History of the First Nations in British Columbia

British Columbia has always been home to a diverse population of Aboriginal People 

The Modern History of British Columbia really begins with the history of the First Nations people who have lived and flourished here for over 10,000 years. The First Nations history for BC dates back to the end of the last ice Age where as the ice receded, Sea Levels fluctuated and forests advanced creating a land bridge across the Bering Sea connecting Asia to the New World. Where it is believed that people made the journey from Asia to BC. During this time it is believed that the BC Coastal Region was one of the most densely populated areas in all of North America. 

For thousands of Years in the Pacific Northwest three Prominent First Nation Groups of the Nootka, the Coast Salish, the Kwak'wala people divided the land  between themselves. 

Contributing to the thriving First Nations populations  was the Rich Land and Marine Resources that enabled them to develop Complex Societies as well as create Intricate Aboriginal Artwork that is now internationally acclaimed. 

In the East in the region we now call the British Columbia Rockies, the Kootenay people were the keeper of the land. They Fought fiercely for Possession of the precious hot springs found in the Rock Mountains. The Carrier Nation roamed the interior valleys with the Tsimshians roaming the Northern Coast and the Tlingits Occupying Southern Alaska and Northern BC.  While the Sekani and Beaver people occupied the Eastern Region of the North whilst the Haida lived on Haida Gwaii, which was formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands. 

The Aboriginal People of BC historically were prosperous with  their way of  life and Society which was organized around Wealth, Possessions and Potlatches. As well as their work with and practices of trading Fur and Salmon. Also they made great use of the gifts of BC found on land such as how they used the current Provincial Tree of BC the Western Red Cedar played a key role in the lives of West Coast Aboriginal People.These two things were just one of the many things that ultimately changed for the Aboriginal People upon first European Contact. 

The Peaceful existence of the Aboriginal People soon changed  when Famous Historical Explorers set foot in British Columbia starting with Captain James Cook  arriving on Nootka Island in the Northwest Coast of Vancouver Island back in 1778. There was also Captain George Vancouver in 1792, and Alexander MacKenzie in 1793 who was the first European to Navigate the Peace River which got its name when a Treaty was signed in 1790 between the Cree and Beaver Nations. 

First Nations Way of life in British Columbia went through radical changes upon the successful exploration of the Province which resulted in the encouragement of people to travel to and eventually immigrate in British Columbia. Soon the Establishment of the first Fort Fort - Fort Saint John came in 1794 Along side the start of the first trading post by the Hudson's Bay Trading Company [HBC] set up in Hudson's Hope up North. 

All of these contributed to what would be the down fall of the flourishing First Nations Society. Although the Hudson's Bay Company was known for their Fair Treatment of the local Natives the trade between the two groups led to the First Nations abandoning their Traditional Home sites in favor of settlements closer to the Forts for improved trading and protection. Living so close to  European Settlers introduced Muskets, Alcohol, and Smallpox to  the Indigenous people of British Columbia.  

Eventually European Missionaries arrived and started changing the traditional way of Life through banning  Potlatches as well as suppressing their Language and Culture. In 1876 the First Nations were made subject to the Federal Indian Act which caused the heavy loss of Ancestral land and regulated every aspect of their life. 

Colonization and land ownership conflicts soon followed, some of which continue to be an ongoing Issue today. 

Sources Used:

The British Columbia Study Booklet given to us by the British Columbia Ambassador Program 

Photo Taken at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos