Historical Timeline

British Privy Council memorandum sets out doctrines of discovery & conquest

1722

Russians begin trading on BC coast

1740

Danish explorer Vitus Bering explores the BC coast

1741

Treaty of Paris signed

February

Britain, France and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris, ending the Seven Years War. Having lost the war, France gives up all claims of sovereignty in North America. Britain now claims sovereignty over the whole of North America east of the Mississippi (with the exception of New Orleans and Louisiana). Spain and Russia still maintain competing claims to parts of western North America, including the lands currently called British Columbia.

1763

Pontiac’s War begins

May

As the British attempt to gain control of Indigenous territories, Chief Pontiac leads the Ottawa, Objibwa, Potawatomi, Wyandot, Miami, Delaware, Shawnee, and Seneca nations in a three-year military action to drive the British east of the Appalachian Mountains. By late fall, Pontiac’s forces kill or capture more than 600 British colonists.

1763

Royal Proclamation of King George III recognizes Aboriginal title and rights to land

King George III issues a Royal Proclamation to affirm the Treaty of Paris and expand Britain’s claims beyond the Treaty. While reserving the lands of the west for the “Indian nations,” the King declares that these territories are now under the “Sovereignty, Protection, and Dominion” of Britain and are to be surrendered only to the British Crown. Under British sovereignty, peace and friendship treaty-making gives way to surrender treaties and the Crown forgets the international character of nation-to-nation relationships between Indian nations and Britain.

1763

Captain Cook explores the West Coast

1770

Spanish explorer Juan Perez sights Queen Charlotte Islands & visits off Vancouver Island

The Haida meet Spanish trader Juan Josef Peréz Hernandez during his journey along the Pacific coast. After welcoming the Spaniards in peace, the Haida engage them in trade. Hernandez had been instructed by the Spanish Crown to take possession of the land by erecting a large wooden cross on shore. The Haida and the Spaniards trade for two days without the Spanish setting foot ashore.

1774

Juan Francisco de Bodega y Quadra penetrates close to the Nass River

1775

Small pox epidemic

1776

Captain Cook charts Nootka Sound on his third expedition to the Pacific

1778

Epidemics appear on the Pacific Northwest coast

1780

Maritime trading voyages begin along Pacific coast (to 1820s)

1785

Captain George Dixon meets Haida and names the Queen Charlotte Islands

1787

Alaska is claimed as Russian territory

1788

Spanish build fort in Nootka Sound

1789

Alexander Mackenzie reaches Arctic Ocean and explores Slave & Mackenzie Rivers

1789

Nootka convention between Spain and Britain

1790

Captain George Vancouver charts most of Georgia Straight

George Vancouver, a British explorer, surveys the Northwest Coast in search for the Northwest passage. Though the Northwest coast would not be put under colonial policy until the mid 19^th century, Vancouver’s maps of the coast would enable imperial officials to ignore the presence of Indigenous people and advance their territorial claims over the area. Vancouver assigns the names of influential British individuals to various geographic features including “The Gulph of Georgia,” “Bute’s Canal,” and “Howe’s Sound,” portraying the coast as British possessions.

Alexander Mackenzie reaches Pacific in first overland crossing of North America

Scottish fur trader and employee of the Northwest Company, Alexander Mackenzie, traveling overland from the east, reaches the Pacific Ocean at Q’umk’uts (Bella Coola) in Nuxalk territory. A map of his journey is published in 1801.

1793

Maquinna’a people attack and kill most of the crew of the Boston

1803

Fort Simpson established by Northwest Company

1804

Lewis & Clark expedition first to travel overland in US from Atlantic to Pacific

1805

Fort St. John established by Northwest Company

1805

Mcleod’s Lake post established by Simon Fraser

1805

Fort Nelson established on Liard River

1805

Hudson Hope post established at Rocky Mountain Portage

1805

Fort St. James established on Stuart Lake

1806

Fort Fraser post established by HBC at Fraser Lake

1806

Road built from Fort St. James to Fort McLeod

1807

David Thompson visits the Kutenai. Kutenai House established

David Thompson (1770-1857), an explorer, fur trade employee, and cartographer, crosses the Rocky Mountains in 1807 to Kutenai. Thompson establishes Fort Kootenai/Kootenay House below the Upper Columbia Lake after cautiously crossing Piikani (Blackfoot) territory; Piikani people were targeting traders in retaliation to Captain Lewis’ murders of two Piikani individuals. By arrival in Kutenai territory, Thompson’s crew exhaust their food supply and rely on provisions of Roe Deer given by local Kutenai men.

Simon Fraser explores Fraser River and meets Nlaka'pamux at Lytton

Simon Fraser and his crew meet Nlaka’pamux in Lytton in June 1808, the first European travellers to do so. Nlaka'pamux oral history states that: Nlaka’pamux welcome Simon Fraser and share food, smoke, and ceremony; Simon Fraser refuses the Nlaka’pamux host’s offer of roast fish and requests they give him their dog for meat instead, to their dismay; and Simon Fraser physically violates local Nlaka’pamux women bathing in the river, taking advantage of the fact that they mistake him for a transformer.

David Thompson reaches the mouth of the Columbia River

1811

The ship Tonquin is captured and the crew killed in the Clayoquot area

The US ship the Tonquin is captured and the crew killed in Tla-o-qui-aht waters after the ship’s captain insults a Nuu-chah-nulth chief during trade negotiations by throwing furs in his face.

1811

Fort Astoria acquired and renamed Fort George after War of 1812

1812

Astorian and Northwest Company establish posts in Kamloops

1812

Permanent HBC post established at Fort George

1820

Northwest Company and Hudson’s Bay Company merge, known as HBC

1821

Fort Kilmaurs (Babine) established

1822

Fatal epidemic (cause unidentified) in Columbia River drainage (to 1825)

1824

54° 40’ established as boundary separating American and Russian spheres of influence

1824

HBC becomes active on the northwest coast

1825

Fort Vancouver established by HBC on Columbia River

1826

Fort Langley established

1827

Chief Factor John McLoughlin takes charge of area west of the Rockies

1828

James Douglas is captured in Carrier territory and released after negotiations

1828

Clallum village shelled by HBC gunboat

1828

Fort Alexandria established

1828

Fort Halkett established by HBC on Liard River

1829

Rev. Jonathan Smith Green (Protestant) tours Northwest coast

1829

Indian Affairs transferred from military to civilian jurisdiction in the Canadas (east)

1830

First Chilcotin post established by HBC

1830

HBC begins innoculating Native people against small pox

1830

Fort Simpson built on Nass River then moved to Tsimshian Peninsula

1831

A.C. Anderson of the HBC arrives at the Columbia River

Alexander Caulfield Anderson (1814-1884), an employee of the Hudson’s Bay Company, is sent to Fort Vancouver in 1832. A.C. Anderson establishes Fort McLoughlin in Bella Bella the following year.

Fort McLoughlin established in 1833 in Lama Passage, it was later abandoned in

1833

James Douglas becomes a Chief Trader within the HBC

After 16 years of working in the fur trade, first with the North West Company and then with the Hudson’s Bay Company after the merger of both companies, James Douglas is appointed as a Chief Trader. Chief traders received one of eighty-five equal cuts of forty percent of the company’s net profits or losses, amounting to £400 on a good year. These profit shares were dependent upon the price and market situation of beaver skins, in which Indigenous labour and participation were crucial.

Coal deposit at Fort Rupert publicized

1835

Hudson's Bay Company Chaplain and missionary Reverend Herbert Beaver arrives at Fort Vancouver

Eager to send a chaplain to the Columbia Department to enforce Christian values upon Hudson’s Bay Company employees and Indigenous people, the London Governor and Committee and Hudson’s Bay Company Governor, George Simpson, appoint Herbert Beaver in 1835 to serve as a chaplain and missionary for Indigenous people at Fort Vancouver. Beaver denounces the company’s practices of marrying multiple Indigenous wives and enslaving Indigenous people, creating great tension with chief factor, Dr. John Mcloughlin. After only two years, Beaver returns to London after facing much difficulty in working with the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Small pox epidemic in northern BC and southern Alaskan coast (to 1838)

1836

Indian reports of coal on Vancouver Island confirmed

1836

Dease Lake post established by HBC

1837

HBC granted 21 year exclusive hunting and trading license to northwest coast

1838

First Roman Catholic priests arrive at Fort Vancouver (F. Blanchet and M. Demers)

1838

James Douglas becomes a Chief Factor within HBC

At the age of 37, James Douglas is appointed chief factor for the Columbia Department, the highest rank in the fur trade. Douglas now oversees the entire fur trade of the Hudson’s Bay Company west of the Rocky Mountains. Douglas also sets up a fort on the Taku River under the advice of a local Indigenous resident. There, he refuses the demands of local Indigenous traders to price beaver skins at two blankets a pelt and forces them to accept a price of one blanket per beaver skin.

Jesuit Priest Father Pierre De Smet is in Kootenays and Okanagan

1840

Father John Nobilis active in northern New Caledonia

1840

Fort Victoria established by HBC

1842

Father Demers active in New Caledonia

1842

HBC begins laying out land boundaries

1843

Oregon Treaty establishes 49th parallel as US-British boundary

1846

HBC’s Pacific Headquarters shifts from Oregon (Columbia River) to Victoria

1846

A.C. Anderson explores routes between Thompson and Lower Fraser Rivers

1846

Measles epidemic (to 1850)

1847

Fort Hope established by HCB

1848

Royal Charter grants Vancouver Island to the HBC

1849

Richard Blanshard becomes first Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island

Richard Blanshard (1817-1894), a barrister who previously served the West Indies, is appointed Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island after the Colonial Office rejects Hudson’s Bay Company’s recommendation that James Douglas becomes governor, as Douglas already represented the interests of the Hudson’s Bay Company as chief factor. As almost all the colonial residents of the Vancouver Island were Hudson’s Bay Company employees, James Douglas serves as the de facto leader and severely undermines Blanshard’s authority. Blanshard resigns shortly after in 1851.

Chief Factor James Douglas receives direction to negotiate with Vancouver Island Tribes

With the creation of the colony of Vancouver Island in 1849, the Hudson’s Bay Company and the British Colonial Office entrust James Douglas to develop Indigenous land policy and implement private property. Douglas decides that Indigenous village sites, fields, and fisheries should be reserved by the crown and all other land be purchased. Douglas begins to negotiate land purchases with Indigenous tribes by written contract under the terms that tribal lands are to be forever surrendered and tribes may retain certain resource and land use rights.

Fort Rupert established by HBC to supply coal to an American steamship line

1849

Coal deposits at Nanaimo publicized

1849

Douglas concludes treaties in Victoria, Sooke & Metchosin

1850

Measles epidemic spreads from coast to interior

1850

OMI Bishop Pierre Paul Durieu comes to the Northwest coast

1850

Royal Navy destroys Newitti Village

1850

Douglas becomes Governor but remains Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company (to 1858)

Governor Blanshard resigns and returns home to England. James Douglas becomes Governor of Vancouver Island and remains HBC Chief Factor. The instatement of Douglas as Governor now meant he held two roles, one representing the interests of the Hudson’s Bay Company and one representing the interests of the British colonial government.

Read More 1851

Douglas concludes treaties in Fort Rupert

Douglas concludes treaties in Fort Rupert under similar terms to those pursued in the treaties in Victoria, Sooke, & Metchosin. The Hudson’s Bay Company has a special interest in developing coal deposits in Fort Rupert.

Read More 1851

Joseph Despard Pemberton becomes Colonial Surveyor

Joseph Despard Pemberton (1821-1893) is hired as a Hudson’s Bay Company colonial engineer and surveyor for Vancouver Island, as hundreds of colonists arrive from Britain. J.D. Pemberton is tasked with surveying the southern tip of Vancouver Island in preparation for colonial settlement and establishes the Wakefield system of land allocation which sought to create a wealthy land-owning class alongside a wage-earning class of European settlers. Pemberton himself comes to own a large farm estate near Victoria, aligning with the elite class. At the same time, Pemberton lays out Indian reserves, ensuring they are small (below 100 acres) and are confined within straight lines to make way for colonial settlement.

Read More 1851

Gunter’s Chain unit of land measurement introduced

1851

Gold found on Queen Charlotte Islands. Gunboats sent to Queen Charlotte Islands

1851

Haida men at Masset capture the American vessel, Susan Sturgis

Haida men seize the Susan Sturgis ship searching for gold at Masset, defending their land from settler exploitation.

Read More 1851

Douglas concludes treaties on Saanich peninsula

Douglas concludes treaties on the Saanich Peninsula under similar terms to those pursued previously. Douglas is an investor of a steam sawmill company in the area and decides to purchase the entire Saanich Country to solve his land ownership issues.

Cowichan crisis. Gunboat dispatched

1852

James Douglas becomes Lieutenant-Governor of the Queen Charlotte Islands

In attempts to regulate American interests in gold found in the Queen Charlotte Islands, James Douglas is appointed Lieutenant-Governor and charged with managing licenses for gold miners. It is apparent that by 1853 there is no significant quantity of gold on the islands and interest in the islands diminish, however, Douglas’ designation asserts British jurisdictional claim over Haida Gwaii and disregards the law and sovereignty of Haida people.

Peak of the California gold rush

1853

Douglas concludes treaty in Nanaimo

1854

Nanaimo coalfields purchased by HBC

1855

James Douglas sends military assistance to Washington Territory when war breaks out between Indigenous residents and American authorities

James Douglas provides Governor Mason of Washington Territory military assistance when war breaks out between Indigenous residents and American authorities in Washington Territory, sending a message that white settlers on both sides of the border would unite to stamp out Indigenous resistance.

Nlaka’pamux force American miners to retreat

1856

Anglican missionary William Duncan arrives in Victoria

1857

Anglicans establish Indian school at Fort Simpson

1857

Methodists establish Indian school in Nanaimo

1857

British Parliamentary inquiry into the affairs of the HBC

1857

Colonial proclamation claims all gold mines. Gold mining licences introduced

1857

Edward Bulwer-Lytton is Secretary of State for the Colonies

1858

British Columbia Act. New Caledonia becomes Colony of British Columbia

1858

James Douglas resigns from HBC to become Governor of mainland Colony of BC

James Douglas’ dual loyalties as Hudson’s Bay Company Chief Factor and the mainland colony’s governor comes under fire as he uses his powers as governor to limit the entry of gold miners into New Caledonia (British Columbia) so as to protect the Hudson’s Bay Company’s trading monopoly on the mainland. Consequently, James Douglas is forced cut ties with the Hudson’s Bay Company to maintain his position as governor to Vancouver Island and the mainland colonies.

Read More 1858

British government passes act establishing direct rule on the mainland

1858

Colonel R. C. Moody is Commissioner of Lands & Works (CLW) to 1864

Richard Clement Moody (1813-1887) is appointed Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, lieutenant governor of British Columbia, and commander of the Royal Engineers. Moody works under James Douglas’ leadership creating reserves and enforcing colonial law over the gold mines to establish British presence and prevent disorder such as warfare between miners and Indigenous nations.

Read More 1858

Royal Engineers undertake mapping of BC mainland

1858

Douglas reserves are laid out on BC mainland (to 1864) under Douglas’ policy

The Crown abandons any consideration of Aboriginal land title in the mainland and grants Douglas full authority over land policy. For lack of financial willingness by the Colonial Office and Douglas’ own belief in assimilation, Douglas avoids the issue of Aboriginal title and treaty-making over the next six years. Instead, Douglas pursues a policy of reserve allocation to facilitate the assimilation of Indigenous people into colonial society.

Read More 1858

Colonial proclamation states that all land is vested in the crown

1858

Indian people have right to pre-empt vacant crown land during Douglas’s governorship

Douglas insists that Indigenous people be treated as equal subjects to the crown and enacts the right of Indigenous people to obtain land outside of reserves through fee simple purchase or pre-emption. Douglas’ policy attempts to promote the assimilation of Indigenous people into colonial society and economy, though the policy is largely unsuccessful because of the prohibitive costs and bureaucratic barriers.

Read More 1858

Oblates of Mary Immaculate establish a centre at Esquimalt

1858

Gunboats sent to New Caledonia (BC)

1858

Fraser River Gold Rush

1858

Steam boats penetrate Fraser River as far as Yale

1858

Pack trail is established between Yale and Lytton

1858

Construction of Harrison-Lillooet road commenced

1858

Peter O’Reilly is Stipendiary Magistrate in Langley, then Fort Hope

Peter O’Reillly is appointed stipendiary magistrate for Langley District, then Fort Hope, and then becomes high sheriff in 1859. The following year O’Reilly is also made a gold commissioner. O’Reilly serves until 1866 and is tasked with a variety of responsibilities including: hanging convicted criminals; issuing licenses; settling land and water claims; and marking boundaries, asserting British colonial control over Sto:lo territories.

Gold Fields Act sets out Gold Commissioner’s duties and miners’ water rights

1859

Hudson's Bay Company trading license on Vancouver Island expires. James Douglas becomes Governor

The Regulation of the Fur Trade Act of 1821 which provided the Hudson’s Bay Company exclusive rights to trade within the “Indian territories” (the Northwest Territories) lying outside Rupert’s Land and not yet annexed by existing colonies expires in 1859 after being renewed once in 1838 for a period of 21 years. Trading licenses over Vancouver Island and the mainland are already withdrawn by 1849 and 1858 respectively, upon their establishments as colonies.

J.D. Pemberton becomes Surveyor General of Vancouver Island

1859

Douglas appoints first Gold Commissioners & Stipendiary Magistrates

News of gold in the Fraser Canyon sparks a rush in gold seekers to Vancouver Island and the Mainland by 1858, prompting Douglas to call for greater enforcement of British colonial law, authority, and jurisdictional stronghold over the colonies in fear of the possibility for Indigenous warfare and general lawlessness such as that experienced in California.

Douglas reduces price of surveyed land

1859

First Methodist missionaries at work in BC

1859

Father Charles Pandosy (OMI) active in the Okanagan. Catholic mission established

1859

Peter O’Reilly (Joseph Trutch’s brother-in-law) becomes Assistant Gold Commissioner

1859

Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (Anglican) comes to BC

1859

Methodists E. Evans, A. Browning, E. Robson and E. White active in Victoria

1859

Douglas or pre-Confederation reserves laid out (mostly to 1864; none after 1871)

Douglas attempts to create reserves appropriate in size to facilitate Indigenous self-sufficiency and assimilation into settler society. Douglas’ reserves are not thoroughly surveyed or published in the British Columbia Gazette, affording them ill protection from subsequent politicians who overwhelmingly oppose Douglas’ policies.

William Cox is Gold Commissioner at Rock Creek

William George Cox (1821-1878) is appointed gold commissioner and magistrate at Rock Creek. The following year, Cox works under the directive of James Douglas to mark out reserves in the Okanagan. Cox follows Douglas’ instruction to accommodate the boundaries set by the local Indigenous people and establishes a reserve of approximately six hundred square miles along the Thompson River in Kamloops. Cox’s reserve is one of the largest established in British Columbia thus far.

Commercial fishing begins to develop

1860

Edgar Dewdney and Walter Moberly open Dewdney trail between Hope & Similkameen

Edgar Dewdney (1835-1916), a trained engineer, and Walter Moberly (1832-1915), a land surveyor, work under Moody’s Land & Works Department to build a four-foot-wide trail that connects Hope to the gold mines of the Similkameen valley. The Dewdney Trail facilitates the transportation of settlers and their cattle to the interior for years. Edgar Dewdney later continues to build trails to mines throughout the colony under Governor Seymour’s policy of “blazing trails,” while Indigenous nations continue to be assigned reserves to make way for settler land and resource interests.

Royal Engineers widen Douglas-Lillooet trail into wagon road

1860

Similkameen post established by HBC

1860

Proclamation establishes procedures for pre-emption of unsurveyed agricultural land

1860

J.D. Pemberton is Surveyor-General Vancouver Island (to 1864)

1860

Victoria Gas Company founded

1860

Anglicans establish Indian school near Victoria

1860

Legislative Assembly of VI asks England for funds to extinguish aboriginal title; denied

1861

Pre-emption Amendment Act

1861

St. Mary’s Catholic mission established near Mission City (to 1984)

1861

Gold discovered in the Upper Peace River region

1861

Harrison-Lillooet wagon road completed

1861

Proclamation consolidates laws relating to the settlement of unsurveyed crown lands

1861

Country Land Purchase Act

1861

Gold Commissioners also become Assistant Commissioner of Lands

1861

John Carmichael Haynes is Gold Commissioner at Rock Creek

1861

Coqualeetza residential school established at Sardis (to 1940)

1861

Pre-Emption Purchase Act

1861

Colonial policy: Reserves to be defined as pointed out by the natives themselves

1861

Pre-Emption Consolidation Act

1861

Cariboo region divided into two parts, Cariboo East & West (to 1865)

1862

Metlakatla mission established (to 1887)

1862

Thomas Crosby (Protestant) active in Nanaimo

1862

Indians allowed to pre-empt land conditionally

1862

Smallpox epidemic reduces aboriginal populations in BC (to 1863)

1862

Peak of the Cariboo Gold Rush

1862

Gold rush on Stikine

1862

Building of Cariboo Road between Yale and Barkerville commenced (completed in 1865)

1862

Royal Engineers recalled to England; some individuals stay in BC

1863

Mining District Act

1863

William Cox is Justice of the Peace and Gold Commissioner for the Cariboo

1863

Road between Spence’s Bridge and Clinton completed

1863

Peter O’Reilly is a member of the BC Legislative Council (to 1871)

1863

St. Mary’s mission established by the Oblates

1863

Peter O’Reilly becomes Chief Gold Commissioner

1864

Western Union Telegraph Company decides to build telegraph through BC

1864

First Telegraph Act

1864

Rev. Robert Doolan begins mission among the Nishga

1864

B.W. Pearse is Surveyor General of Vancouver Island (to 1866)

Benjamin William Pearse (1832-1872), an assistant surveyor hired by his cousin, J.D. Pemberton, assumes Pemberton’s position as surveyor general after Pemberton retires. Pearse endorses the establishment of a sawmill at Chemainus Bay to harvest the abundant timber. Later in his career, Pearse marks out reserves in Victoria and Cowichan.

Governor Douglas retires

1864

Wagon road to Cottonwood completed

1864

Ahousat villages destroyed by Royal Navy

1864

Burrard mission established in Squamish territory

1864

Joseph Trutch is Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works (to 1871)

1864

Douglas policy is reversed. Douglas reserves cut back by Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works Trutch

1864

Joseph Trutch is Surveyor General for BC

1864

J.C. Haynes is Gold Commissioner for Kootenay area

1864

Chilcotin Nation uprising against Bute Inlet wagon road building party. Manhunt follows

1864

Some members of the Chilcotin Nation tried and hanged for uprising deaths

1864

Vancouver Island Exploring Expedition

1864

Legislative Council resolution calls for adjustment of Fraser Valley reserves

1864

Queen’s birthday celebration. Indians ask Governor Seymour to protect their lands

1864

British Vancouver Island Coal Mining Company buys HBC coal fields at Nanaimo

1864

Construction of Dewdney Trail completed

1865

An Ordinance for regulating the Acquisition of Land in BC

1865

International Telegraph Ordinance

1865

New Westminster is connected by telegraph to the United States

1865

Indian Graves Ordinance

1865

Western Union builds telegraph line north to Quesnel

1865

First grazing legislation enacted

1865

Philip Nind is Gold Commissioner at Lytton

1865

Vancouver Island Legislative Assembly calls for reserves to be opened up to settlement

1865

Fort Rupert village destroyed by HMS Clio

1865

Chilliwack is connected by telegraph to the United States

1866

Post established at Hagwilget by HBC

1866

Post established at Quesnel by HBC

1866

Union of colonies of Vancouver Island and BC

1866

Western Union Telegraph line & trail reaches Kispiox River

1866

Legislative Council discusses the adjustment of Indian reserves

1866

Pre-Emption Ordinance bars Indian people from pre-empting land (to 1953)

1866

New Westminster becomes capital of new colony of BC

1866

North America and Europe connected by cable

1866

Conveyance of Vancouver Island from HBC to the crown

1867

St. Joseph’s mission established in Williams Lake

1867

Constitution Act s.91(24). Canada responsible for Indians and lands reserved for Indians

1867

Barkerville post established by HBC

1867

An Ordinance to prevent the violation of Indian Graves

1867

Reverend Good establishes St. Paul’s mission in Lytton area

1867

Petition from 70 BC Indian Chiefs forwarded by Governor Seymour to England

1867

Legislative Council motion calls for Lower Fraser reserves to be defined & reduced

1867

Governor Seymour says reserves will not be reduced without his personal inspection

1867

Alaska is transferred to the US from Russia

1867

Gold Mining Ordinance

1867

Capital of BC moved to Victoria from New Westminster

1868

Fisheries Act of Canada does not affect BC Fisheries

1868

Matsqui Indians forward petition protesting the reduction of their reserve by Trutch

1868

Dominion passes Rupert’s Land Act

1868

Anthony Musgrave is Governor of united colony (to 1871)

1869

HBC acquires post at Masset

1869

Superintendent General of Indian Affairs empowered to grant location tickets

1869

Transcontinental railway link completed in American territory

1869

An Ordinance respecting Indian Reserves empowers local officials to settle land disputes

1869

Mineral Ordinance

1869

Omineca gold rush begins

1869

Economic depression in BC

1870

Methodists active in Victoria and Nanaimo areas

1870

Terms of Union confirms Dominion government’s responsibility for Indians

1870

Transfer of HBC lands to Canada

1870

Land Ordinance. Crown reserves right to resume land for roads

1870

British North America (BNA) Act gives province control over land (s. 92)

1870

Timber lands begin to be leased

1870

Fort Grahame established by HBC

1870

Mission established at Cowichan

1870

Pelagic sealing industry established (to 1911)

1870

Bella Bella post established by HBC at old Ft. Loughlin site

1871

Telegraph line from New Westminster to Quesnel comes under Dominion jurisdiction

1871

Joseph Trutch is Lieutenant-Governor (to 1876)

1871

BC enters Confederation. Indians remain the responsibility of the federal government

1871

Indian Affairs administered by the Secretary of State (to 1873)

1871

BC Government agents take over all non-mining duties from Gold Commissioners

1871

Exploratory surveys to determine route of CPR begun (to 1879)

1871

BC and Canada begin debate about the size of Indian reserves. Issue never resolved

1871

Constitution Act establishes authority of provincial departments and officials

1871

Lands and Works Department created to survey, map and administer BC Lands

1871

Peter O’Reilly works in Ominica as Gold Commissioner, tax collector and Indian Agent

1871

Canning Industry begins with establishment of Fraser River Canneries

1871

Mission established at Sechelt

1871

Indian people not allowed to fish commercially (to 1923)

1871

Schedule of All Indian Reserves (Surveyed) in the Province of BC (BC)

1871

Port Essington shipping and canning centre founded

1871

Bishop George Hills protests Indian policy to the Dominon

1871

Small pox epidemic in BC

1872

First Central Registry File system called the Red Series (Eastern Canada) established

1872

The right to vote in BC elections withdrawn from Indian people in BC (to 1949)

1872

Dr. Israel Wood Powell appointed (Victoria-based) Indian Superintendent (to 1889)

1872

Dominion Homestead Act

1872

G. A. Walkem is briefly CCLW

1872

Robert Beaven becomes Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works (to1876)

Robert Beaven (1836-1920), member of legislature, becomes Chief Commissioner of Land and Works. In 1875, as the federal government continues to pressure BC to create larger reserve sizes, Beaven and Premier Walkem repeatedly stall the process of publishing all the papers relating to the Indian land question in the legislature. Beaven’s actions interfere with the recognition of Indian land title and the creation of larger reserve sizes.

First railway survey party enters Peace River region

1872

Province makes public education free

1872

San Juan Island becomes part of US

1872

July 1 deadline for starting construction on the CPR expires

1873

Report of J.W. Powell on various tribes in BC including a Schedule of Reserves & Leases

1873

Matthew Baillie Begbie is Chief Justice in BC

Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie (1819-1894), the first colonist in BC to have legal training and who established some of the first laws in the colony such as the Pre-emption Act (1860), becomes Chief Justice in 1871 upon confederation. While Begbie sides with Indigenous communities and individuals on certain matters by urging the federal government to protect traditional fishing rights and passing a bill that secures the inheritance of a deceased white man’s estate to his surviving Indigenous wife and children, he is remembered as the “hanging judge” who executes 22 Indigenous people over the course of his career, including the six Tsilhqot’in chiefs of the Chilcotin War (1864).

Indian Superintendent granted magisterial (enforcement) powers

1873

Sir Alexander Campbell represents the Department of the Interior

1873

Methodist mission established at Fort Simpson.

1873

Metlakatla residential school established (to1908)

1873

Northwest Mounted Police formed

1873

Mission established at Fort St. James

1873

Bill providing for destitute Indians and halfbreeds of BC

1873

I.W. Powell visits coastal Indians

1873

Department of the Interior created. David Laird responsible (to 1876)

1873

Indian & Indian Lands branch set up under the Dept. of the Interior (to 1880)

1873

Petition of chiefs of the Lower Fraser expressing discontent over land settlement in BC

1874

BC Indians concerns presented to Privy Council by Interior Minister David Laird

1874

BC Land Act lets province alienate land without regard for aboriginal title. Disallowed

1874

BC Gazette notice reserving 20-mile wide strip along east coast of VI for a railway

1874

Glenora post established by HBC at Telegraph Creek

1874

St. Eugene mission established at Cranbrook

1874

Indian Board established in BC (to 1875)

1874

L. Vankoughnet is the Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs in Ottawa (to 1893)

Having served as a clerk in the Indian Department of the Canadian Civil Service since 1861, Lawrence Vankoughnet (born 1836), assumes the role of Deputy Superintendent General in the Indian Department. Vankoughnet is a long-term acquaintance of John A. Macdonald and heavily supports his policies when he becomes Prime Minister in 1878. Vankoughnet holds virtually all the decision-making power within the Indian Department as it is one of the least prioritized and least funded governmental ministries, mostly employed with unskilled workers. In his career, Vankoughnet introduces measures to make the Indian Department more economically efficient, which reduces its sensitivity to the situations of local Indigenous nations and sets the stage for twentieth century Indian Affairs.

Earl of Carnarvon is Secretary of State for the Colonies

1874

I.W. Powell is Visiting Superintendent & Indian Commissioner (to 1880)

1874

James Lenihan is New Westminster-based Assistant Indian Superintendent (to 1875)

1874

Father Grandidier expresses concern about the grievances of BC Indians

1874

Crosby Girls Home in Port Simpson established (to 1948)

1874

G.A. Walkem is Premier of the Province of British Columbia

G.A. Walkem replaces Amor De Cosmos as premier following the Texada scandal. As premier, Walkem passes legislation that denies the vote to Chinese and Indigenous people and pushes for the creation of Indian reserves smaller than that allowed by federal policy.

BC land Act of 1874 is disallowed by Canada because it disregards aboriginal title

1875

Papers Connected with the Indian Land Question published as BC Sessional Papers

1875

Canadian Geological Survey’s G.M. Dawson begins explorations in BC (to 1878)

George Mercer Dawson (1849-1901) conducts surveys in British Columbia to mark geological structures, evaluate mineral resources, assess the agricultural potential of land, and make recommendations for the paths of railways. Dawson’s work greatly contributes to the facilitation of non-Indigenous resource extraction and settlement. During a visit to Haida Gwaii in 1878, Dawson develops an interest in Haida culture which leads him to pursue ethnological work later in his life with Indigenous nations in BC.

Revised BC Land Act provides for Indian reserves (s. 60)

1875

Esquimalt and Naniamo Railway Act (grant of lands for railway purposes to Canada)

1875

Sub-agents are hired in various districts

1875

Land is available to settlers free of charge (to 1879)

1875

G.M. Dawson explores BC for the Canadian Geological Survey (through 1878)

1875

Indian Board abolished in favour of Indian superintendency system

1875

BC divided into two superintendencies, Victoria & Fraser (located in New Westminster)

1875

James Lenihan is Superintendent of the Fraser (Mainland) Superintendency

1875

I.W. Powell is Superintendent of the Victoria (VI & N. Coast) Superintendency

1875

Superintendents report to Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs in Ottawa

1875

Superintendents required to submit yearly activity reports to headquarters

1875

David Mills represents the Department of the Interior (to 1878)

1876

Canadian Governor General Lord Dufferin appeals for fair treatment of Indian claims

1876

Joint Indian Reserve Commission is established; reversionary interest is shared equally

1876

A.C. Anderson represents Dominion on Joint Indian Reserve Commission (to 1877)

1876

A. McKinley represents the province on the Joint Indian Reserve Commision (to 1877)

1876

G.M. Sproat is the joint federal/provincial representative on the JIRC (to 1880)

1876

First Federal Indian Act passed; consolidates all previous legislation concerning Indians

1876

Federal proclamation excludes Indian lands and resources in BC from the Indian Act

1876

James Lenihan makes a confidential report on the Indians of BC

1876

G.M. Sproat memorandum on Minister of Interior on Indian rights

1876

Federal PCOC extends federal Fisheries Act to BC; A.C. Anderson is Fisheries Inspector

1876

F.G. Vernon is Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works (to 1878)

Forbes George Vernon becomes Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works under Premier Andrew Elliot’s administration. The Joint Commission on Indian Land declares that some lands pre-empted by settlers near Okanagan Reserve Number One belong to the reserve, but F.G. Vernon and Indian Reserve Commissioner George Sproat refuse to act in order to maintain their voters’ support for the upcoming election. In 1878, Vernon requires that the lands on Indian Reserves be completely surveyed before being granted, interfering with the allocation of reserves.

Lower Post established by HBC on Liard River; McDame’s Creek Post on Dease River

1876

Order-in-council proclaims that the Fisheries Act of Canada extends to BC

1876

Indian people excluded from voting in municipal elections

1876

Anglican mission estabished at Masset village

1876

Indian reserve allotments require Executive Council approval (in addition to CCLW)

1877

Joint Reserve Commission issues report with some census information

1877

Powell appointed medical officer for Victoria Superintendency

1877

Kimsquit (Bella Coola) village destroyed by Royal Navy gunboat

1877

Federal Fisheries Act takes effect in BC

1877

St. Louis mission established near Kamloops

1877

Cannery industry established on the Skeena River

1877

A. C. Anderson’s Census report of the Shuswap and Okanagan Tribes

1878

G.M. Sproat is sole Reserve Commissioner (to 1880)

1878

G.M. Sproat reports on Indian fishing places

1878

G.M. Sproat reports on arable and grazing lands for the Indians

1878

Sir John A. Macdonald represents the Department of the Interior (to 1883)

1878

Forty-mile wide Railway Belt area from Yellowhead Pass to Burrard Inlet is reserved

1878

Anglican Church establishes presence in Alert Bay

1878

Telephone is used in BC for the first time

1878

G.A. Walkem is Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works (to 1882)

George Anthony Walkem (1834-1908), a Canadian-trained barrister and member of the Legislative Council serving the Cariboo district briefly becomes Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works. Walkem serves under Premier John Foster McCreight’s short-lived term in office.

George Anthony Walkem is Lieutenant-Governor (to 1882)

1878

Federal fishing regulations introduced in BC

1878

Chiefs & Headmen of the Lower Fraser express desire to have IRC settle their affairs

1878

IRC Sproat advises no water allotments for settlers until Indian water rights dealt with

1878

Crown Lands Amendment Act

1879

Surveyors instructed to show all Indian villages, cabins and fields on their plans

1879

Surveyors instructed to accurately show all roads & trails (and their directions) in plans

1879

Federal government announces CPR will follow Fraser River route in BC

1879

Lower Fraser (Yale, New Westminster & Coast Districts) Agency census (to 1880)

1879

Cemetery Act

1879

Nlaka’pamux assembly at Lytton discusses Indian Land Question

1879

Tsimshian confiscate nets of a cannery trespassing on their land

1879

Burrard Inlet chosen as CPR line terminus

1879

Victoria linked to Nanaimo by telegraph

1879

Order-in-council introduces salmon fishing licences in Canada

1879

Indian Superintendent given authority over Indian Reserve Commissioner (to 1898)

1879

I.W. Powell is Dominion’s Inspector of Indian Agents

1880

Rev. T. Crosby protests the treatment of Indians & the way reserves are being laid out

1880

Dogfish oil industry established

1880

G.M. Sproat resigns from Indian Reserve Commission

1880

Peter O’Reilly is sole IRC; reports to Visiting Superintendent (to 1898)

1880

Joseph Trutch is Dominion agent in BC on railway and Indian matters

1880

DIA is created; Superintendent General is the Minister of the Interior (to 1936)

1880

Canning industry begins on the Skeena River

1880

An Act to further amend the Indian Act prohibits Indians from assembling (to 1927)

1880

W.S. Gore is Surveyor-General of BC (to 1891)

1880

Construction of BC portion of the CPR begins; contributes to increased immigration

1880

Two superintendencies are abolished to make way for Indian agency structure

1880

Powell is sole Visiting Superintendent & Commissioner for all of BC (to 1889)

