OUR HISTORY - An Introduction

 

First Nations history was once a simple success story.
In just a few generations, we nearly lost it all…

Thriving
First Nations have lived in British Columbia for many thousands of years. At one time, British Columbia was home to the largest and most diverse population of Native peoples in Canada. When BC joined Confederation in 1871, it was the only province where First Nations people formed the majority of the population.

It is estimated that at least 34 unique languages were spoken in BC before Europeans arrived, in addition to many distinct regional dialects. BC had plenty of natural resources, permitting populations to flourish and diversify. Art, culture, social structure, trade relations and governance had been well-established for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.

Adapting
In the late 18th Century, First Nations people made contact with Europeans stranded off the coast of British Columbia. They began trading with them. More Europeans arrived, exploring along its rivers ever farther into British Columbia. Although permanent settlements were rare at first, towns began springing up around trading posts.

Until the 19th Century, European interests were primarily driven by trade. But with the onset of the Gold Rush and permanent settlement, Europeans set their sights on acquiring land.

Surviving
Settlers brought new diseases, such as smallpox, for which indigenous populations had no immunity. The population of First Nations people was cut drastically by disease. Settlers took land and resources for farming, logging, mining and fishing, leaving First Nations without the means to provide for their families. Many had to work for the very companies destroying their way of life, leaving behind traditional ways. In just a few short decades, permanent damage was done to centuries of culture, heritage and tradition.

In 1876, the federal and provincial governments established a commission to allocate land to each band. They met with First Nations people and, in many cases, established reserves on the only remaining land not already claimed by settlers. Although insufficient to support populations even then, reserves were cut back many times over the years without First Nations consent.

As settlers arrived, they also brought religion with them, and sought to convert First Nations people to Christianity. Over time, Christian churches established residential schools, taking First Nations children from their families. Forbidden to speak their own language and cut-off from traditional ways, many children were emotionally, sexually and physically abused. Suicide, substance abuse and a critical loss of self-esteem decimated an entire generation.

Rebuilding
Despite these injustices, First Nations people are fighting back. We still prefer negotiation over confrontation, but we must take back control of our lives. We need the resources and tools to do that, and Canadian courts have affirmed our inherent rights and title. The five First Nations in the Te’mexw Treaty Association are taking steps to affirm our claims and title though the BC Treaty process. Together, we are working together to build a better future for our descendants.

Sources:
www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca