DOCSLIB.ORG

REPORT on the Status of Bc First Nations Languages

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
REPORT on the Status of Bc First Nations Languages report on the status of B.C. First Nations Languages Third Edition, 2018 Nłeʔkepmxcín Sgüüx̣s Danezāgé’ Éy7á7juuthem diitiidʔaatx̣ Gitsenimx̱ St̓át̓imcets Dane-Zaa (ᑕᓀ ᖚ) Hul’q’umi’num’ / Halq’eméylem / hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Háiɫzaqvḷa Nisg̱a’a Sk̲wx̱wú7mesh sníchim Nsyilxcən Dakelh (ᑕᗸᒡ) Kwak̓wala Dene K’e Anishnaubemowin SENĆOŦEN / Malchosen / Lekwungen / Semiahmoo/ T’Sou-ke Witsuwit'en / Nedut'en X̄enaksialak̓ala / X̄a’islak̓ala Tāłtān X̱aad Kil / X̱aaydaa Kil Tsilhqot'in Oowekyala / ’Uik̓ala She shashishalhem Southern Tutchone Sm̓algya̱x Ktunaxa Secwepemctsín Łingít Nuučaan̓uɫ ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ (Nēhiyawēwin) Nuxalk Tse’khene Authors The First Peoples’ Cultural Council serves: Britt Dunlop, Suzanne Gessner, Tracey Herbert • 203 B.C. First Nations & Aliana Parker • 34 languages and more than 90 dialects • First Nations arts and culture organizations Design: Backyard Creative • Indigenous artists • Indigenous education organizations Copyediting: Lauri Seidlitz Cover Art The First Peoples’ Cultural Council has received funding Janine Lott, Title: Okanagan Summer Bounty from the following sources: A celebration of our history, traditions, lands, lake, mountains, sunny skies and all life forms sustained within. Pictographic designs are nestled over a map of our traditional territory. Janine Lott is a syilx Okanagan Elder residing in her home community of Westbank, B.C. She works mainly with hardshell gourds grown in her garden located in the Okanagan Valley. Janine carves, pyro-engraves, paints, sculpts and shapes gourds into artistic creations. She also does multi-media and acrylic artwork on canvas and Aboriginal Neighbours, Anglican Diocese of British wood including block printing. Her work can be found at Columbia, B.C. Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, janinelottstudio.com and on Facebook. Department of Canadian Heritage, First Nations Health Authority, First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, Margaret A. Acknowledgements Cargill Philanthropies, Ministry of Indigenous Relations and We sincerely thank all of the British Columbia First Reconciliation, New Relationship Trust Nations community members who contributed to this For more information on our funding, please see our most report by completing our Language Needs Assessments recent annual report. and by providing the First Peoples’ Cultural Council Language Program with up-to-date and accurate data regarding the status of their languages. We respectfully acknowledge all of the invaluable work being carried out by communities and by individuals to maintain and increase the vitality of First Nations languages in B.C. and around the world. First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC) Language Programs We acknowledge that there may be errors or omissions 1A Boat Ramp Road in this report. We have relied on the best information Brentwood Bay, B.C. V8M 1N9 available to us and we are working to update our data T (250) 652-5952 on an ongoing basis. We encourage community members F (250) 652-5953 to contact us if they can provide us with updated E [email protected] information for any language or community. www.fpcc.ca Copyright © 2018 by First Peoples’ Cultural Council ISBN: 978-0-9868401-9-7 2 first peoples’ cultural council tablef o contents Foreword................................................................. 4 Executive Summary.......................................................5 Why Did We Put This Report Together?......................................7 Background and Goals.........................................................................7 What Does Language Status Mean? ........................................ 9 Definition of Terms............................................................................ 9 What is the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages? . .12 First Peoples’ Cultural Council Data ............................................................12 Table 1: Snapshot of B.C. First Nations Languages................................................14 Language Speakers (Fluent Speakers, Semi-speakers and Learners).................................15 Age of Speakers ..............................................................................18 Table 2: Number of Speakers by Age Group in 2018 ..............................................19 Language Resources ..........................................................................19 Language-Specific Measures of Speakers ........................................................20 Table 3: Language-Specific Measures of Speakers . 21 How can we help your community? .............................................................22 What is the Current Climate for B.C. First Nations Languages? ..............24 The Report on Truth and Reconciliation . 24 Federal Indigenous Language Legislation .......................................................25 Provincial Investment in First Nations Languages................................................26 The Importance of Language Diversity..........................................................27 What More Can Be Done to Revitalize B.C. First Nations Languages? ........29 What can First Nations leadership do? .........................................................29 What can other levels of government and educational institutions do? .............................29 What can individuals do? .....................................................................30 Appendix A: Language Specific Data ...................................... 32 Appendix B: First Peoples’ Cultural Council Resources ...................... 56 Appendix C: First Peoples’ Cultural Council Language Needs Assessment .... 59 report on the status of b.c. first nations languages 2018 3 foreword Tracey Herbert, First Peoples’ Cultural Council Weyt-k, achieved a lot with limited resources because we work in partnership with Indigenous experts and With our third edition of this report, we are pleased communities, respecting the knowledge of our own to provide an update on the continued progress of people. This has strengthened and directed us as communities in their language revitalization work an organization. The previous lack of resources and to share positive news on recent government has limited the opportunities we have been able to initiatives which will significantly enhance provide. This new funding will make a difference. ongoing endeavours by B.C. language champions. All 34 of B.C.’s Indigenous languages will have a As expected, since our last report, the number chance to receive the support they deserve. We of fluent speakers continues to decline with the sincerely thank the B.C. government for taking loss of many of our aging first language speakers. action to support language revitalization. At the However, the number of learners has increased federal level, there are currently no laws that over the last four years. I want to acknowledge recognize and protect the original languages of the language champions, Elders, young parents, this land. In response to repeated calls for action and teachers and their tireless effort to pass on from Indigenous leadership, the federal government the languages. The rise in learners is particularly plans to enact Indigenous languages legislation, notable in the young adult population; this finding co-developed with Indigenous peoples, that both holds much hope for the future of our languages. recognizes the languages as a fundamental right Indigenous languages are an integral part of and implements policy to support them. The intent Canada's shared history and culture. Revitalizing of the legislation is to facilitate the preservation, these languages is important for Indigenous people promotion and revitalization of First Nations, Métis and all Canadians. Strong links to Indigenous and Inuit languages in Canada. Such legislation is language and culture are the foundations for long overdue and will help to turn the page on our personal identity and sense of belonging. They dark colonial history. It will require the government support healthy individuals and communities to provide long-term support towards efforts to with improved health, economic and educational revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada. outcomes. Language has a vital role in the mental, The new provincial investment and the physical and emotional health of Indigenous proposed federal legislation are both examples of communities and supports increased academic reconciliation in action. Protecting Indigenous and economic success. Earlier this year, the B.C. languages as a fundamental human right provincial government recognized the importance and investing in their revitalization shows of Indigenous languages with a new investment respect for culture and heritage. We look in the revitalization of these languages across B.C. forward to seeing the continued growth of