Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--Bella Coola Region

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  • Based off of work done by the Manitoba Archival Information Network

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Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--Bella Coola Region

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Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--Bella Coola Region

  • UF Indians--British Columbia--Bella Coola Region

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Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--Bella Coola Region

16 Archival description results for Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--Bella Coola Region

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Correspondence outward

The file consists of both original and typed transcripts of two letters written by Charles Ross. The first is dated October 1 1842 and was written at Fort McLoughlin to Sir Charles Simpson. The second was written at Fort Victoria in January 1844 and was sent to Donald Ross.The letter to Simpson refers to a list of "words and phrases to be translated into the language of those Indian tribes to which I have access." Ross indicates that the list - which is not included in this letter - was translated into the language of the "Billbillah" and "Bellwhoolah" tribes. There is some suggestion that this refers to the Bella Bella and the Bella Coola, or the Heiltsuk and Nuxalk peoples, respectively. Ross also provides a rough population count for each group.

Ross, Charles G. (1794 - 1844)

Tours of inspection aboard H.M.S. Boxer

Sub-series consists of field photographs taken by Richard Maynard on two tours of inspection of Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of British Columbia in 1873 and 1874. Maynard accompanied Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Israel Wood Powell, as the photographer on government tours of the west coast of British Columbia on board the H.M.S. Boxer, a gunboat vessel of the Royal Navy.

The following First Nations communities are among those visited during the 1873 tour:

  • -Kwakwaka'waka Nation community near Knight Inlet, a community/camp up the Sawatti river, British Columbia mainland (May 31, 1873). Reported by I.W. Powell as “T'sawattie Knights Inlet.”

  • -Indigenous community in the Nuxalk nation region near Bella Coola close to Bentinck Arm, British Columbia mainland (June 6 or June 6-8th, 1873).

  • -Indigenous community in the [Nuxalk nation] region near Bella Coola up the river, British Columbia mainland (June 6 or June 6-8th, 1873). Reported by I.W. Powell as previously identified as the “Village of the Rascals”

  • -Indigenous community near Takush Harbour, near Cape Caution, British Columbia mainland (June 9, 1873). Reported by I.W. Powell as meeting the "Qwoi-sil-lahs" at the "[Qwoi]-sil-lahs Camp" after proceeding to Cape Caution and Takush Harbour.

  • The following First Nations communities are among those visited during the 1874 tour:

  • -Nuu-chah-nulth nations of the southern region at Green Cove, Vancouver Island (September 7, 1874). Reported in the media as the “Ohiet” [Huu-ay-aht] and “Owchucklisaht.”

  • -Nuu-chah-nulth nations of the central region near “Hecate passage north of Vargas Island” in Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island (September 8, 1874). Reported in the media as the “Ahousahts” [Ahousaht] and the “Klahookwahts” [Tla—o-qui-aht].

  • -Nations in the area of the Nuu-chah-nulth (of the central region) near “Hecate passage north of Vargas Island” in Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island (September 9, 1874).

  • -Indigenous community near Refuge Cove, British Columbia mainland (September 9, 1874). Reported in the media as “where the Mahnohhahsahts live.” Reported by Richard Maynard as “refuge Cove Indian name [Manhousesett].”

  • -Nuu-chah-nulth region and a community near Friendly Cove in the Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island (September 10 and 11, 1874). Reported in the media as the “Movitchahts, known as the Nootkahs. Reported by I.W. Powell as the Moo-cha-ahts. Reported by I.W. Powell as meeting the “successor” of Chief “Maquinna.”

  • -Nuu-chah-nulth nations of the northern region at Queen’s Cove, Vancouver Island (September 11, 1874). Reported in the media as the “Ehahtisaht” [Ehattesaht] and the “Noochatlaht” [Nuchatlaht].

  • -“Shushartie Bay,” Vancouver Island (September 13, 1874). Reported in the media as the “Nawitee.”

  • -Kwakwaka'wakw nation region and community at Fort Rupert, Vancouver Island (September 14, 1874).

  • -Kwakwaka'wakw nation region and community at Alert Bay (Nimpkish River), Vancouver Island (September 14 and 15, 1874)

  • -Coast Salish community near Departure Bay on the Vancouver Island (September 16 and 17, 1874).

