The First Nations of the Interior Plateau: A History of Resilience and Adaptation
- Dakelh
- Gitxsan
- Ktunaxa
- Nlaka-pamux
- Okanagan
- Sekani
- Secwepemc
- St’at’imc
- Tahltan
- Tsilhqot’in
The Interior Plateau of Canada, encompassing the river valleys, grasslands, and forests of modern-day British Columbia and parts of Alberta, has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia. The Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux, Okanagan (Syilx), and other Interior Plateau nations developed rich cultures deeply connected to the region’s diverse environments. Their history, shaped by the abundance of salmon-bearing rivers and seasonal migrations, reflects a remarkable capacity for adaptation and resilience. This article explores the traditional geographic areas, distinctive cultures, and historical milestones of the Interior Plateau peoples, emphasizing documented events that define their enduring legacy.
Traditional Geographic Areas: A Land of Rivers and Valleys
The traditional territories of the Interior Plateau peoples stretch across the Fraser, Thompson, and Columbia River basins, encompassing a mosaic of landscapes that include river valleys, rolling plateaus, and mountain ranges. These regions provided a wealth of resources, including salmon, game, and plant foods such as berries and roots.
The Fraser River and its tributaries were central to the livelihoods of the Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux, and St’át’imc peoples. The annual salmon runs were a cornerstone of their subsistence economy, providing not only food but also a basis for trade with neighbouring nations. Historian Cole Harris noted, “The Interior Plateau peoples structured their lives around the rhythm of the salmon, whose abundance supported both physical sustenance and cultural cohesion” (The Resettlement of British Columbia, p. 49).
Communities were strategically located near rivers and trade routes, enabling efficient resource use and fostering connections with coastal and plains nations.
Culture and Society Before European Contact
The Interior Plateau peoples developed semi-nomadic lifestyles, moving seasonally to take advantage of the region’s diverse resources. Winter villages, often consisting of pit houses (kekuli), were located in sheltered valleys, while summer camps near rivers and lakes allowed for fishing, gathering, and hunting.
Governance structures were decentralized, with decisions made collectively by community leaders and elders. While bands maintained autonomy, they also collaborated for hunting, trade, and defense. Oral traditions, passed down through generations, preserved histories, spiritual beliefs, and teachings about the land.
Spirituality was deeply connected to the natural world. The salmon, a sacred symbol of renewal and abundance, featured prominently in ceremonies and rituals. Anthropologist James Teit observed, “The salmon was not merely a resource but a spiritual anchor, embodying the cycles of life that sustained the Interior Plateau peoples” (The Thompson Indians of British Columbia, p. 76).
Trade networks linked the Interior Plateau with neighbouring regions. Obsidian, dentalium shells, and other goods flowed along these routes, reflecting the Plateau peoples’ role as intermediaries between coastal and plains nations.
History Before European Contact
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Interior Plateau has been inhabited for over 10,000 years. The development of advanced fishing technologies, such as weirs and basket traps, enabled the sustainable harvest of salmon, supporting larger, more stable communities.
The Interior Plateau nations maintained peaceful relations with many of their neighbours while engaging in occasional conflicts over resources or territory. Alliances, such as those between the Secwepemc and Ktunaxa, reflected the need for cooperation in navigating the region’s challenges.
By 1,000 CE, the Plateau peoples had established well-defined territories and seasonal patterns of movement. Their expertise in land management, including controlled burns to enhance game habitat and berry production, demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of their environment.
Early Contact with Europeans: Trade and Transformation
The arrival of European explorers and traders in the late 18th and early 19th centuries introduced new goods and opportunities to the Interior Plateau peoples. The fur trade, facilitated by companies such as the Hudson’s Bay Company, brought metal tools, textiles, and other European goods to the region.
The Secwepemc and Nlaka’pamux became integral participants in the fur trade, using their knowledge of the land to act as guides and trappers. However, this period also brought challenges, including increased competition for resources and the spread of diseases such as smallpox, which devastated many communities in the early 19th century.
Despite these disruptions, the Interior Plateau nations adapted to the changing economic and social landscape, maintaining much of their traditional way of life while incorporating new elements.
Treaties and Land Disputes in the 19th Century
Unlike other parts of Canada, much of British Columbia was not subject to treaties during the 19th century. This absence of formal agreements led to tensions between Indigenous peoples and colonial authorities as settlers encroached on traditional lands.
The Fraser Canyon War of 1858, sparked by conflicts between miners and the Nlaka’pamux, underscored the rising tensions in the region. While the conflict was eventually resolved, it highlighted the need for more equitable management of land and resources.
Colonial policies in the late 19th century, including the establishment of reserves, further restricted the Interior Plateau peoples’ access to their traditional territories. Historian Robin Fisher remarked, “The imposition of reserves disrupted the seasonal movements and resource use that had sustained the Interior Plateau nations for generations” (Contact and Conflict, p. 121).
The 20th Century: Advocacy and Cultural Revitalization
The 20th century saw significant challenges and transformations for the Interior Plateau peoples. Government policies, such as the prohibition of potlatch ceremonies and the enforcement of residential schools, disrupted traditional practices and eroded cultural continuity. However, these nations demonstrated remarkable resilience, preserving their languages, ceremonies, and governance structures.
The rise of Indigenous political advocacy in the mid-20th century led to landmark victories for the Interior Plateau nations. The establishment of organizations such as the Union of BC Indian Chiefs provided a platform for asserting land rights and challenging unjust policies.
Efforts to reclaim traditional territories gained momentum, culminating in legal victories such as the Delgamuukw v. British Columbia (1997) case, which affirmed the existence of Indigenous land title and emphasized the importance of oral history as evidence.
Contemporary Interior Plateau Peoples: Guardians of Tradition
Today, the Interior Plateau peoples continue to thrive, blending traditional knowledge with modern initiatives. Language revitalization programs, cultural festivals, and the preservation of oral traditions ensure that their heritage remains vibrant.
Environmental stewardship has become a central focus, with communities leveraging traditional ecological knowledge to manage forests, rivers, and fisheries. These efforts underscore the enduring connection between the Interior Plateau peoples and their ancestral lands.
The history of the Interior Plateau peoples is one of adaptation, ingenuity, and resilience. From their mastery of the region’s resources to their role in shaping Canada’s fur trade and their contemporary efforts in cultural and environmental revitalization, these nations have left an indelible mark on Canadian history. By examining their history through documented events and cultural achievements, we gain a deeper appreciation of their enduring legacy.
References
- Harris, C. (1997). The Resettlement of British Columbia: Essays on Colonialism and Geographical Change. Vancouver: UBC Press.
- Teit, J. (1900). The Thompson Indians of British Columbia. Washington: Bureau of American Ethnology.
- Fisher, R. (1992). Contact and Conflict: Indian-European Relations in British Columbia, 1774–1890. Vancouver: UBC Press.
- Miller, J.R. (2009). Compact, Contract, Covenant: Aboriginal Treaty-Making in Canada. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.