The funding will be used for community grants, our languages over the next four years. language revitalization planning and to expand language immersion programs and learning resources. First Peoples’ Cultural Council has Kukwstsétsemc, Tracey Herbert 4 first peoples’ cultural council executive summary This Report on the Status of B.C. First ᐥ At the preschool level, there are 2,137 children at 113 Aboriginal Head Starts or other early Nations Languages is the third edition childhood education centres receiving an of our survey of the language situation average of 4.9 hours per week of language instruction. There are 10 full-immersion in B.C. First Nations communities. Language Nests reported with 119 children attending. These children receive
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tl'azt'en Nation
    Tl’azt’en Nation PO Box 670, Fort St James, B.C. V0J1P0 Phone: 250-648-3212Fax: 250-648-3250 JOIN OUR DYNAMIC TEAM WE ARE HIRING A COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE Full Time - Contract The Tl’azt’en Nation are a people of the Dakelh, Carrier language group of north central British Columbia. Binche is 30 km north of Fort St James and Tachie is 50 km north of Fort St James; both communities are on the eastern shores of Nakal Bun, Stuart Lake. Dzitlainli is further north on Tremblaur Lake and is seasonally populated. There are over 1,500 Tl’azt’en members with approximately 600 on reserve. The health center provides services to 3 communities, Tachie, Binche and Dzitlainli (Middle River) with a satellite office in Binche. Tl’azt’en First Nation and its employees are committed to a proactive holistic approach to health and wellness, and to the delivery of services which are sustainable and honor the customs and traditions of our community. Title Community Health Nurse - Health Centre Job Duration Permanent & Temporary Reporting to: Director Health Services Position Summary We currently have vacant position in our Community Health Center: Our ideal candidate has a comprehensive range of core nursing functions and services in our community in program areas of community and/or public heath, primary care, and on occasion home care through promotion and maintenance of the health of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations that value the principles of primary health care and focus on promoting health, preventing disease and injury, prevention against addiction, protecting population health, as well as a focus on curative, urgent and emergent care, rehabilitation, and supportive or palliative care.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Experiences Guide to British Columbia
    Indigenous Experiences Guide to British Columbia Immerse yourself in the living Traditions Indigenous travel experiences have the power to move you. To help you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. To leave you changed forever, through cultural exploration and learning. Let your true nature run free and be forever transformed by the stories and songs from the world’s most diverse assembly of living Indigenous cultures. #IndigenousBC | IndigenousBC.com Places To Go CARIBOO CHILCOTIN COAST KOOTENAY ROCKIES NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA TRADITIONAL LANGUAGES: TRADITIONAL LANGUAGES: TRADITIONAL LANGUAGES: TŜILHQOT’IN | TSE’KHENE | DANE-ZAA | ST̓ÁT̓IMCETS KTUNAXA | SECWEPEMCSTIN | NSYILXCƏN SM̓ALGYA̱X | NISG̱A’A | GITSENIMX̱ | DALKEH | WITSUWIT’EN SECWEPEMCSTIN | NŁEʔKEPMXCÍN | NSYILXCƏN | NUXALK NEDUT’EN | DANEZĀGÉ’ | TĀŁTĀN | DENE K’E | X̱AAYDA KIL The Ktunaxa have inhabited the rugged area around X̱AAD KIL The fjordic coast town of Bella Coola, where the Pacific the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers on the west side of Ocean meets mighty rainforests and unmatched Canada’s Rockies for more than 10 000 years. Visitors Many distinct Indigenous people, including the Nisga’a, wildlife viewing opportunities, is home to the Nuxalk to the snowy mountains of Creston and Cranbrook Haida and the Tahltan, occupy the unique landscapes of people and the region’s easternmost point. The continue to seek the adventure this dramatic landscape Northern BC. Indigenous people co-manage and protect Cariboo Chilcotin Coast spans the lower middle of offers. Experience traditional rejuvenation: soak in hot this untamed expanse–more than half of the size of the BC and continues toward mountainous Tsilhqot’in mineral waters, view Bighorn Sheep, and traverse five province–with a world-class system of parks and reserves Territory, where wild horses run.