1880

DIA forms six Indian agencies

1881

Cowichan agency created

1881

Fraser River (or Lower Fraser) agency created (to 1910)

1881

West Coast agency created

1881

First Kamloops agency created (to 1884)

1881

Kwawkewlth agency created

1881

First Okanagan agency created (to 1884)

1881

Indian agents report directly to Indian Superintendent for BC (until 1910)

1881

Canneries established in the Nass River and Vancouver Island (East) Regions

1881

Construction on BC CPR line begins (to 1886)

1881

Chief Mountain leads a Nisga’a protest delegation to Victoria

1881

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Act repealed

1882

Census of Indians taken in BC (through 1883)

1882

Second Central Registry File system called the Black Series established (includes BC)

1882

Robert Beaven is CCLW (to 1883)

1882

Deacon Charles Harrison sent to Metlakatla

1882

Blue Bell and Silver King mines in operation. Nelson established

1882

Province starts granting crown lands for railway purposes

1883

BC Gazette notice regarding E & N Railway Land Grant rescinded & amended

1883

William Smithe is CCLW (to 1887)

1883

Northwest Coast agency created, but not active until 1888 (to 1910)

1883

Lillooet agency created

1883

Williams Lake agency created

1883

Railway Belt and Peace River lands are transferred from BC to Canada (to 1930)

1883

Federal Railway Act

1883

Act to Encourage Coal Mining

1883

Discussion commences about levying poll tax on Indians living off-reserve (to 1919)

1883

Settlement Act transfers first land grant for Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway

1884

Dominion Lands Act

1884

Vancouver Island Settlers Rights Agreement

1884

BC Land Act (posted notices required for diversion of water)

1884

Kamloops & Okanagan agencies amalgamated into Kamloops-Okanagan agency (to 1910)

1884

Motion in BC Legislature to remove Indians from valuable land. Defeated

1884

A.S. Farwell and G.M. Sproat reports on Indians in the Kootenays

1884

Indian Advancement Act introduces annual elections system

1884

Timber licences introduced

1884

Kamloops and Okanagan Agencies amalgamated (to 1910)

1884

All Hallow’s School for Girls established at Yale (to 1918)

1884

Changes to the Indian Act prohibit potlatching (to 1951)

1885

Return (Schedule) or Indian Reserves in BC tabled (BC)

1885

Steamers and ferry in operation on Thompson River

1885

Thomas White represents the Department of the Interior (to 1888)

1885

Tsimshiam delegation goes to Ottawa to discuss the Indian Land Question

1885

DIA creates Statistics & School, Correspondence, Registry and Technical branches

1885

Completion of the CPR from Montreal to Port Moody

1885

Father A.G. Morice active in northern BC

1885

Dominion adapts regulations for surveying and administering Railway Belt lands

1885

Bella Coola representatives tour Germany to exhibit their culture

1885

Nisga’a holding meetings on the Indian Land Question & resist surveyors

1886

Act to amend the Land Act

1886

Franz Boas begins to focus on Indians of Northwest Coast

Anthropologist Franz Boas (1858-1942) begins to focus on the Northwest Coastal Indigenous peoples after working with Baffin Island Inuit. Intrigued by a Nuxalk mask, Boas visits Newitti village in Kwakwaka’wakw territory and begins collecting Raven stories. Boas begins his anthropological work on the Northwest Coast believing Indigenous peoples are a vanishing race and that their cultural data should be collected for scientific value.

Department empowered to execute Letters Patent conveying Indian lands to third parties

1886

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway is operational

1886

Stony Creek post established near Vanderhoof

1886

Kootenay agency created

1886

DIA empowered to register Letters Patent conveying Indian land to third parties

1886

Nisga’a and Tsimshian delegation travels to Victoria to discuss Indian Land Question

1887

Commission of Enquiry into the condition of the Indians of the Northwest coast

1887

Northwest Coast Agency established

1887

White-Robson Conference addresses Indian water rights & other issues

1887

Regulations re: mining on abandoned or surrendered lands in Railway Belt introduced

1887

F.G. Vernon is CCLW (to 1894)

1887

CPR reaches Vancouver

1887

First American Railway line (Great Northern) reaches into BC

1887

Federal PCOC #1887 provides for access roads within the Railway Belt

1887

Victoria Electric Illuminating Company formed

1887

William Duncan and many Tsimshian move from Metlakatla to Alaska

1887

St. Catherine’s Milling Case - Privy Council recognizes Indian rights to land

1888

An Act to Amend the Land Act of 1884 requires gazetted notices for water diversion

1888

Report on the Enquiry into condition of Indians of the Northwest Coast published

1888

Spirit River post established by HBC

1888

Boarding school for girls established at Alert Bay (to 1905)

1888

BC passes first forestry legislation

1888

Fishing licences or permits become a requirement on the Fraser River

1888

Federal policy creates Indian food fishery. Indians not allowed to fish commercially

1888

Skeena River uprising

1888

Indian Graves Ordinance repealed by federal government

1888

Small pox outbreak (to 1889)

1888

Dr. Arthur Pearse, based in Yale, becomes "Missionary Doctor to the Indians"

1888

Small pox epidemic

1889

DIA creates Land & Timber, Statistical, Supply & School branches

1889

Precious Metals Case establishes provincial jurisdiction over precious metals in RB

1889

A.W.Vowell replaces Powell as Visiting Superintendent & IR Commissioner (to 1910)

1889

All hallows boarding school established at Yale (to 1918)

1889

Telegraph line constructed along west coast of Vancouver Island (to 1890)

1889

Federal fishing permit system introduced

1889

Babine & Upper Skeena agency created (usually called simply the Babine agency)

1889

Federal fishing regulations affecting BC Indians enforced

1890

Mining boom in the Kootenays (to World War One)

1890

Nisga’a establish a Land Committee

1890

Black River post established by HBC

1890

Kuper Island Indian residential school established (to 1975)

1890

Kamloops Indian residential school established (to 1978)

1890

Indian Reserve Commissioner O’Reilly directed not to allot fishing privileges

1890

St. Joseph’s residential school opens in Williams Lake (to 1981)

1890

Alberni day school (later residential school) established by Presbyterians

1891

Hagaga newspaper published

1891

Kamloops Wawa newspaper published (to 1917)

1891

Connolly (Bear Lake) post established by HBC

1891

BC railways granted 100-foot rights-of-way through crown lands

1891

Halibut fishing industry established (to 1924)

1891

Vernon & Nelson Telephone Company incorporated (becomes BC Telephone in 1904)

1891

Federal government passes PCOC to regulate the operation of residential schools

1892

List of Reserves within the Railway Belt drawn up

1892

Aboriginal people from BC participate in Chicago Columbian Exposition

1892

Report on the Census of Indians (to 1895)

1893

Hayter Reed appointed Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs

1893

Boarding school for girls established at Port Simosn (to 1920s)

1893

Nanakwa Indian newspaper published out of Kitamaat (to 1906)

1893

Economic depression

1893

Federal regulations restrict Indian fishing devices. Permission required to fish for food

1894

Peak of pelagic sealing industry in BC

1894

Dominion runs out of funds for surveys of Indian reserves in BC

1894

Indian Act amended

1895

Department of Indian Affairs starts mandatory band elections in some parts of Canada

1895

Boundaries of the Railway Belt are defined

1895

Headquarters introduces first file subject index

1895

Day school established at Ahousat by Presbyterians

1895

Smelter built in Trail

1895

Provincial Registry Act allows landowners in RB to register titles with the province

1895

Discovery of gold in the Klondike

1896

BC ceases alienating crown timber

1896

Sir Clifford Sifton is responsible for the Department of the Interior (to 1905)

1896

BC advised by Canada not to grant water rights within Railway Belt

1896

Elizabeth Long Memorial Girls Home established in Kitamat village (to 1941)

1896

BC Indians request that the federal government protect their chum fishery

1896

Canada Sessional Papers indicate the total acreage allotted for IRs in nine BC agencies

1897

Water Clauses Consolidation Act (standard form developed for recording water rights)

1897

Bonnington Falls hydro-electric installation becomes operational on Kootenay River

1897

Incorporation of BC Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

1897

James A. Smart appointed Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs

1897

DIA departmental reorganization

1897

Indian fishing devices destroyed by federal officials

1897

Crowsnest Pass Agreement reached regarding a second CPR trunk line

1897

BC passes Companies Act

1897

Schedule of Fisheries allotted to Indians in BC by the IRC prepared

1898

Assembly of Beaver Indians at Ft. St. John demand a treaty

1898

Hydro-electric plant built at Goldstream, near Victoria

1898

Silver Plate mine opened in Hedley

1898

Aschcroft Water, Electric & Improvement Co. builds dam on Bonaparte River

1898

Indian Reserve Commissioner Peter O’Reilly retires

1898

St. Eugene’s residential school established in Cranbrook (to 1970)

1898

St. Francis/Squamish residential school established in North Vancouver (to 1959)

1898

A. W. Vowell is Indian Commissioner and Dominion Superintendent for BC (to 1910)

1898

W.S. Gore is Surveyor General of BC (to 1905)

1898

Lands and Works Branch of Department of Lands separate

1899

Treaty 8 is concluded; adhesions continue until 1914

1899

Boer (South African) War. Indian soldiers from BC participate (to 1902)

1899

Forest sector begins to dominate BC economy

1900

Beaver Indians sign Treaty 8 at Fort St. John

1900

Christie/Kakawis residential school established (to 1983)

1900

BC premier requests Terms of Union be renegotiated and that reserve sizes be re-assessed

1901

National census

1901

Incorporation of Kootenay Central Railway Company

1901

Incorporation of Kettle River Valley Railway Company

1901

Board of Fishery Commissioners & BC Department of Fisheries established (to 1957)

1901

Largest sockeye run for the Fraser River recorded

1901

Stave Lake Power Company Incorporated

1901

St. George’s residential school established (to 1979)

1901

Dominion of Canada Schedule of all Indian Reserves published

1902

BC Packers established

1902

Songhees people displaced from their Victoria-area reserve by special act of Parliament

1903

Incorporation of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway

1903

Boarding school established at Ahousaht (to 1907)

1903

Richard McBride is premier of BC (to 1915)

1903

Boarding school for boys established at Port Simpson (to 1920s)

1903

Alaskan boundary dispute and award

1903

Buntzen Lake (Coquitlam) power plant begins supplying power to Lower Mainland

1903

Vancouver Island Settlers Rights Act

1904

American companies buy up timber licences in southern interior and coast (to 1911)

1904

St. Louis World’s Fair. Indian people from BC participate

1904

Second grant of land from BC to Canada for the E & N Railway

1905

Province reserves all unalienated timber lands

1905

St. Georges Industrial School for Boys established in Lytton

1905

Brittania Mining & Smelting commences operations on Howe Sound

1905

Frank Oliver is responsible for the Department of the Interior (to 1911)

1905

Prince Commission studies BC fisheries (to 1907)

1905

Province of Alberta formed

1905

Barricade (fishing) agreement negotiated with Babine Nation

1906

Assembly of coastal and interior Indian people at Cowichan

1906

Delegation of BC chiefs meet with King Edward to discuss the Indian Land Question

1906

Dominion Forest Reserves Act defined eight forest reserves in BC

1906

The western boundary of the Railway Belt is defined

1906

Railway Belt Act

1906

Economic recession

1907

BC passes OIC regarding reversionary interest

1907

Nisga'a form Nisga'a Land Committee

1907

Automobiles begin to be used in BC

1907

First Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern Railway train reaches Keremeos

1907

GTPR begins construction along Skeena and Bulkley Rivers

1907

BC’s Executive Council decides it will not make any further reserve allotments

1908

BC’s Executive Council refers query about aboriginal title to SCC, but is not entertained

1908

Canada-US border begins to be monitored by federal officials

1908

Federal government starts to regulate the canneries industry in BC

1908

Consolidated Land Act. s. 80 grants province reversionary interest

1908

Second delegation of BC chiefs to England

1909

Indian Rights Association formed in BC (to 1916)

1909

Interior Tribes of BC formed

1909

Boarding school established at Alberni (to 1920s)

1909

Timber & Forestry Commission appointed to study timber land tenure in BC

1909

Petition by Cowichan Tribes to the King of England. Referred back to Canada

1909

Northwest Coast Agency subdivided into Nass, Bella Coola and Q. Charlotte Agencies

1909

Water Act creates Board of Investigation (to 1939)

1909

Some northern nations sign adhesion to Treaty 8

1910

Rev. O’Meara submits Nisga’a Statement of Facts and Claims to the federal DOJ

1910

BC refuses to submit question of aboriginal title in BC to British Privy Council

1910

Vancouver Island Settlers’ Rights Agreement Ratifcation Act

1910

Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe

1910

Amendment to the Water Act defines the powers of the Water Commissioner

1910

Conference of Friends of the Indians of BC is formed

1910

Burrard Power Case clarifies water rights in BC

1910

Indian Reserve Commission is dismantled

1910

Indian Superintendent’s office in Victoria is closed and position abolished

1910

W.E. Ditchburn appointed to head Southwestern Inspectorate

1910

Interior Chiefs sign declaration setting out their position on aboriginal title and rights

1910

While in BC, Laurier visits Kamloops

Learning that he is in favour of larger reserves and recognition of Aboriginal Title, the Chiefs of Shuswap, Okanagan & Thompson Tribes present a Memorial to Sir Wilfred Laurier, Premier of the Dominion of Canada from the Chiefs of the Shuswap, Okanagan and Thompson Tribes, condemning BC land policies and game laws and rejecting BC’s takeover of their lands. Believing that the Queen’s laws will guarantee their rights, they request treaties with Canada.

