeans showed an interest in minerals such as coal and gold, and began to trade these with them...

Cariboo Gold Rush

Gold Rush● Governor Douglas tried to keep the presence of gold a secret, but word got

out and tens of thousands of miners came to the mainland.● Having seen what “gold fever” could do to the populace, Douglas and the

colonial office formed an additional colony on the mainland in 1858, called British Columbia. These two would join in 1886.

● The influx of miners brought increased tension with FN. Miners brought disease, and in many cases damaged rivers that FN relied on. This would result in several conflicts.

Chilcotin War “We meant war, not murder”- Lhatsas?in

Read pages 84-85

Perspectives (in Groups)

● What is the perspective of the Tsilhqot’in?● What is the perspective of the settlers?● What do YOU think about this conflict?

So what?“If you go into Tsilhqot’in territory today, you will find that the Chilcotin War is as fresh in people’s minds as if it happened last year. It is not just about the past; it is also about the relationship between today's Tsilhqot’in and the immigrant population.” - http://www.canadianmysteries.ca/sites/klatsassin/aftermath/chilcotinwartoday/indexen.html

● In 1993 the provincial government officially apologized.

What is the implication of an apology?

Today

“The Supreme Court of Canada has granted declaration of aboriginal title to more than 1,700 square kilometres of land in British Columbia to the Tsilhqot'in First Nation, the first time the court has made such a ruling regarding aboriginal land.”

Top court's decision resolves legal questions following 2012 B.C. Court of Appeal rulingCBC News Posted: Jun 26, 2014 9:59 AM ET

Douglas Treaties● WSANEC understanding was of a peace treaty and co-existence. Not

surrender of land.● We are standing on Douglas treaty land right now.● Victoria, Saanich, Sooke, Nanaimo, and Port Hardy are covered by the

Douglas treaties.

Treaty Terms● First Nations land was surrendered “entirely and forever” in exchange for

cash, clothing, and blankets.● Existing village sites and fields were kept for their use.● First Nations kept the right to “hunt over unoccupied lands” and “continue

their fisheries as formerly”

Douglas System● After 1854 Douglas stopped signing treaties and instead moved to a reserve

system.● Most reserves were in areas that settlers were moving towards to start

farming, such as in the Fraser Valley.● Douglas “allowed” F.N. to pre-empt land, which meant they could own it. Just

as any European settler could.● However, this greatly upset the European settlers as at the time FN

outnumbered them. They feared that all of the good land would be taken. After Douglas, this wouldn’t be allowed.

Legacy

● The Douglas system of Indian reserves ignored aboriginal title, and acted as if it never existed.

● Fought to defend FN land rights, based on assimilation principles.

● He left his successors with the idea that 10 acres per family was the appropriate reserve size.

Joseph Trutch

● Followed Douglas as administrator of FN policy in BC.● Ignored aboriginal title, and didn’t believe in “10 acres per

family” or FN right to pre-empt land. He shrank reserves and removed the laws to pre-empt for FN people.

Journal Reflection #6

“What do you imagine BC would look like if disease hadn’t rampaged among First Nations people? Do you think the relationship would be different if the population dynamics had changed?”