First Nations 12 – Chapter 5

Assignment 5.A: Colonial Policies (8 marks total)

Introduction

Between 1850 and 1854, James Douglas concluded fourteen treaties. An area of land was surrendered “entirely and forever” in exchange for cash, clothing, or blankets. The signatories and their descendants retained existing village sites and fields for their continued use, the 'liberty to hunt over unoccupied lands,” and the right to “carry on their fisheries as formerly.”

The compensation for the lands was paid in blankets. The British Crown then converted the actual costs to the British Pound. The following is a list of the signatory tribes and their present-day names, as well as the amount paid out to each tribe in British pounds.

Below are the names of the First Nations and the value paid for their lands in the Douglas Treaties.

Signatory Tribe / Date / Pounds (£) / Present-day Band
Teechamitsa / April 29, 1850 / 27.10 / Esquimalt
Kosmapson / April 30, 1850 / 52.10 / Esquimalt
Swengwhun / April 30, 1850 / 75.00 / Songhees
Chilcowitch / April 30, 1850 / 30.00 / Songhees
Wyomilth / April 30, 1850 / 45.00 / Esquimalt
Chekonein / April 30, 1850 / 79.10 / Songhees
Kakyaakan / May 1, 1850 / 43.5.8 / Becher Bay
Chewhaytsum / May 1, 1850 / 45.10 / Becher Bay
Soke / May 10, 1850 / 48.6.8 / Sooke
Queackars / Feb 8, 1851 / 64.00 / Kwawkelth
Quakeolths / Feb 8, 1851 / 86.00 / Kwawkelth
South Saanich / Feb 6, 1852 / 41.13.4 / Tsawout & Tsartlip
North Saanich / Feb 11, 1852 / 41.13.4 / Pauqhachin & Tswycum
Sarlequan / Dec 23, 1854 / 270 / Nanaimo

Reprinted with permission from Snuneymuxw First Nation;

Read the section called “Colonial Policies” pages 83, 86, and 87 in your B.C. First Nations Studies textbook. Compare the Aboriginal land policies of James Douglas and his successor, Joseph Trutch.

Instructions

  1. Did both Douglas and Trutch follow the Royal Proclamation of 1763?

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  1. Identify two positive and two negative effects of the Douglas Treaties on the First Nations peoples. (4 marks)

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  1. Why did Douglas stop signing treaties and begin creating Indian Reserves?

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Assignment 5.B: The Gold Rush (6 marks total)

Read “From Fur Trade to Gold Rush” on pages 80–83 in your B.C. First Nations Studies textbook.

Instructions

1. What effects did the gold rush have on First Nations peoples, traditions, and the land?Top of Form

2. Discuss the change from a traditional fur-based economy to the economies of the gold rush.

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3. What is the Laurier Memorial?

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Assignment 5.C: The Chilcotin War (20 marks total)

Read “The Chilcotin 'War'” on pages 84–85 in your B.C. First Nations Studies textbook.

Instructions

Prepare a written report arguing whether the Tsilhqot'in events were an actual war or just a conflict. When examining this question, be sure to consider the impact of the Cariboo gold rush and the building of the Cariboo Wagon Road on the Tsilhqot'in.

Was the Chilcotin Conflict a War?

Depending on their point of view, some people called the events of 1864 in the Chilcotin a war, and others called

it a massacre. What word you would use to describe the events, and how would you justify your choice?

Step 1. What do you mean by “war”?

What are characteristics of war. How is a war different from a police action? from a protest?

Step 2. Investigate.

What was the background to the events of 1864?

Consider how the following features of colonial expansion played a role:

• disease

• gold rush

• differing world views

• colonial government policies

Step 3. Summarize.

Summarize the events of the Chilcotin conflict. List the actions of the Tsilhqot’in chiefs and the colonial troops.

Do you think it is significant that the Governor himself joined in?

How did each side view the conflict?

Step 4. Support your decision.

Decide if you would call the conflict a war.

List the evidence that supports it being called a war.

List the evidence that does not support it being called a war.

If you decide it was not a war, what label would you give the conflict?

What is the most important factor in arriving at your decision?

Make sure you include examples of background information and events.

Mention one or two points that people who disagree might use to support their arguments. Provide reasons explaining why you don’t agree with them.