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CA-K663Indigenous peoples & reconciliation

Joseph Trutch and First Nations lands in British Columbia

Joseph Trutch, June 1870 (Topley Studio).
Joseph Trutch, June 1870 (Topley Studio). Joseph Trutch · William James Topley (June 1870); Library and Archives Canada · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.
Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

No recorded challenge is not proof of accuracy. A challenge under review is not a finding that the item is false.

Joseph Trutch, a British-born engineer who believed Indigenous Peoples inferior, was British Columbia’s chief commissioner of lands and works from 1864 to 1871. Representing settler interests, he cut existing reserves, allotted minimal land to new ones, denied Aboriginal title and refused treaties, denying First Nations access to their territories; he became the province’s first lieutenant-governor in 1871.

Scope & context

Trutch as described in his 2023 reviewed designation.

Sources behind this record

1
Sir Joseph William Trutch National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada

Reasons for designation (reviewed)