Milo Fougner interview

CALL NUMBER: T1272:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Milo Fougner : arrival of Norwegian colonists in Bella Coola, 1894 PERIOD COVERED: 1894-1936 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-08-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Milo Fougner describes the early years of his life (born 1905). He begins with his first impressions of his first trip to Bella Coola including the first sawmill he ever saw, the influence of; the Church in his childhood, the arrival of Norwegian colonists in 1894, the lack of medical personnel, Sunday school at the Lutheran Church, the choir, poetry, organ music, the origins of the majority of the colonists, B.F. Jacobsen's arrival in Bella Coola, details of the colonists arrival in Bella Coola, the reception of the Indians on canoes, and the rivalry with Hudson's Bay people. TRACK 2: Fougner continues with details about life in the colony: transportation, land clearing, Rev. Saugstad, politics, the death of Rev. Saugstad, leadership of the colony after his death, the celebration;s on October 30th, the background of his father (Ivor Fougner), the adaptability of certain colonists, Milo's own life in the colony during the Depression years, industrial activities in the colony in;cluding logging and fishing, and details about the telegraph.

CALL NUMBER: T1272:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Milo Fougner : memories of Bella Coola colony between 1912 and 1940 PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1940 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-08-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Milo Fougner discusses the effects of World War I on the colonists, his father's occupations, and his own feelings toward Indians. Then he discusses the skills, knowledge, slavery, potlatches; and burial ceremonies of Indians. He then discusses growing up with Indian children and funerals including "crying hats". TRACK 2: Milo Fougner tells a story of Mr. Goldbloom who was a fur buyer fro;m 1919-1938, the name Klemtu, Lord Tweedsmuir's visit, nurse Jane Bryant, the Hudson's Bay Post in 1886, Fort McLoughlin, HBC Factor John Clayton, artists Mildred Valley Thornton and Emily Carr, the possibility of the railroad terminus at Bella Coola from 1912-1918, the Dunvegan Railroad, Milo's projections of Bella Coola as an oil line terminus, and cattle drives from 1928-1930.

Ted Levelton interview

CALL NUMBER: T0301:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ted Levelton : life in the Bella Coola Valley SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ted Levelton describes his father Erasmus Levelton from Norway, Rev. Christian Saugstad, Mr. Clayton who was the HBC Factor in Bella Coola (1895), the Indians that were taken to Germany in 1890, Philip Jacobsen, the journey from Minnesota to Bella Coola, by-laws of the colony, the division of lots and the clearing of the land, a flood, involvement with Indians and whisky, more on the colonists, the Saugstad family, and the family's arrival in Bella Coola in 1895. TRACK 2: Ted Levelton continues with more on the arrival of the family, Captain Meyers, Philip Jacobsen and his father-in-law Capt. Thorsen, the first colonist was born at Bella Coola in 1898, farming, clearing land and wages, John Clayton and his family, Leach's Bridge, Walter Williscroft and bridges, Levelton's home as; a stopover for travelers, schools at Hagensborg, and Christmas activities.;

CALL NUMBER: T0301:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ted Levelton : life in the Bella Coola Valley SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ted Levelton discusses the strength of Ole Saugstad, Rev. Saugstad's death, the church at Hagensborg, Hans Sogang, Karls Kristoffsen, Tolgar Olsen, and bear stories. TRACK 2: Ted Levelton discusses the Bella Coola town site, flooding dangers, an investigation by Premier T.D. Pattullo, proposed construction being interrupted by WWI, the moving of the town site in 1925, how the Indians had to move after a flood in 1936, how the town site expanded in 1937, John Clayton and the HBC post, fur traders and settlers, Anahim Indians, Charlie West, and stories of strong women.;

CALL NUMBER: T0301:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ted Levelton : life in the Bella Coola Valley - the Indians SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ted Levelton discusses the Indians who were employed to take freight to Hagensborg, spoon canoes and their excellent maneuverability, Indian villages (including those at Hagensborg, Burnt Bridge, Noo Secule [?], and Stuie), White Water a.k.a. Talchako, more descriptions of Indian villages, Chief Klukamut's death in 1889, Rev. William Henry Pierce (the first missionary who came from Port Essington in 1882) and Indian raids, Indian houses, building a fire including techniques, more on houses, cooking, eulachon grease, and wooden axes. TRACK 2: More on eulachon grease and wooden boxes, the clothing of Indians and HBC blankets, Indian dances at longhouses, the "Hao-Hao bird", sports at the May 24th celebration, the Clemnaman boys and feats of strength, the area covered by the Indian ;Agency (Rivers Inlet to Prince Rupert), and education including the story of a school teacher.