1910

BC divided into three inspectorates: Northern, Southwestern and Southeastern

1910

Fraser River Agency is divided into New Westminster and Lytton Agencies

1910

Okanagan Agency is split off from Kamloops Okanagan Agency

1910

First stage of development of Stave Lake Falls begins (to 1916)

1910

Canada & US sign international pact ending pelagic sealing; Indians exempt from ban

1910

Burrard Power Co. vs. Regina clarifies Indian water rights

1910

Royal Commission on Timber & Forestry in BC (Fulton Commission)

1910

E & N Railway line extended to Alberni

1910

Lejac residential school established at Fraser Lake (to 1976)

1910

Barricade (fishing) agreements negotiated with Fort Fraser & Fort St. James bands

1911

BC offers to buy back Railway Belt and Peace River Block from the Dominion

1911

Dominion transfers juridsiction over water rights in the Railway Belt to BC

1911

Federal election (Conservative victory)

1911

Over sixty delegates of the Interior Tribes, the Indian Rights Association and the Nisga’a Land Committee meet with Premier McBride to protest BC land policies and demand to be heard by Canadian courts.

McBride declines, asserting that they do not have a legal case and that Indigenous people, in general, are satisfied with BC policies. In response, the Interior Tribes issues a Memorial and Declaration, reiterating their July 1910 declaration.

1911

Amendments to the Indian Act

1911

Kettle River Valley Railway Co. renamed Kettle Valley Railway Company

1911

An Act respecting the taking of Lands for Highway Purposes

1911

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway extended to Port Alberni

1911

First cannery built in the Queen Charlotte Islands

1911

Provincial Forest Branch is established

1911

Provincial Department of Lands and Works re-organized (to 1913)

1911

BC premier asserts province’s reversionary interest; calls for readjustment of IRs

1912

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway extended to Lake Cowichan

1912

Dr. J.A. J. McKenna memo to BC premier agreeing to set aside aboriginal title question

1912

Economic depression in BC

1912

Sechelt residential school established (to 1975)

1912

CPR acquires Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway

1912

Delegation of Interior Tribes travels to Ottawa to discuss land matters with the PM.

The Interior Tribes meets with McKenna and, after receiving a copy of the McKenna-McBride agreement, submits a Statement of the Chiefs of the Interior Tribes of British Columbia to the Honourable Mr. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada and Members of the Dominion Government, clarifying that their main concern is not the size of reserves, but the “stealing of our lands by the BC government.” The chiefs assert ownership of their territories and demand a Privy Council hearing, rejecting the mandate of the Commission and its ability to reach fair and unbiased decisions.

1912

Delegates of the Interior Tribes, Indian Rights Association and the Nisga’a Land Committee agree to unite under the Indian Rights Association on all matters related to the McKenna-McBride agreement.

1912

Indian Rights Association petition to Prime Minister Borden

1912

Friends of the Indians of BC present a memorial to the Governor General

1912

Provincial Water Rights Branch is established

1912

Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGER) is incorporated

1912

Bridge River Power Company formed

1912

Provincial Forest Act passed

1912

Province begins selling timber by auction (rights retained by the provincial crown)

1912

Indian fishing devices destroyed by federal officials

1912

BC Fish & Wildlife Branch requires the registration of traplines

1912

Jordan River project supplies power to Victoria area

1912

Province repurchases railway land grants

1912

Mckenna-McBride Royal Commission is established

1913

McKenna-McBride Royal Commission estimates BC Indian population to be 21,489

1913

Nisga’a Land Committee petition presented to the British Privy Council

1913

Nass Indians sign declaration

1913

Provincial Museum of Natural History and Anthropology Act

1913

Canada Geographic Board’s Handbook of Indians of Canada lists BC reserve acreages

1913

Interior Tribes statement addressed to PM Robert Borden

1913

McKenna-McBride agreement meansNisga’a petition not referred to Judicial Committee

1913

H. Cathcart becomes Superintendent of Inspection Branch (to 1917)

1913

Railway Belt Water Act (Amendment to the Water Act)

1913

Schedule of Indian Reserves in the Dominion

1913

Railway Belt Water Act

1913

Alaska Highway completed

1913

BC makes third grant of land to Dominion for E & N Railway

1913

Preliminary survey work on BC-Alberta boundary

1913

Deputy Superintendent D.C. Scott distributes circular to Indian agents re: procedures

1913

Approximately one ninth of BC’s land mass surveyed to date

1913

Approximately 500,000 acres in BC alienated for mining purposes

1913

Approximately 8.5 million acres in BC alienated for timber purposes

1913

Federal PCOC asking Indian Tribes to accept the findings of the Royal Commisssion

1914

Federal PCOC recommends Exchequer Court of Canada rule on aboriginal title

1914

BC Chiefs reject extinquishment clauses recommended by Dominion

1914

War Measures Act gives federal cabinet emergency powers

1914

Interior Chiefs request their claims be put to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council

1914

First World War begins (to 1918)

1914

BC Water Act

1914

Grand Trunk Pacific Railway completes construction in Northern BC

1914

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway extended to Courtenay

1914

Communities situated along railway lines are linked by telegraph

1914

Railway construction causes slide at Hell’s Gate and contributes to Indian famine

1914

Interior Tribes assembly

1915

Nisga’a delegation to Ottawa

1915

Canadian National rail line reaches West Coast

1915

Indian Rights Association statement on lands made to Minister of the Interior

1915

Canadian Northern Railway reaches Vancouver

1915

Nisga’a delegation to Ottawa

1916

Migratory Birds Convention Act

1916

Indian Conference statement refusing to accept McKenna-McBride Commission findings

1916

Allied Indian Tribes of British Columbia formed to press Indian Land Question (to 1927)

The Nisga’a and the Interior Tribes form the Allied Tribes during a meeting in Vancouver, in which the position of the Indian Rights Association is formally rejected and the organization dissolved. The executive of the Allied Tribes is elected to represent the Interior and Coast Salish, Kootenay, Tsilhqot’in, Dakelh, Kaska-Dene, Q’uwit’sun, Nuxalk, Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Haida and Gitksan peoples.

1916

McKenna-McBride Commission Final Report is published

1916

McKenna-McBride Commission resolution regarding water rights

1916

Duncan Campbell Scott is Superintendent of Indian Education

1916

Second stage of Stave Lake Falls development begins (to 1925)

1916

W.E. Ditchburn becomes Chief Inspector for BC

1917

Southwestern Inspectorate of BC abolished

1917

H. Cathcart is Superintendent of Lands (to 1929)

1917

Federal government requires fishing permits; imposes further restrictions for Indians

1917

Federal Soldier Settlement Act

1917

Provincial Soldiers Land Act and Soldiers Homestead Repeal Act

1917

Water Act amendments - Soldiers Land Act includes involvement of Water Rights Branch

1918

DIA and Department of Interior agree on policy to review and protect Indian water rights

1918

First World War ends

1918

Spanish Flu (influenza) epidemic kills many Indian people in BC

1918

Northern Inspectorate of BC abolished

1918

Report on BC forest resources Forests in British Columbia issued

1918

Federal PCOC #1509 issued regarding road allowances within the Railway Belt

1918

PGER reaches Quesnel. PGER taken over by BC Government (becomes BC Rail)

1918

Allied Tribes formally reject McKenna-McBride findings

After an assembly in Spences Bridge and large intertribal meetings throughout BC, the Allied Tribes drafts a Statement of the Allied Indian Tribes of BC for the Government of British Columbia, outlining the “present position of the Indian land controversy” in BC, emphasizing Indigenous territorial ownership and rejecting the McKenna-McBride recommendations. The Statement is distributed to Indigenous communities throughout BC before it is presented to Premier John Oliver in December.

1919

BC Indians table 20 Conditions proposed as a basis of settlement

1919

Provincial Indian Affairs Settlement Act (SBC 1919-c.32)

1919

CNR and CNPR incorporate as Candian National Railway Company

1919

British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruling Re: Southern Rhodesia

1919

Federal British Columbia Lands Settlement Act (SC 1920-c.51)

1920

Federal legislation permits enfranchisement of Indians without their consent. Repealed

1920

Ditchburn-Clark review of the McKenna-McBride Royal Commission’s work (to 1923)

1920

Duncan C. Scott makes it mandatory for Indian children (7-15 yrs) to attend school

1920

Alberni residential school established (to 1973)

1920

Seine licences not granted to Indians until now as a matter of departmental policy

1920

BC Indian population reaches lowest point

1920

Fire at Indian Affairs Williams Lake office. All records destroyed.

1920

British Judicial Committee of Privy Council ruling Amodu Tijani v. Southern Nigeria

1921

Pacific Great Eastern Railway (BC Rail) reaches Quesnel

1921

Indian Water Claims Act (BC)

1921

Assembly of the Allied Indian Tribes of BC held. The Allied Tribes meets in North Vancouver to continue lobbying British, Canadian and BC governments for a judicial hearing regarding Aboriginal Title

1922

Federal government removes some salmon fishing restrictions

1922

Stl’Atl’Imx (Lillooet) Tribe petition Dominion government to address aboriginal title

1922

GTPR and Canadian Northern Railway merge to form the Canadian National Railway

1922

Nass Agency amalgamated with Skeena Agency to become Skeena River Agency

1922

Vancouver Agency is split from New Westminster Agency

1922

Duff Commission studies fishing restrictions in BC

1922

Indian boarding schools become industrial and/or residential schools

1923

W.E. Ditchburn is Indian Commissioner for BC (to 1932)

1923

Provincial OIC 911 approves McKenna-McBride cut-offs of reserve land

1923

Indians permitted to participate in commercial fishery. Gas boats allowed on North Coast

1923

Federal PCOC 1265 approves McKenna-McBride reserves but not cut-offs in RB

1924

The elective system is introduced to replace the hereditary leadership system

1924

BC Electric Co. purchases stock in Bridge River Power Co.

1924

BC Premier John Oliver assures the SGIA that Indian foreshore rights will be protected

1924

Federal/provincial agreement on public harbours in BC

1924

W.E. Ditchburn becomes Indian Commissioner for BC (to 1929)

1924

Government prohibits unauthorized soliciting by Indians of outside funds

1924

International agreement between Canada & US restricts halibut fishing

1924

Historic Objects Preservation Act

1925

Allied Tribes of BC ask Parliament to examine question of aboriginal title in BC

The Allied Tribes petitions the Canadian Parliament for an inquiry, outlining the “Indian land controversy” since BC entered confederation. Due to government approval of the McKenna-McBride recommendations, the Allied Tribes declares that they are entitled to a hearing at the Privy Council and demands the funding and sanction to do so.

1926

BC Electric Power and Gas Co. Ltd. incorporate

1926

BC introduces trapline regulations. Trapline boundaries established

1926

Chief William Pierrish of Neskonlith tables statement with King of England

1926

Special joint committee holds hearings and rejects claims of the BC Allied Tribes

Canada appoints a Joint Special Committee of the Senate and House of Commons to inquire into Claims of the Allied Tribes as set out in their 1926 petition. The Committee considers the position of the Allied Tribes for two weeks, then declares that they had not proven any rights to the land based on Aboriginal or other title. The Committee recommends that the matter be closed, and blaming outside agitators for Indigenous resistance, recommends a ban on obtaining funds or legal counsel to advance Aboriginal Title cases. The Committee further recommends that Indians in BC receive an annual allotment of $100,000 to be spent on education, medical care and the promotion of agriculture, ranching and irrigation on reserves.