    [Show full text]
  • Key Terms and Concepts for Exploring Nîhiyaw Tâpisinowin the Cree Worldview
    Key Terms and Concepts for Exploring Nîhiyaw Tâpisinowin the Cree Worldview by Art Napoleon A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS in the Faculty of Humanities, Department of Linguistics and Faculty of Education, Indigenous Education Art Napoleon, 2014 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This thesis may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author. ii Supervisory Committee Key Terms and Concepts for Exploring Nîhiyaw Tâpisinowin the Cree Worldview by Art Napoleon Supervisory Committee Dr. Leslie Saxon, Department of Linguistics Supervisor Dr. Peter Jacob, Department of Linguistics Departmental Member iii ABstract Supervisory Committee Dr. Leslie Saxon, Department of Linguistics Supervisor Dr. Peter Jacob, Department of Linguistics Departmental MemBer Through a review of literature and a qualitative inquiry of Cree language practitioners and knowledge keepers, this study explores traditional concepts related to Cree worldview specifically through the lens of nîhiyawîwin, the Cree language. Avoiding standard dictionary approaches to translations, it provides inside views and perspectives to provide broader translations of key terms related to Cree values and principles, Cree philosophy, Cree cosmology, Cree spirituality, and Cree ceremonialism. It argues the importance of providing connotative, denotative, implied meanings and etymology of key terms to broaden the understanding of nîhiyaw tâpisinowin and the need
    [Show full text]
  • Section 12.0: Aborigin Al Consultation
    ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE APPLICATION WesPac Tilbury Marine Jetty Project ABORIGINAL ABORIGINAL : 0 . 12 CONSULTATION SECTION SECTION WesPac Tilbury Marine Jetty Project Environmental Assessment Certificate Application Part C – Aboriginal Consultation Section 12.0: Aboriginal Consultation 12.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION Aboriginal Interests are defined in the Section 11 Order (BCEAO, 2015b) as asserted or determined Aboriginal rights, including title, and treaty rights. An overview of planned consultation activities for the Project, activities completed to date, and a description of Aboriginal Interests is provided in Section 12.1 Aboriginal Interests. The assessment of Project-related effects on those Aboriginal Interests is presented in Section 12.1.4 Potential Effects of the Project on Aboriginal Interests. Issues raised by Aboriginal groups that do not directly relate to Aboriginal Interests, such as those pertaining to potential adverse social, economic, heritage, or health effects, and proposed measures to address those effects, are described in Section 12.2 Other Matters of Concern to Aboriginal groups. The assessment of effects on Other Matters of Concern to Aboriginal groups is also found in Section 12.2 Other Matters of Concern to Aboriginal groups. Section 12.3 provides the Issue Summary Table that summarizes Aboriginal Interests or other matters of concern to Aboriginal groups that may be affected by the Project, and the measures to avoid, mitigate or otherwise manage those effects. Information presented in this Application
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in the Northwest Territories: Chapter 2: Early Treaty-Making in the NWT
    Understanding Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in the Northwest Territories: Chapter 2: Early Treaty-making in the NWT he first chapter in this series, Understanding Aboriginal The Royal Proclamation Tand Treaty Rights in the NWT: An Introduction, touched After Great Britain defeated France for control of North briefly on Aboriginal and treaty rights in the NWT. This America, the British understood the importance of chapter looks at the first contact between Aboriginal maintaining peace and good relations with Aboriginal peoples and Europeans. The events relating to this initial peoples. That meant setting out rules about land use contact ultimately shaped early treaty-making in the NWT. and Aboriginal rights. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 Early Contact is the most important statement of British policy towards Aboriginal peoples in North America. The Royal When European explorers set foot in North America Proclamation called for friendly relations with Aboriginal they claimed the land for the European colonial powers peoples and noted that “great frauds and abuses” had they represented. This amounted to European countries occurred in land dealings. The Royal Proclamation also asserting sovereignty over North America. But, in practice, said that only the Crown could legally buy Aboriginal their power was built up over time by settlement, trade, land and any sale had to be made at a “public meeting or warfare, and diplomacy. Diplomacy in these days included assembly of the said Indians to be held for that purpose.” entering into treaties with the indigenous Aboriginal peoples of what would become Canada. Some of the early treaty documents aimed for “peace and friendship” and refer to Aboriginal peoples as “allies” rather than “subjects”, which suggests that these treaties could be interpreted as nation-to-nation agreements.
    [Show full text]
  • Obviation in Michif Deborah Weaver
    University of North Dakota UND Scholarly Commons Theses and Dissertations Theses, Dissertations, and Senior Projects 8-1-1982 Obviation in Michif Deborah Weaver Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.und.edu/theses Recommended Citation Weaver, Deborah, "Obviation in Michif" (1982). Theses and Dissertations. 672. https://commons.und.edu/theses/672 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses, Dissertations, and Senior Projects at UND Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of UND Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. OBVIATION IN MICHIF by Deborah Weaver Bachelor of Science, Wheaton College, 1976 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University of North Dakota in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Grand Forks, North Dakota August 1982 -s J 1 I This thesis submitted by Deborah Weaver in partial ful­ fillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts from the University of North Dakota is hereby approved by the Faculty Advisory Committee under whom the work has been done. This thesis meets the standards for appearance and con­ forms to the style and format requirements of the Graduate School of the University of North Dakota, and is hereby ap­ proved . ( I W k i 11 Title OBVIATION IN MICHIF Department Linguistics Degree Master of Arts In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a graduate degree from the Uni­ versity of North Dakota, I agree that the Library of this University shall make it freely available for in­ spection.
