Mouth of Homathko River, Bute InletFrederick Whymper, ca. 1837-1901

The Chilcotin Conflict

War? Massacre? Uprising? Terrorism? Resistance? Murder?

Definitions Activity• Round 1: Definition• Round 2: Example• Round 3: Sentence using word• Round 4: Non-examples • Round 5: Add anything that is missing

Was the Chilcotin Conflict a “War”?

BIG

QUESTION:

Context

• Gold Rush• Small pox epidemic• Building of the road

Alfred Waddington

Overview

• 1864 • Chilcotin War/Bute Inlet Massacre• Confrontation between Tsilhqot’in people and

white road construction workers.• Killed: 19 men total

Events• Day 1: Ferryman shot & killed• Day 2: Workers’ camp attacked– William Brewster + 3 others also killed.– Settler at Puntzi Lake killed– Pack train: 3 men killed

Colonial Response

• 200 troops + Governor search• “Safe” meeting arranged • 5 Tsilhqot’in men arrested &

charged with murder• Tried in Sept 1864• Said they were waging war, not

committing murder• Were found guilty and hanged

Causes?• Fears of smallpox• Providing firearms to Tsilhqot’in when they

were suffering from lack of food• Concern over title to land• Native packers in Brewster’s crew starving

while white members were well supplied

Group Work

• Read evidence• Complete 2 sheets to analyze & decide• Present conclusion

Was the Chilcotin Conflict a “War”?

BIG

QUESTION:

Reflection Journal

• What are your personal views on what the Chilcotin conflict was? Why? Are they different from what your group came up with?

• What is the most memorable or interesting thing that you learned today?