1927

Indian Act prohibits raising money or hiring lawyers to pursue land claims (to 1951)

Canada amends the Indian Act to make it illegal to obtain funds or legal counsel to advance Aboriginal Title cases. This ends the Allied Tribes’ hope of having a case heard at the Privy Council in London and the Allied Tribes dissolves. Indigenous resistance goes underground.

1927

BC legislates all defunct (non-operational) railways out of existence

1927

Special Funding Vote, a $100,00 annual payment for BC Indians, commences

1928

BC Electric Railway Co. taken over by the Montreal-based Power Corporation

1928

Influenza epidemic in Mackenzie Valley. Many deaths

1928

Scott-Cathcart agreement reached on measures for transfering Indian reserves to Canada

1929

Stock market crash. Beginning of the Great Depression (to World War Two)

1929

Board of Investigation renamed Water Board

1929

Judicial Committee of the Privy Council rules BC has jurisdiction over fish processing

1929

C.C. Perry becomes Indian Commissioner for BC (to 1936)

1929

St. Michael’s residential school established in Alert Bay (to 1975)

1929

F.C. Green is Surveyor-General of BC (to 1946)

1930

Canada - BC Natural Resources Transfer Agreement

1930

Federal PCOC 208 transfers Railway Belt & Peace River Block from Canada back to BC

1930

Ruskin Dam operational

1930

Native Brotherhood of British Columbia formed

The Haida and Tsimshian form the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia (NBBC). NBBC organizes protests on fishing, lands, taxation and social issues. The founding declaration is similar to the Allied Tribes’ statement, but avoids mentioning Aboriginal Title. Its official mandate is to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indian people in BC. Unofficially, the NBBC seek recognition of Aboriginal Title.

1931

Native Brotherhood organizes protests about fishing, lands and social issues

1931

Position of Grazing Commissioner dissolved - duties passed to Chief Forester

1932

Fire at the Indian Affairs Lytton Agency office. All records are destroyed.

1932

Position of Indian Commissioner for BC abolished but re-established in 1936

1935

Major D.M. McKay becomes Indian Commissioner for BC (to 1948)

1936

Indian administration absorbed by the Department of Mines and Resources (to 1949)

1936

Canada and US ratify Fraser Salmon Convention

1937

Provincial OIC 1036 transfers Indian reserves outside the Railway Belt & Peace River Block to the federal crown

1938

Cathcart-Taggart report on ordnance and admiralty lands in BC (government reserves)

1939

Second World War begins (to 1945)

1939

Fire destroys much of BC Attorney General ministry’s letterbooks for 1872-1917

1939

Indian Water Claims Act partly repealed. Water Act is revised

1939

Crerar-Gray (federal-provincial) agreement on measures for dealing with cut-off lands

1941

Census of various bands in Stuart Lake Agency

1942

Indian commercial fishermen obliged to pay federal income tax

1942

Andrew Paull becomes president of fledgling North American Indian Brotherhood

Squamish political leader, Andrew Paull, establishes the North American Indian Brotherhood (NAIB). Paull had figured prominently in the Allied Tribes and the NBBC. The NAIB aims to organize Indians across Canada to fight for civil rights without loss of Indian rights.

1943

British Columbia Indian Reserves Mineral Resources Act

1943

Schedule of Indian Reserves in the Dominion of Canada-Reserves in the Prov. of BC

1943

Inquiry into provincial forest resources commenced

1945

Provincial Department of Lands is divided into Land Service and Forest Service

1945

Provincial Government creates the BC Power Commission to replace smaller utilities

1945

Second World War ends

1945

United States Indian Claims Commission is created (to 1978)

1945

Peter Kelly & Andrew Paull press for revisions to the Indian Act (to 1951)

1946

BC Region created by DIA

1948

W.S. Arneil becomes Indian Commissioner for BC (to 1955)

1948

Provincial legislation establishes Indian people’s right to vote in provincial elections

1949

Trans Canada Highway Act

1949

West Coast Transmission Co. incorporated

1949

British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council replaced by Supreme Court of Canada

1949

Nisga’a Chief Frank Calder is elected to the BC Legislature

1950

Indian Affairs portfolio is part of the Department of Citizenship & Immigration (to 1965)

1950

Northern Affairs portfolio is part of the Department of Resources & Development

1950

Creation of an Indian Claims Commission discussed in House of Commons debates

1950

Carbon 14 dating technique developed

1950

Korean War (to 1953). BC Indian soliders participate.

1950

Indian Act is revised - prohibition regarding the pursuit of land claims is removed

1951

Hope-Princeton highway opened

1951

Lower Post residential school established (to 1975)

1951

Oil & gas boom begins in Peace River District

1951

Kemano 1 project completed. Kenny dam floods Cheslatta territory

1952

Nechako Reservoir Study is first archaeological impact assessment in BC

1952

Pacific Great Eastern Railway (BC Rail) extended to Prince George

1952

Borden system for designating archaeological sites is developed

1952

Prohibition against Indians pre-empting land repealed

1953

John Hart dam near Campbell River completed

1953

Trans Mountain Oil pipeline reaches Port Moody

1953

Northern Affairs portfolio part of Department of Northern Affairs & Natural Resources

1953

Stikine Agency becomes Yukon Agency

1954

Pine Tree radar defence line completed

1954

Nisga’a form a tribal council to carry on work of the Land Committee

1955

Letter from DIA to Indian Commissioner BC declares Sinixt extinct

1955

The Indians of BC: A Survey of Social and Economic Conditions published

1955

BC Rail line from Quesnel reaches Prince George

1956

Fort St. John Agency transferred from NWT and Alberta to BC

1957

Burns Lake Agency established

1957

Viet Nam War (to 1975). BC Indian soldiers participate

1957

BC Department of Fisheries replaced by Department of Recreation & Conservation

1957

DEW (Distant Early Warning) radar line operational

1957

Burrard Thermal Generating Station commences operations

1958

Pacific Great Eastern Railway extended to Dawson Creek

1958

Nelson Commission makes recommendations on Treaty 8 provisions; no action taken

1959

Joint Committee for the review of Indian Affairs policy considers Indian claims (to 1961)

1959

Secwepemc leader, George Manuel and Nisga’a leader Frank Calder present briefs to the Joint Committee for the Review of Indian Affairs Policy

Citing the 1763 Royal Proclamation, Manuel and Calder both demand recognition of and compensation for loss of Aboriginal Title. The Committee recommends the establishment of an Indian Claims Commission to settle outstanding land claims in Canada.

1960

Federal voting rights extended to include Indian people

1960

Bridge River flooded to create Carpenter Lake resevoir

1960

Joint Committee recommends creation of an Indian Claims Commission in Canada

1961

Legislation creating an Indian Claims Commission is drafted but never enacted

1961

Transfer of 24,000 acres from province to Canada pursuant to Treaty 8 obligations

1961

Columbia River Treaty signed between Canada and US

1961

Provincial Government purchases BC Electric Company

1961

BC Electric Co. amalgamates with BC Power Commission to create BC Hydro

1962

Bill C-19, An Act respecting the Canada Court of Indians receives first reading

1962

North American Indian Brotherhood calls for legislated Indian Claims Commission

1962

Flooding at a government warehouse damages DIA records from the 40’s & 50’s

1962

Bill C-130, An Act to provide for the disposition of Indian Claims receives first reading

1963

Department of Indian Affairs restructured

1964

R. vs. White vs. Bob clarifies treaty and hunting rights

1965

Mid-Canada radar defence line discontinued

1965

Bill C-130 is amended and reintroduced as Bill C-123, but is not enacted

1965

Confederation of Native Indians of BC formed

1966

Government Organization Act

1966

Indian and Northern Affairs portfolios are merged under one minister

1966

BC-Yukon Region amalgamation with DIA headquarters in Vancouver

1966

Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) is formed

1966

High-voltage power transmission lines begin to be erected in BC

1966

Duncan dam on Columbia River completed

1967

Mica Dam-Kinbasket Lake Reservoir construction begins

1967

Museums Act

1967

Worrall Report on mineral resources on Indian reserves in BC published

1967

Nisga’a take their land claim to court

1968

Len Marchand becomes second Indian MP after Louis Riel

1968

W.A.C. Bennett hydroelectric dam completed; creates Williston Lake Reservoir

1968

Hugh Keenleyside Dam operational. Arrow Lake Reservoir created

1968

Indian Homemakers Association formed

1968

DIA establishes and admininisters Indian Mining Regulations

1968

Indian Claims Commission is established under Inquiries Act (Barber Commission)

1969

BC waives reversionary interest in Indian Reserves

1969

NDP position paper acknowledges aboriginal title never extinguished in BC

1969

Nisga’a initiate litigation that results in 1973 Calder decision

1969

Federal government acknowledges McKenna-McBride cut-offs were unlawful

1969

Trudeau government’s White Paper asserts that aboriginal title does not exist

Prime Minister Trudeau and his Minister of Indian Affairs, Jean Chretien, introduce a white paper on Indian policy. The policy is one of aggressive assimilation and is soon dubbed “The White Paper” by Indigenous leaders.

1969

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) forms as 144 chiefs and delegates from all over BC meet to discuss the White Paper and its effects on Indian people in BC.

1969

Federal government takes direct control over Indian residential schools

1969

Metric system of land measurement comes into use in Canada

1970

BC-Yukon Region separates

1970

Supreme Court of Canada upholds Indians’ right to drink in public

1970

At the second General Assembly of the UBCIC, UBCIC issues A Declaration of Indian Rights: the BC Position Paper

1970

BC Land Act eliminates the pre-emption system in BC

1970

Feet become the standard unit of land measurement

1970

INAC Membership starts transferring local administration of membership to bands

1970

BC Rail line reaches Fort Nelson

1971

UBCIC submission to federal and provincial governments on Native Title to BC

1971

The Canadian Government formally withdraws the White Paper and soon after, the UBCIC adopts its Constitution and By-laws and is incorporated under the BC Societies Act.

1971

Indian Fisheries Development Board

1971

George Manuel meets with New Zealand and Australian indigenous leaders

1971

George Manual meets with international indigenous groups

1972

Schedule of Indian Reserves and Settlements issued by INAC

1972

National Indian Brotherhood issues Indian Control of Indian Education paper which officially recognizes that languages and cultures are an integral part of First Nation education

In response to the recommendations from Chiefs and Elders the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) implements the Cultural Education Centres Program.

1972

UBCIC submits BC claim based on native title to the federal government

UBCIC presents a Claim Based on Native Title to the Lands now Forming British Columbia to Prime Minister Trudeau, demanding recognition of Aboriginal Title and compensation for its loss. UBCIC proposes that Canada establish a claims commission to adjust reserve size and determine the amount of compensation to be paid to Indigenous people for the loss of their territories. Trudeau ignores the proposal.

1972

Federal Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chretien introduces federal land claims policy

1973

Aboriginal rights discussed for first time in the federal House of Commons

1973

Calder vs. A-G recognizes land rights based on aboriginal title (SCC)

Calder v. Attorney General of BC. The Supreme Court of Canada recognizes that the Nisga'a held title to their land before BC was established, however the court splits evenly on whether Nisga’a title had been extinguished since the establishment of BC. In response, Trudeau changes federal policy to allow negotiation of "Comprehensive Claims" based on Aboriginal Title and "Specific Claims" based on reserve lands.

1973

Mica Dam (Kinbasket Lake Reservoir) operational

1973

INAC establishes Office of Native Claims to receive claims submissions

1974

Nisga’a comprehensive claim accepted for negotiation by the federal government

1974

Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry established

1974

BC Indian Cut-off Lands Settlement Act (federal)

1974

World Council of Indigenous Peoples founded by George Manuel at Port Alberni

1975

Mica Dam completed

1976

Province agrees to participate in Nisga’a negotiations; doesn’t acknowledge title issue

1976

Federal government adopts the comprehensive land claims policy

1976

Gitksan-Carrier comprehensive claim accepted for negotiation by Canada

1977

Kitwancool comprehensive claim accepted for negotiation by the federal government

1977

Commissioner on Indian Claims (Lloyd Barber) issues recommendations in report

1977

Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry report issued ("Berger Report")

1977

George Manuel is nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (and again in 1978 and 1979)

1977

UBCIC proposes Aboriginal Rights Commission consider aboriginal title & rights issues

1977

Heritage Conservation Act (BC)

1977

Ft. Nelson Indian Reserve Minerals Sharing Agreement

1977

Federal government introduces Salmonid Enhancement Program

1977

Kruger & Manuel v. The Queen

1977

Indian Nations Aboriginal Rights Position Paper formulated by UBCIC

1978

Indian Cut-off Bands Committee rejects federal-provincial cut-off lands offer

1978

Haisla Nation comprehensive claim accepted for negotiation by federal government

1978

Gerald LaForest reviews federal specific claims policy, recommends independent tribunal

1979

BC Chiefs & Elders make constitutional visit to England

1979

Aboriginal Council of BC founded

1979

Indian Cut-off Bands Committee rejects federal-provincial cut-off lands offer

1979

Baker Lake test for aboriginal title created by Baker Lake Federal Court case

1979

The UBCIC created and adopted a flag as a national symbol to represent Indian Peoples determination and power to safeguard their territories.