    [Show full text]
  • Annex 4.C.4 Terms of Reference for the IAMC for Trans Mountain Project TRANS MOUNTAIN INDIGENOUS ADVISORY and MONITORING COMMITTEE TERMS of REFERENCE
    Annex 4.C.4 Terms of Reference for the IAMC for Trans Mountain Project TRANS MOUNTAIN INDIGENOUS ADVISORY AND MONITORING COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE DEFINITIONS 1. Defined terms in these Terms of Reference have the following meanings, which also include their singular and plural forms: “Committee” means the Trans Mountain Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee established by these Terms of Reference as detailed in section 24, as may be amended from time to time; “Committee Members” means the Indigenous Caucus and the Government Committee Members; “CPCN” means the new Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, Instrument No. OC-064 issued to Kinder Morgan in relation to the Project on 1 December 2016; “DFO” means Fisheries and Oceans Canada; “Government” means the Government of Canada, including its departments and agencies; “Government Committee Members” are the representatives of federal government departments and agencies as contemplated by section 24(b); “Indigenous Caucus” means the members of the Committee appointed by the Indigenous Communities; “Indigenous Communities” are those Indigenous communities and groups to which the federal Crown determined it owes a duty to consult in relation to the Project, as set out in Appendix A; “Kinder Morgan” means Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC or the company that currently holds the CPCN, NEB Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity OC-49 and OC-2 for the existing NEB-regulated Trans Mountain pipeline, together with all related Amending Orders, authorizations and exemptions
    [Show full text]
  • Liard First Nation Newsletter R I a O
    rst Fi Na d t Liard First Nation Newsletter r i a o i n L K A S K A Issue 1 June 2020 Message from the Chief relationship within the business community. The debt owed to the federal government has been reduced, and reports and Council on funding provided are submitted on time. Dear Liard First Nation Members: We have expanded the staff employed by LFN and have a housing officer and an employment officer. A Housing In June of 2017, the current Council began its term, and the Committee was established to oversee and administer the last three years have been challenging and rewarding. housing allocations. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has presented LFN with unex- In the area of economic development, this Council has pected issues. In response to the risk posed by COVID-19 addressed the corporate financial trouble of the past and and the economic pressure, the LFN Council provided cleaned up the old mess. We established a new develop- financial relief and essential services to keep members ment corporation, First Kaska, which is on the right path healthy and safe. to creating job opportunities and wealth for LFN citizens. Much progress has been made during this time. This Council has rebuilt the relationship with the Govern- As of April 1, 2018, LFN has no longer been under ment of Yukon and negotiated agreements, such as the third-party management and the Council have been in Nahanni Range Road and the Robert Campbell Highway, charge. Since this change, all funds have been accounted that will provide jobs for members.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017-2018 Annual Report
    COMMUNITY FUTURES SUN COUNTRY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 CELEBRATING MISSION STATEMENT To plan and initiate development of our area through promotion and facilitation of cooperative activities dedicated to the social, environmental and economic well-being of our citizens. Community Futures Sun Country TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement Our Service Area Message from the Board Chair and General Manager ........................................... 1 About Community Futures Sun Country ................................................................ 2 Meet Our Team ..................................................................................................... 3 Board of Directors ............................................................................................ 3 Management and Finance ................................................................................ 8 Our Accomplishments ......................................................................................... 10 Strategic Priorities ............................................................................................... 11 Celebrating 30 Years ........................................................................................... 12 Loans Program ................................................................................................... 21 Community Economic Development ................................................................... 26 Wildfire Business Transition Project ......................................................................29
    [Show full text]
  • Dease Liard Sustainable Resource Management Plan
    Dease Liard Sustainable Resource Management Plan Background Document January, 2004 Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management Table of Contents Table of Contents................................................................................................................. i List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... ii List of Maps ........................................................................................................................ ii List of Acronyms ...............................................................................................................iii Glossary .............................................................................................................................. v 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Plan Objectives ........................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Background.............................................................................................................. 1 1.3 MSRM Mandate, Principals and Organizational Values......................................... 2 1.4 SRM Planning and Plans Defined............................................................................ 3 1.5 Scope of Dease-Liard SRM Plan ............................................................................. 5 1.6 The Process .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Nlaka'pamux Decision (2011)
    COURT OF APPEAL FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA Citation: Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council v. British Columbia (Environmental Assessment Office), 2011 BCCA 78 Date: 20110218 Docket: CA037570 Between: Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council Appellant (Petitioner) 2011 BCCA 78 (CanLII) And Derek Griffin in his capacity as Project Assessment Director, Environmental Assessment Office, Belkorp Environmental Services Inc. and Village of Cache Creek Respondents (Respondents) Before: The Honourable Madam Justice Rowles The Honourable Madam Justice D. Smith The Honourable Mr. Justice Groberman On appeal from: the Supreme Court of British Columbia, September 17, 2009, (Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council v. Griffin, 2009 BCSC 1275, Vancouver Registry No. S092162) Counsel for the Appellant: Reidar Mogerman Mark G. Underhill Counsel for the Respondent Griffin: Patrick G. Foy, QC Erin K. Christie Counsel for the Respondent Belkorp: Stephen M. Fitterman Place and Date of Hearing: Vancouver, British Columbia March 31, 2010 Place and Date of Judgment: Vancouver, British Columbia February 18, 2011 Written Reasons by: The Honourable Mr. Justice Groberman Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council v. British Columbia (Environmental Assessment Office) Page 2 Concurred in by: The Honourable Madam Justice Rowles The Honourable Madam Justice D. Smith 2011 BCCA 78 (CanLII) Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council v. British Columbia (Environmental Assessment Office) Page 3 Reasons for Judgment of the Honourable Mr. Justice Groberman: [1] This appeal arises out of a proposal to extend a landfill near Cache Creek by about 40 hectares. The landfill extension would occupy land over which the Nlaka’pamux First Nation claims Aboriginal rights and title. [2] The appellant (which I will refer to as the NNTC) is a tribal council incorporated in 1981.
    [Show full text]
  • Timeline: Cheslatta Carrier Nation and “Southside” Community 5000BC
    Timeline: Cheslatta Carrier Nation and “Southside” Community (Updated to March 3 2021 by Mike Robertson) Please contact me for additions and/or corrections [email protected] 5000BC Archaeological evidence confirms 7000 years of human occupation in the Cheslatta Territory 1763 British Royal Proclamation reserved undefined North American land for Aboriginal people. 1770 est “Grandmother Cheslatta” born 1774 Juan Perez Hernandez claimed the Northwestern coast of North America for Spain. 1791 Spanish explorer Esteban Jose Martinez traded copper sheets to Nootka Sound Chief Maquinna for sawn timber. 1793 Alexander Mackenzie became the first white man to travel through Carrier and Sekani territories while looking for fur-trading areas for the North West Company. 1805-1807 - Simon Fraser established four trading posts in Carrier and Sekani territories: Fort McLeod, Fort George, Fort St. James and Fort Fraser. Until the Hudson Bay Company and North West Company joined together in 1821, Fort St. James was the centre of government and commerce in British Columbia (then called New Caledonia). It claims to be the oldest established white settlement on the B.C. Mainland 1807 February 10th Simon Fraser wrote a letter to express what he witnessed in Stella (Stellaquo). “Almost all Natlians are gone over to Steela.. to grand feast to burn and exhume a couple of chiefs that died of late. When they return from there they will go to the mountains to kill Caribou.” 1828 Chief Kwah captured James Douglas at Ft. St. James, whom he held until his release was negotiated. The incident lead to conflict among different Carrier Nations. Douglas went on to become the first governor of the united colony of British Columbia.
    [Show full text]