CA-K547Indigenous peoples & reconciliation

James Teit, ethnographer of the Interior Salish

James Teit, before 1922. James Teit · unknown (self-portrait?) · 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

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James Teit, a Shetlander who came to Spences Bridge, British Columbia, in 1884 and married into the Nlaka’pamux Nation, was the leading ethnographer of the Interior Salish. Encouraged by Franz Boas, he recorded oral traditions of the Salish, Dene and Ktunaxa, and as a champion of Indigenous land rights he served as special agent for the Allied Tribes of British Columbia.

Scope & context

Teit as described in his designation.

Sources behind this record

James Alexander Teit National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text