1979

UBCIC drafts the Aboriginal Rights Position Paper, outlining a basis for all discussions relating to land claims and Aboriginal Rights

The position paper advocates exclusive control over larger reserves and includes an Indian Government Manifesto that draws on the principles of nationhood, self-determination and equality of peoples.

1979

Canada’s First Nations petition Queen to recognize aboriginal rights in the Constitution

1980

UBCIC supports the Indian Child Caravan

The Spallumcheen band passes a bylaw regarding taking ownership of the care of their children. The UBCIC provides office space, organizes the media and provides the impetus for the generation of province-wide interest in the issue. The march and demonstration led by Chief Wayne Christian, goes from Vancouver, BC and eventually led to BC’s Minister of Social Services. The subsequent meeting of the Minister of Social Service, Grace McCarthy with the band led to an agreement which gave the Spallumcheen control over their own child welfare program.

1980

Nisga’a submission to Special Joint Committee of the Senate & House of Commons

1980

Association of the United Tahltans comprehensive claim accepted for negotiation

1980

Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1980

Haida Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1980

Heiltsuk Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

Nuxalk Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

Kootenay Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

Nazko-Kluskus comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

UBCIC mobilizes the Constitution Express

Trainloads of Indigenous people travel from BC to Ottawa to lobby Trudeau and the Premiers to guarantee Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination in the Canadian Constitution. In the end, Canada passes the Canada Constitution Act, 1982 recognizing “existing aboriginal and treaty rights” (Section 35). Three years later, after a series of unsuccessful First Ministers’ Conferences, the task of defining Aboriginal Rights is left to the Canadian courts.

1981

Some McKenna-McBride cut-off lands claims are settled (into the mid-1980’s)

1981

Federal comprehensive claims policy is set out in In All Fairness

1981

Federal claims policy altered to entertain local government participation at negotiations

1981

Pearse Commission into Pacific fisheries

1981

Economic recession

1982

Kaska-Dene comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1982

Neskonlith submission to House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs

1982

Canada Constitution Act recognizes existing aboriginal and treaty rights (s. 35)

1982

Federal specific claims policy is set out in Outstanding Business: A Native Claims Policy

1982

Christie residential school in Tofino, the last residential school, closes

1983

Meares Island logging controversy

1983

Indian Cut-Off Lands Disputes Act (BC)

1984

Len Marchand appointed to the Senate

1984

Declaration of the Chilcotin Nation

1984

Declaration of the Kwakiutl Nation; comprehensive claim submitted to Canada

1984

Guerin v. the Queen affirms fiduciary responsibilities of the Federal government (SCC)

1984

Task Force reviewing comprehensive claims policy issues report (Coolican Report)

1985

The UBCIC develops and adopts the Aboriginal Title and Rights Position Paper

It contained four principles that remain the guiding principles of the UBCIC: 1) Recognition that we are the original people of the land, 2) Recognition that we have the right to choose and will determine the type of authority we wish to exercise through our Indian governments, 3) Recognition that we have the right to exercise and will exercise the sufficient jurisdiction without our traditional territories to maintain our sacred connection to Mother Earth through management and conservation of the resource and the use of the resources necessary for the economic survival and well-being of our citizens and 4) Recognition that it is only through a process of informed consent that our territory, its resources or our governing authority over our lands and our people may be shared.

1985

Bill C-31 An Act to Amend the Indian Act

1985

Bill C-31 passes, ending discrimination against Indian women who married non-Indians

1985

Bill C-31 results in addition of many new members to BC Indian bands

1985

Canada revises its comprehensive claims policy

1986

An Act relating to the establishment of self-government for the Sechelt Indian Band

1986

United Church of Canada first to apologize for treatment at residential schools

1986

Canadian Bar Association affirms need for claims to be submitted to an independent body

1988

Assembly of First Nations publishes Aboriginal Language Policy Study (Phases I & II).

1988

AFN hosts National conference on languages to formulate First Nation Languages Policy Framework.

1988

Bill C-115 (Kamloops amendments) establishes power of bands to tax reserve lands

1988

Cemetery and Funeral Services Act (BC)

1989

RBCM develops policy for repatriation of human remains and cultural materials

1989

Claxton vs. Saanichton Marina (BC Court of Appeal) confirms Douglas Treaty rights

1989

R. vs. Sparrow clarifies constitutionally protected aboriginal fishing rights (SCC)

1990

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) issues critique of federal land claims policies

1990

The Oka standoff begins

Mohawk warriors barricade a road to “The Pines” near Oka, Quebec to stop golf course expansion into their traditional burial ground. In July, 100 police attempt to take down the barricade. One officer is killed and the Mohawks blockade all roads and bridges leading into their territory. Local non-Indigenous residents riot at the barricades and the Canadian Army is called in. Within months, the barricades are dismantled and 150 Mohawk people are arrested. The golf course proposal is abandoned. Indigenous communities across BC erect blockades in support of the Mohawk people. People block railways and roads, slow traffic and hand out information pamphlets about Indigenous land rights and the struggle in BC.

1990

Federal government agrees to resolve outstanding TLE issues in prairies

1990

Province abandons 119-year old policy of refusing to acknowledge aboriginal title

1990

Indian Self-government Enabling Act (BC)

1990

BC joins the Nisga’a and Canada in the negotiation of the Nisga’a Comprehensive Claim

This is the first time BC agrees to negotiate a Comprehensive Claim. BC still refuses to acknowledge Aboriginal Title.

1990

The First Nations Congress, a splinter group from UBCIC that began to form in 1975, works with Canada and BC to develop a treaty negotiation process

UBCIC upholds its Comprehensive Framework Treaty proposal and refuses to participate. Tripartite BC Claims Task Force is established to consider comprehensive claims issues.

1990

Canada establishes a Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to examine the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples

The Commission visits 96 communities, holds 178 days of hearings, and completes over 350 research projects over four years.

1991

Federal government agrees to consider pre-Confederation specific claims

1991

Federal government agrees to fast-track specific claims valued at less than $500,000

1991

Federal government lifts cap on the number of comprehensive claims under negotiation

1991

Report of the BC Claims Task Force recommends new treaty process for BC

1991

BC government formally acknowledges the Indian Land Question

1991

BC Court of Appeal rules that aboriginal rights were extinguished before 1871

1991

Indian Specific Claims Commission created to mediate rejected specific claims

1991

Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples established

1991

UBCIC establishes the Institute of Indigenous Government (IIG). IIG become a degree-granting institution in 1995. The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) takes over IIG in 2007.

1991

Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry established

1992

Mabo vs. Queensland

1992

AFN & Canadian Museums Association recommend more FN participation in museums

1992

INAC considers claims of a third kind, but no written policy is ever articulated

1992

Joint First Nations/Canada Working Group discusses reforms to specific claims process

1992

Schedule of Indian Bands, Reserves and Settlements published by DIAND

1992

BC Hydro creates Aboriginal Relations Department

1992

The First Nations Congress, Canada and BC establish the First Nations Summit and the BC Treaty Commission to implement the BC Treaty Process

The Treaty Process strives for final agreements in which Indigenous Peoples surrender 95 percent of their territories to Canada in exchange for compensation and specific treaty rights. Within ten years, 120 bands enter negotiations, borrowing $250 million to be paid back out of their compensation packages. As of May 2005, no final agreements have been signed.

1992

Joint First Nations/Canada Working Group dismantled when impasse reached

1993

BC Court of Appeal rules Gitsan & Wet’suwet’en have unextinguished aboriginal title

1993

Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry issues report

1993

Treaty Commission Act

1993

The BC Government and the UBCIC enter into a Memorandum of Understanding:

Respecting the Establishment of a government-to-government Relationship between the Indian Nations Comprising the UBCIC and the Government of BC. This MOU formally established the Joint Policy Council which worked for a number of years to in negotiations around lands, resources, health and welfare and education.

1993

Liberal Red Book promises claims will be considered by an independent commission

1993

Assembly of First Nations issues report on the reform of federal land claims policies

1994

Heritage Conservation Statutes Amendment Act

1994

Native Residential School Task Force created

1994

Independent fact finder Alvin Hamilton issues report on extinguishment and certainty

1995

Blueberry vs. Her Majesty the Queen finds the crown breached its fiduciary duty

1995

Province of BC introduces its traditional use studies policy

1995

Federal government acknowledges First Nations inherent right to self-government

1995

R. vs. Van der Peet clarifies aboriginal rights

1996

R. vs. Gladstone clarifies fishing rights

1996

R. vs. Nikal, R. vs. Lewis and R. vs. NTC Smokehouse clarifies aboriginal rights

1996

The Nisga’a Tribal Council, BC, and Canada sign an agreement-in-principle that forms the basis of the first Comprehensive Claim agreement signed in BC.

1996

Joint First Nations/Canada Task Force (JTF) discuss reforming specific claims policy

1996

Delgamuuk’w vs. British Columbia

Upholds aboriginal title (SCC) On appeal from previous BC Court decisions, the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs amend an original assertion of ownership and control over their territories, replacing it with claims of Aboriginal Title and self-government. BC argues that Aboriginal Title does not exist. Alternatively, BC argues, Aboriginal Title is not a right of ownership, but a right to engage in traditional subsistence practices such as hunting and fishing. The Supreme Court of Canada rejects the trial judge’s ruling that Aboriginal rights had been extinguished before 1871. The Court does not decide whether the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en still hold title to their land and instead clarifies that Aboriginal Title is not a right of absolute ownership, but a proprietary right to “exclusive use and occupation of land” that “is a burden on the Crown’s underlying title.” Once Aboriginal Title is proven, federal and provincial governments may infringe upon it for valid reasons, including resource extraction, economic and infrastructure development, settlement of foreign populations and environmental protection. Aboriginal people must be consulted and compensated for any infringement or extinguishment of Aboriginal Title.

1997

Federal Court of Appeal rules in band’s favour in Semiahmoo Indian Band vs. Canada

1997

JTF proposes independent commision and tribunal to resolve specific claims

1998

The UBCIC Research Department publishes Stolen Lands, Broken Promises: Researching the Indian Land Question in British Columbia.

It is intended as a practical, hands-on resource for Indigenous community members wanting to conduct research on a variety of issues affecting traditional territory and reserve lands in British Columbia. The second revised edition is published in 2005.

1998

Blueberry and Doig River bands reach $147 million settlement for reserve mineral rights

1998

Minister of Indian Affairs makes statement of reconciliation re: residential school abuse

1998

$350 million Healing Fund established to address legacy of residential schools

1998

Nisga’a sign agreement with federal and provincial governments

1998

The UBCIC develops and endorses its Aboriginal Title Implementation Paper

The paper suggests some of the ways which Indigenous Nations can begin a process of re-discovering and re-invigorating their own Laws and fully re-asserting Aboriginal Title and Right of Self-Determination.

1998

United Church apologizes for its involvement with residential schools

1998

Canada selects Vancouver-Whistler (Salish-St’at’imc territories) as Canada’s nominee to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Developers prepare a number of ski resort proposals for these territories.

1998

Sechelt Agreement in Principle Signed

1999

Nisga'a Treaty ratified by BC Legislature

1999

Westbank First Nations initiates direct action by harvesting trees

1999

Bill C-9, Nisga's Final Agreement brought into House of Commons

1999

Nisga'a Treaty passed second reading of House of Commons

1999

Peace Treaty Signed by Haisla, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo, Xais Xais

1999

New Territory Officially established: Nunavut

1999

Supreme Court decides that off-reserve members should have voting rights in on-reserve elections-Corbiere Decision

1999

The Nisga’a Final Agreement becomes Canadian law

The Nisga’a surrender 92 percent of their territory in exchange for expanded reserve lands and $190 million cash. The Nisga’a Lisims government is subject to provincial and federal laws. Nisga’a living in the settlement lands will be subject to BC, Canada, and Lisims taxation.

2000

Chief Joe Mathias passed away, mourned by many

2000

Nunavut Celebrates One Year Birthday

2000

Historical Joint Statement regarding Aboriginal Title made by First Nations Summit, Assembly of First Nations, and Union of BC Indian Chiefs

2000

St’at’imc people establish a protest camp at Sutikalh to stop a proposed ski resort development in the Cayoosh Mountains.

2000

Nuu-chah-nulth Agreement-In-Principle

2001

Liberal Leader, Gordon Campbell proposes Aboriginal BC Treaty referendum on Aboriginal treaty principles

2001

BC holds a referendum on the principles of BC Treaty negotiations

The referendum is widely denounced as biased, divisive and unjust. Indigenous leaders across the province organize a boycott. In the end, 33 percent of BC votes, a majority of which support the BC government’s position.

2002

September

UBCIC, the First Nations Summit, the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, and the United Native Nations sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of British Columbia to establish a joint dialogue and decision making process regarding general and systemic issues relating to the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children and families.

2002

Vancouver-Whistler is selected to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Plans for the development of lands surrounding Vancouver-Whistler intensify.

2003

Lheidli T’enneh, BC and Canada sign the first agreement-in-principle under the BC Treaty Process

The Lheidli T’enneh agree in principle to surrender their territory in exchange for expanded reserve lands and $12.8 million. The Lheidli T’enneh will be subject to federal and provincial laws and taxation.

2003

The Songhees host a Spring Caravan to Victoria: “Moving Forward in Unity.”

Over 2,500 Indigenous People converge on the BC legislature to protest BC land policies. The charge is led by the Title and Rights Alliance, representing bands inside and outside the BC Treaty Process. BC responds by denouncing those gathered as misinformed malcontents. UBCIC is a key organizing partner in this protest.

2004

Prime Minister Paul Martin promises a transformation of Indian policy in Canada before reducing the Department of Indian Affairs’ budget by $260 million.

2005

BC continues to aggressively promote oil and gas drilling, ski resort development, logging, mining and other forms of resource extraction in Indigenous territories.

2005

March

UBCIC, FNS and BCAFN sign the Leadership Accord which commits the three organizations to work together for the benefit of all First Nations in British Columbia. The three organizations become the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC)

2005

In April, the FNLC agree to the New Relationship with the BC Government

All parties commit to recognizing Aboriginal title and rights, to respecting each other’s laws and responsibilities, and to reconciling both Aboriginal and Crown titles and jurisdictions.

2005

The Haida Nation and their non-Haida neighbours block roads, seize timber and shut down forestry operations on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) to protest BC forestry policies in their territory

The Island Spirit Uprising, as it was called, pushed the provincial government to begin high level negotiations with the Haida leadership. The official agreement says Haida leaders, islanders will see a significant drop in the annual allowable cut and the way resources are managed. The bear hunt will be halted and there will be a move toward eco-forestry.

2005

October

FNLC and the RCMP sign a Public Safety Cooperation Protocol, demonstrating the intent of First Nations and law enforcement to develop their relationship through mutual respect and trust and outline strategies to address community safety issues. The protocol is intended to build trust and reciprocal relations between the Parties in a proactive effort to prevent situations involving conflict situations and community crisis, alternatively, resolving disputes at the earliest possible opportunity.

2005

November

FNLC signs the Transformative Change Accord with the federal and provincial government. The First Ministers and Aboriginal Leaders commit to strengthening relationships on a government-to-government basis, and on focusing efforts to close the gap in the areas of education, health, housing and economic opportunities. The Parties agree that by December 2006, a detailed tripartite implementation strategy will be developed laying out specific actions and building upon a shared commitment to undertake as many initiatives as possible in year one of the 10 year plan (2006 - 2016).

2005

June

UBCIC sends an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging “that your government actively encourage the adoption without amendment or qualification of the Chair’s proposed text of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” The UNDRIP was adopted on September 13, 2007. Canada was one of four nations to vote against its adoption.

2006

July

Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jim Prentice, Chief Negotiator Nathan Matthew and First Nations Education Steering Committee President Deborah Jeffry signed a historic agreement to recognize First Nations’ jurisdiction over First Nations’ education in British Columbia. The Framework Agreement allows First Nations who choose to negotiate a bilateral Canada-First Nation Education Jurisdiction Agreement to remove themselves from sections 114-122 of the Indian Act. The Framework Agreement has a term of seven years, which can be renewed upon agreement of all parties.

2006

November

FNLC, Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia sign a First Nations Health Plan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the Leadership Council and BC release a BC First Nations Health Plan. These agreements are based on the Transformative Change Accord and the BC First Nations Health Blueprint and are designed to close the gaps in health outcomes that exist between First Nations and other British Columbians.

2006

November

FNLC hosted a three day strategic planning session in North Vancouver, which was attended by over 120 First Nations leaders from across British Columbia. This session was an opportunity to examine and discuss the important Tsilhqot’in Nation v. BC decision and to develop a unified strategy for the recognition of Aboriginal Title. First Nations leaders issued and signed a declaration entitled “All Our Relations” A Declaration of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations of British Columbia, affirming Aboriginal Title to their respective traditional territories across British Columbia.

2007

January

FNLC convened the first First Nations Chiefs’ Indigenous Child at the Centre Forum. At the forum, First Nations leaders signed an MOU with the Representative for Children and Youth, secured a commitment from Premier Campbell for the support of Jordan’s Principle and issued a declaration of commitment entitled Walking Together to Keep Indigenous Children at the Centre, committing to the exercise of our inherent rights and responsibility for the survival, dignity and well-being of our children. The Chiefs develop an Indigenous Child at the Centre Action Plan. It is intended that this collectively developed Action Plan will assist First Nations to address issues relating to Indigenous children and families in BC.

2008

April

The Executive of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs fast for 24 hours as a demonstration of support for the jailed Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Band Council members in Ontario. The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (KI) is involved in a dispute with the Government of Ontario and Platinex Mining Inc. KI is a fly-in community located in north-western Ontario. The Band Council members are jailed for protecting not only their territory but their fundamental human rights. The court found them in contempt of a court order allowing Platinex Mining to conduct exploration in their territory. The Chief and Council made the decision not to sign the court-ordered agreement and denied Platinex free-entry to KI lands.

2008

May

The FNLC, Province of BC and the Government of Canada signed a First Nations Housing Memorandum of Understanding to improve coordination and collaboration, and commit the parties to develop complementary on- and off-reserve housing and infrastructure action plans. The off-reserve Aboriginal housing plan will be coordinated with an on-reserve housing and infrastructure action plan that will be collaboratively developed between First Nations and the federal government.

2008

The second Indigenous Child at the Centre Forum is held in July at which the Interim First Nations Child and Family Wellness Council (IFNCFWC) is established

During this Forum, delegates develop and endorse the One Heart, One Mind Statement of Solidarity and Cooperation which affirms the commitment to work together in a Nation-to-Nation and community-driven process to secure the individual and collective survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous children.

2008

March

The FNLC and the Province of BC sign a Recognition and Reconciliation Protocol on First Nations Children, Youth and Families. The Protocol commits the Parties to establish a common vision for child, youth and family wellness in BC, establishes the principles upon which the Parties will continue to work together, and includes a framework to support First Nations communities to exercise jurisdiction and responsibility for their children, youth and families.

2009

May

In response to a growing number of questions, concerns and issues being raised by First Nations, Business, and Industry Leaders the FNLC and BC Government jointly decide to postpone introduction of the proposed Aboriginal Title Recognition and Reconciliation Act until after the May 12th Provincial Election. UBCIC sends an open letter to Premier Campbell and Ministers withdrawing from the legislative initiative process in July.

2009

April

UBCIC submits a response to the Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship Division’s BC Water Act Modernization Initiative. UBCIC expresses deep concerns that the submission process is highly problematic; it was designed without Indigenous involvement and treats Indigenous people as “stakeholders” in the water policy process. There is no recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction or constitutionally-enshrined and judicially-recognized Aboriginal Title and Rights.

2010

June

UBCIC, along with 38 Aboriginal and civil society organizations across Canada, sends an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging him to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without qualifications and in a manner consistent with international human rights law. Of the four countries that opposed the UNDRIP, Australia and New Zealand have changed their positions and the US is taking a public review of its position. Canada’s position remains unchanged.

2010

Historical Timeline

1700s to the Present

Click here to download a PDF version.

British Privy Council memorandum sets out doctrines of discovery & conquest

Russians begin trading on BC coast

Danish explorer Vitus Bering explores the BC coast

Treaty of Paris signed

Pontiac’s War begins

Royal Proclamation of King George III recognizes Aboriginal title and rights to land

Captain Cook explores the West Coast

Spanish explorer Juan Perez sights Queen Charlotte Islands & visits off Vancouver Island

Juan Francisco de Bodega y Quadra penetrates close to the Nass River

Small pox epidemic

Captain Cook charts Nootka Sound on his third expedition to the Pacific

Epidemics appear on the Pacific Northwest coast

Maritime trading voyages begin along Pacific coast (to 1820s)

Captain George Dixon meets Haida and names the Queen Charlotte Islands

Alaska is claimed as Russian territory

Spanish build fort in Nootka Sound

Alexander Mackenzie reaches Arctic Ocean and explores Slave & Mackenzie Rivers

Nootka convention between Spain and Britain

Captain George Vancouver charts most of Georgia Straight

Alexander Mackenzie reaches Pacific in first overland crossing of North America

Maquinna’a people attack and kill most of the crew of the Boston

Fort Simpson established by Northwest Company

Lewis & Clark expedition first to travel overland in US from Atlantic to Pacific

Fort St. John established by Northwest Company

Mcleod’s Lake post established by Simon Fraser

Fort Nelson established on Liard River

Hudson Hope post established at Rocky Mountain Portage

Fort St. James established on Stuart Lake

Fort Fraser post established by HBC at Fraser Lake

Road built from Fort St. James to Fort McLeod

David Thompson visits the Kutenai. Kutenai House established

Simon Fraser explores Fraser River and meets Nlaka'pamux at Lytton

David Thompson reaches the mouth of the Columbia River

The ship Tonquin is captured and the crew killed in the Clayoquot area

Fort Astoria acquired and renamed Fort George after War of 1812

Astorian and Northwest Company establish posts in Kamloops

Permanent HBC post established at Fort George

Northwest Company and Hudson’s Bay Company merge, known as HBC

Fort Kilmaurs (Babine) established

Fatal epidemic (cause unidentified) in Columbia River drainage (to 1825)

54° 40’ established as boundary separating American and Russian spheres of influence

HBC becomes active on the northwest coast

Fort Vancouver established by HBC on Columbia River

Fort Langley established

Chief Factor John McLoughlin takes charge of area west of the Rockies

James Douglas is captured in Carrier territory and released after negotiations

Clallum village shelled by HBC gunboat

Fort Alexandria established

Fort Halkett established by HBC on Liard River

Rev. Jonathan Smith Green (Protestant) tours Northwest coast

Indian Affairs transferred from military to civilian jurisdiction in the Canadas (east)

First Chilcotin post established by HBC

HBC begins innoculating Native people against small pox

Fort Simpson built on Nass River then moved to Tsimshian Peninsula

A.C. Anderson of the HBC arrives at the Columbia River

Fort McLoughlin established in 1833 in Lama Passage, it was later abandoned in

James Douglas becomes a Chief Trader within the HBC

Coal deposit at Fort Rupert publicized

Hudson's Bay Company Chaplain and missionary Reverend Herbert Beaver arrives at Fort Vancouver

Small pox epidemic in northern BC and southern Alaskan coast (to 1838)

Indian reports of coal on Vancouver Island confirmed

Dease Lake post established by HBC

HBC granted 21 year exclusive hunting and trading license to northwest coast

First Roman Catholic priests arrive at Fort Vancouver (F. Blanchet and M. Demers)

James Douglas becomes a Chief Factor within HBC

Jesuit Priest Father Pierre De Smet is in Kootenays and Okanagan

Father John Nobilis active in northern New Caledonia

Fort Victoria established by HBC

Father Demers active in New Caledonia

HBC begins laying out land boundaries

Oregon Treaty establishes 49th parallel as US-British boundary

HBC’s Pacific Headquarters shifts from Oregon (Columbia River) to Victoria

A.C. Anderson explores routes between Thompson and Lower Fraser Rivers

Measles epidemic (to 1850)

Fort Hope established by HCB

Royal Charter grants Vancouver Island to the HBC

Richard Blanshard becomes first Governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island