CALL NUMBER: T0301:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ted Levelton : life in the Bella Coola Valley SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Ted Levelton offers a story of a school superintendent who was visiting a local school, an example of a "silent streak", teachers in the Bella Coola Valley, the Indian reserve at Bella Bella ;and the boundary disputes, the arrival of George Darby in 1914, nurse Ida Morgan, a story of Dr. Darby and Morgan falling asleep in church, no education available for Indians, the Ootsa Lake rush from 1906-1910, more on land disputes including those at Ootsa Lake and Anahim Lake, and the 53rd parallel. [TRACK 2: Blank.]

Frank and Lilly Broughton interview

CALL NUMBER: T1279:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Frank Broughton : law and order in the Bella Coola Valley PERIOD COVERED: 1907-1913 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-08-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Frank Broughton begins with a detailed story about a murder case from when he worked as a Police officer in Clinton including details about the chase and prosecution of Paul Spinklum who killed Alec Kindness and the Chinese cook who was a witness. Then he discusses his arrival in BC in 1907, how he joined the Police force in 1911, his impressions of Bella Coola including, anecdotes such a;s experiences with a bear and with a missionary named Gibson, the arrest of George Wilson and Stikine Joe for murder in 1913, and he begins to discuss the legendary Indian man named Capoose. TRACK 2: Frank Broughton continues with more on Capoose, an account of a thief who stole 200 dollars, more details about how he joined the Police in 1911, the jail is described, the arrest of opium smokers, t;he fur trade, more on Capoose and Indian Chiefs.

CALL NUMBER: T1279:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Frank and Lilly Joshephine Broughton recall life in Bella Coola PERIOD COVERED: 1902-1921 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-08-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Lilly Josephine Broughton describes her family and her father Esten Gordon, her grandfather Jacob Nygaard, her impressions of Bella Coola, her impressions of Ralph Edwards, meeting her future; husband Frank Broughton, Capoose, Squinas, and John Clayton's Hudson's Bay store. Then Frank Broughton adds comments about the HBC store, the Clayton family, a story of Humpback Johnny and his gold, ;a story of Charlie Tucker and his ruined suit, and Indian drinking.

Edel Hammer interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Edel Hammer : Bella Coola colony at Hagensborg, 1895-1896 PERIOD COVERED: 1895-1896 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-08-18 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Edel Hammer (nee Nordschow) describes her father and the arrival of her family in Bella Coola in 1895 including a description of the journey. She describes life in the colony, Rev. Christian Saugstad's death, Ole Saugtad stories, leadership after his death, relations with Indians, education and teachers, and cabin building. [TRACK 2: blank.]

Chris Wilkerson interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Chris Wilkerson recalls life in Firvale, Bella Coola, 1918-1951 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1966-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Chris Wilkerson describes coming from Alberta to Firvale in 1918, trapping, family in Firvale, 7th Day Adventists, Norwegian settlers, a story about Old Quahoose's Engine, more on trapping involving the Hudson's Bay Company, the Indian graveyard and a story about a bear. TRACK 2: Wilkerson continues by describing how "Burnt Bridge" got its name, tall tales by Old Gladhill, Old Chief Squinas, gold in Whitewater, the Waddington Massacre, John Clayton and the Hudsons Bay Company, Indians at Camp Aeven and details about the Old Palmer Trail.

Cliff Kopas interview

CALL NUMBER: T1273:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Clifford Kopas recalls arrival in Bella Coola in 1933 and tells some early history, 1862-1894 PERIOD COVERED: 1862-1933 RECORDED: Bella Coola (B.C.), 1966-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clifford Kopas recalls his arrival in Bella Coola in 1933 and discusses some early history of the region (1862-1894): his arrival in Bella Coola by following Alexander Mackenzie's route in 19;33, the trip from Quesnel to Algatcho, his arrival in Firvale, and his first impressions of the Bella Coola Valley. TRACK 2: Clifford Kopas discusses the Waddington massacre, the death of Governor Frederick Seymour in 1869, fishing, the arrival of Lieutenant H.S. Palmer of the Royal Engineers in 1862, "The Grease Trail" from 1862 to 1869, "overlanders" who came to Bella Coola in search of gold, 1;869 Hudson's Bay Co. established their post, a series of men who served at the fort from 1869-1882, the 1883 arrival of missionaries including William Henry Pierce and Thomas Crosby, how in 1885 B.F. Jacobsen visited Bella Coola and took 9 native people to Germany, and the Norwegian settlers who arrived in 1894.

CALL NUMBER: T1273:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Clifford Kopas : Bella Coola road, 1951-1955 and more history, 1922-1937 PERIOD COVERED: 1793-1955 RECORDED: Bella Coola (B.C.), 1966-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clifford Kopas discusses Bella Coola Road (1951-1955) and more history from the region (1922-1937). Kopas discusses the construction for the Bella Coola Road including problems, costs, a com;parison to previous trails, the canyon, the precipice, and Indian routes. Then he discusses other activities pertaining to the road including tourism, logging, mining, and fishing. TRACK 2: Clifford Kopas continues with more on the road including the need for a highway, the building of an airstrip, television, the differences between isolation and civilization, tourism and hotels. Kopas discusses; petroglyphs (rock carvings) which were unearthed in 1922 , the origins of Indians in the area including details about crossing the Bering Strait, a description of Alexander MacKenzie's trip in 1793, Kopas' own trip through the Interior (compared to MacKenzie's), "Grease Trail", Lord Tweedsmuir's visit, Bella Coola's move in 1937, and details about the typhoid epidemic.

CALL NUMBER: T1273:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Clifford Kopas : life in Bella Coola - the people PERIOD COVERED: 1966-1966 RECORDED: Bella Coola (B.C.), 1966-08-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Clifford Kopas describes relationships between whites and Indians, the Indian adaptation to white civilization, a breakdown of the male population in occupations, agriculture in the Bella Coo;la Valley, how milk is brought in from Vancouver, weather in the winter, his impressions of Anahim Lake, community spirit and Norwegians, and the advantages of Bella Coola as a port. [TRACK 2: blank.;]

People in landscape : Indians of Bella Coola

SUMMARY: This program deals with the Indian people of the Bella Coola region: their art, culture, and community life; prophecies of the coming of the white man; relations with Alexander MacKenzie and the Norwegian settlers. Voices heard include: Margaret Siwallace, Andy Schooner, Paul Kopas, Elliot Weisgarber, Ted Levelton, and Milo Fougner.

Wilfred Christensen interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Wilf Christensen : life in the Bella Coola Valley -- the Bella Coola road and Ralph Edwards PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1969 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1969 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Wilfred Christensen begins with a discussion about various Indian rock carvings in the Bella Coola area, including details about Harlan H. Smith who took plaster casts of the carvings, and a man named McIlwraithe. Then he offers a story of a canoe left at Restoration Bay, the building of the Bella Coola Road (1951-1953), Lord Tweedsmuir's visit in 1937, and progress in Bella Coola. TRACK 2: Wilf Christensen continues with more on progress, the Indian population, and stories about Ralph Edwards.

Dr. Rudi Haering interview

CALL NUMBER: T3149:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The obsidian trail : [tape 1] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dr. Rudi Haering tells how he became involved in exploring the trade route along Alexander Mackenzie's trail through BC, and looking for the source of a form of obsidian used in trade among native people; X-ray techniques in archaeology; trade routes; how the three scholars (i.e., Haering, Carlson, and Nelson) got together to find the source of the mysterious obsidian; findings; problems along the trail. TRACK 2: Finding the trail from Mackenzie Pass to the Bella Coola Valley; trip from the Blackwater Ranch to Mackenzie Pass through Kluskus and Ulkatcho; Burnt Bridge Creek; canoeing down the Bella Coola River with natives; Indian story about Mackenzie.

CALL NUMBER: T3149:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The obsidian trail : [tape 2] RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Retracing Mackenzie's route from Blackwater Ranch on horseback and wagon; campsites; wildlife; artifacts; local ranches; more on campsites; Kluskoil Lake. TRACK 2: Pan Phillips' ranch; looking for obsidian in Ulkatcho mountains; more about Kluskus; other travellers; trail from Eliguk Lake to Ulkatcho; Mackenzie's accomplishment; visit to Mackenzie's rock; Saugstad house at Hagensborg.

Dr. Erle Nelson interview

CALL NUMBER: T3150:0001 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: How Dr. Nelson, Dr. Roy Carlson and Dr. Rudi Haering became involved in exploring Alexander Mackenzie's trail through central BC and looking for the source of a form of obsidian used in trade among native people; their first adventures travelling by horse in a pack train. TRACK 2: Following Mackenzie's trail from Haering's Blackwater Ranch; confirming Mackenzie's fish story; impressions of the landscape; camping along the route; discoveries of obsidian; local residents; finding the trail; crossing the Blackwater River to Kluskus; church at Kluskus; wildlife on the trail; Indians at Kluskus; artefacts.

CALL NUMBER: T3150:0002 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1975 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Trail from Kluskus to Pan Phillips' dude ranch; obsidian in the Ulkatcho mountains; travel to Dean River; trip to Vancouver to have rock analysed; visit to Ulkatcho village. TRACK 2: Trail through Tanga Lake; trip over Mackenzie Pass to the Bella Coola River and down to Bella Coola; visit to Mackenzie's rock; canoe trip down the Bella Coola River; radio contact with the outside world; brief comments on the trip as an experience.

William (Bill) Christie interview

CALL NUMBER: T3534:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Christie : the early years in Canada RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1979-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Bill Christie recounts memories of his early life in Canada.: born in Scotland; in the infantry in World War I; moving to Canada with his new wife after the war; first impressions of Canada; working in the streetcar business in Winnipeg; working on a farm for an American owner, Roberts, in Manitoba -- problems with boss, farm. TRACK 2: Bill Christie discusses: buying a farm from an Englishman for $9000; experiences of owning farm; worried about going into debt, so sold property; went to Saskatchewan next to help on a farm -- quit after a short time; worked at another farm in Saskatchewan; rented a place in the Uncha Valley, B.C. to farm; stories about farming in this part of B.C. in the inter-war years; journey from Rosetown up to Burns Lake (in the Uncha Valley); buying and selling some land up in this part of B.C.; beginning his work with the Indian department. [Tape stopped recording at this point for an unknown reason -- means there is a gap in the narrative.] CALL NUMBER: T3534:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Christie : coming to the Cariboo RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1979-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Bill Christie discusses: the Farmers' Institute; hauling tiles; dances for community; the Christies had five children by this time -- not many educational opportunities, but lots of fun; finding references so he could apply for Indian Department job; meeting the Indian Commissioner; buying more cattle and livestock; becoming an Indian agent; description of their house near Williams Lake at the time; learning to be a good Indian agent; did some logging business to finance operation; book-keeping; story about Bella Coola logging; potato club in Bella Coola for the children; learning to drive a modern car. TRACK 2: Bill Christie discusses: driving a modern car for the first time from Vancouver -- eventful journey (cont'd); anecdotes about his time as Indian agent in Bella Coola -- trips around the area, building a school at Anaham, Father Bradley, Father Thomas, difficulty in getting qualified teachers, Jane Bryant (nurse), mixing of whites and Natives in schools (happened later on), Indian police, using an interpreter in meetings with the Bella Coola Natives; had powers of a magistrate; Barkerville murder. CALL NUMBER: T3534:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Christie : the Cariboo RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1979-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Christie discusses: the Barkerville murder (cont'd); case of two Natives wrongfully being accused of killing a steer; Natives were blamed for setting fires, even though farmers did it too; Reserve courts were never made legal, but they dealt with smaller crimes anyway; more on school in Anaham and Chilcotin Indian children who went there; chasing run-away children; difficulty in getting good lay school staff. TRACK 2: Mr. Christie discusses: story about an American teacher from aeronautical engineering school in Seattle; difficulty in retaining teachers at the Anaham school; Native children behaved well in the day schools; anecdote about a Masachi box; outbreak of T.B.; still trapping when he first came to the Cariboo; Natives would work on farms -- good at farming; Natives not good businessmen; Chilcotin Natives ethnicity; perception of Father Thomas; anecdote about Bishop Jennings; depending on interpreters; doctors in the area. CALL NUMBER: T3534:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bill Christie : the Cariboo RECORDED: Williams Lake (B.C.), 1979-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Christie discusses: more on doctors in the Cariboo; anecdote about Dr. Haramia; story about getting half a deer from 'Sammy', a Native; needed to be practical to survive in the Cariboo; differences between those with university education and those without (like himself); Mission schools taught practical things to Natives, as well as reading and writing; difficulty in forcing children to go to school when schools were scarce -- Christie built schools to fix this problem. TRACK 2: Mr. Christie discusses: more about Mission schools; Archbishop Duke -- a Puritan, wanted to establish an Indian sisterhood; differences in Christianity- Catholic vs Protestant; Bella Bella mission; Father Bradley's visit to Elgatcho; relationship with the Archbishop; most independent Natives were the ones farthest from Williams Lake -- the Nemiahs and the Redstones; most troublesome Natives -- Anahams, some Alkali Lake Natives; poaching; little trouble between ranchers and Natives; Natives in Bella Coola did not mix well with the Norwegians; some land disputes. (End of interview)