VICTORIA, B.C.: On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the B.C. Conservative Caucus is honouring the Indigenous Canadians who have made positive contributions to British Columbia from the beginning of its history. As some people seek to use this day to sow division and attack Canada’s identity, it is important to recognize the history of cooperation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians on this land we all call home, and the substantial contributions Indigenous people have made to B.C.

“Indigenous people have made profound contributions to B.C.,” said Scott McInnis, Conservative Critic for Indigenous Relations. “They have been involved in this province’s important events as a colony even before confederation. Celebrating their accomplishments and learning more about their cooperation in B.C.’s history should bolster unity in this province, as it shows what can be achieved when all British Columbians work together.”

Some important native leaders who have made significant contributions to building B.C. and creating unity among all peoples here are:

  • Charlotte Small, a Cree explorer who joined her husband David Thompson on his expeditions, and provided invaluable support in gathering food and establishing positive relations with Aboriginal communities while they charted what is now B.C. She travelled over 20,000 kilometres, and her work contributed to creating the most accurate maps of Western Canada of their era.
  • Pierre Bostonais (also known as Tête Jaune), an Iroquois-Métis explorer who worked for the North West Company and Hudson’s Bay Company and boldly crossed and explored the Rocky Mountains. The Yellowhead Highway is named after him, a fitting tribute to someone who led expeditions that would connect what is now B.C. to the prairie provinces.
  • Lady Amelia Douglas, the Métis wife of B.C.’s first governor, Sir James Douglas, who used her influence to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous British Columbians at the colony’s founding. She was known to care deeply for those in need, serving as a nurse and a midwife, and using her position in Victoria to care for the poor.
  • Chief Louis of the Kamloops Indian Band, a successful businessman in the 19th century, who worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company and was involved in farming, ranching, guiding, and fur trading. He was one of the first to learn to read and write in his native language, taught to him by the Oblate Missionaries. He was a major proponent of education for his people and was instrumental in building and establishing the residential school in Kamloops.
  • Private George McLean from the Okanagan Indian Band, a famed sniper and scout during World War I, who received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his exceptional courage at Vimy Ridge, where he single-handedly attacked a German stronghold.
  • Dominic “Dick” Patrick, a gunner in the 4th Armoured Division during World War II, who daringly captured 55 German soldiers during the Battle of Moerbrugge in 1944. He was awarded the Military Medal by King George VI at Buckingham Palace and went on to be a strong advocate for Indigenous rights.
  • The many Aboriginal workers who contributed to building the Lion’s Gate Bridge and Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, braving incredibly dangerous and difficult conditions to complete these important projects.
  • Dr. Frank Calder, a Nisga’a Chief who was the first Indigenous person elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, and to any provincial legislature in Canada, and continued his groundbreaking career by becoming B.C.’s first ever Indigenous cabinet minister.
  • Clarence Louie, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose work and cooperation in the region has resulted in a vibrant economy and job creation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, providing a great example of how British Columbians from all walks of life can work together to improve the lives of all.

“B.C.’s Indigenous communities have worked side by side with British Columbians from the very beginning of our province to today,” said Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “Their examples show that by working together, everyone benefits. National Indigenous Peoples Day represents a rich history of cooperation and cultural contribution and is something to celebrate with great pride for all British Columbians.”

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Media Contact:
Nikki Bal
Conservative.Communications@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948