Evidence on the Adequacy of First Nations Consultation - BC Hydro ...

12. ETHNOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENTS OF TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES AND USE
The several ethnographic works relating to the area have been a prime source of information and
authoritative opinion on extent and use of the traditional territory of the Indians of the Columbia
Plateau. A number of these works have combined thorough and evaluative research into primary
sources of documentation [emanating from fur traders, missionaries, surveyors and others] and first
hand field work. Perhaps the earliest significant attempt to define traditional territories of the
region’s Indians was made by Tolmie and Dawson c. 1885. More recent relevant studies reviewed to
date include Teit [1907], Boas [1928], Schaeffer [1937], Ray [1939], Turney-High [1941], Smith
[1984] Brunton [1985] and Bouchard & Kennedy [2000], the latter three not based on original field
work but containing comprehensive reviews of the available material. Other authorities considered
include Chamberlain, Curtis and Jenness but their treatment of territory does not appear as
comprehensive. The studies referenced in this report suggest some differences as to the northern
boundary of Ktunaxa territory but, with one exception 68 , conclude that the study region lies within
Ktunaxa territory.
Teit, Ray and Turney-High have compiled classic ethnographies, in that they spent years among their
subjects and have based their views on first hand oral accounts. Like Turney-High, Schaeffer spent
several years doing field research among Ktunaxa on both sides of the international border, although
his material is not published and he does not appear to have constructed a map of Ktunaxa territory in
the materials consulted. 69
While most of these studies and other ethnographic reviews have produced maps of traditional
territories, they must be approached with some caution. 70 Apart from different analytical approaches,
they represent to some degree snapshots of a region where there has been dynamic interplay between
tribal groups and consequently some shifting of perceived boundaries.
1. William Tolmie and George Dawson
Tolmie was a trained medical doctor who had a long career with the Hudson’s Bay Company,
culminating as a Chief Factor with the Hudson Bay Company, after which he became a successful
provincial politician. Late in life, he teamed with the eminent scientist and surveyor George Dawson
to produce an extensive study of aboriginal languages in British Columbia, published in 1884. With
respect to the Ktunaxa, their work appears to demonstrate some depth of knowledge, showing basic
dialectic sub-divisions. Their map [Figure 5] indicates that Ktunaxa traditional territory extended
north, down the Columbia to Boat Encampment, and included the beginning of the Athabaska Trail.
This is further north than other ethnographers who more commonly place the northern limit of
Ktunaxa territory in the vicinity of Golden. However, Tolmie’s long career in the western fur trade
would have made him highly aware of the circumstances of the Columbia Brigade, including use of
the area and its people for transporting furs to the Pacific coast. The date of their work is of special
interest in that, some of their informants or their parents would have been alive at the time of contact,
unlike the later ethnographic studies reviewed in this report.
68 The sole exception is Teit’s work, apparently based on the occurrence of Shuswap Salish language. As will be
discussed in more detail, using his map to indicate traditional territory leads to over-estimates of Shuswap territory which
are not in agreement with other authorities.
69 Schaeffer also produced a PhD thesis arising from this work, but at date of writing, the author has been unable to secure
a copy.
70 See, for example, Vibert, quoted on p. 37 of this report.
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