Conveyance of Land to Hudson’s Bay Company by Indian Tribes
Teechamitsa Tribe – Country lying between Esquimalt and Point Albert
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of the Teechamitsa Tribe, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the twenty-ninth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever, to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between Esquimalt Harbour and Point Albert, including the latter, on the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and extending backwards from thence to the range of mountains on the Saanich Arm, about ten miles distant.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Twenty-seven pounds ten shillings sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, 29th April, 1850.
(Signed)
See-Sachasis his X mark and 10 others
Done in the presence of (signed)
Roderick Finlanson
Joseph William McKay
Kosampsom Tribe – Esquimalt Peninsula and Colquite Valley
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of the tribe or family of Kosampsom, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between the Island of the Dead, in the Arm or Inlet of Camoson, and the head of the said Inlet, embracing the lands on the west side and north of theat line to Esquimalt, beyond the Inlet three miles of the Coliquitz Valley, and the land on the east side of the arm, enclosing Christmas Hill and Lake and the lands west of those objects.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Fifty-two pounds ten shillings sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Hookowitz his X mark and 20 others
Done in the presence of (signed)
Alfred Robson Benson, M.R.C.S.L.
Joseph William McKay
Swengwhung Tribe – Victoria Peninsula, South of Colitz
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of the tribe or family of Swengwhung, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between the Island of the Dead, in the Arm or Inlet of Camoson, where the Kosampsom lands terminate, extending east to the Fountain Ridge, and following it to its termination on the Straits of De Fuca, in the Bay immediately east of Clover Point, including all the country between that line and the Inlet of Camoson.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Seventy-five pounds sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Swaw-Nuck his X mark and 29 others
Done in the presence of (signed)
Alfred Robson Benson, M.R.C.S.L.
Joseph William McKay
Chilcowitch Tribe – Point Gonzales
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of the tribe or family of Chilcowitch, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying betweenthe Sandy Bay east of Clover Point, at the termination of the Swengwhung line, to Point Gonzales, and thence north to a line of equal extent passing through the north side of Minies’ Plain.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Thirty pounds stirling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Qua-sun his X mark and 11 others
Done in the presence of (signed)
Alfred Robson Benson, M.R.C.S.L.
Joseph William McKay
Whyomilth Tribe – North-West of Esquimalt Harbour
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of the tribe or family of Whyomilth, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between the north-west corner of Esquimalt, say from the Island inclusive, at the mount of the Saw-mill Stream, and the mountains lying due west and north of that point; this District being on the one side bounded by the lands of the Teechamitsa, and on the other by the lands of the Kasompsom family.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Forty-five pounds sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Hal-Whal-Utstin his X mark and 17 others
Done in the presence of (signed)
Alfred Robson Benson, M.R.C.S.L.
Joseph William McKay
Che-ko-nein Tribe – Point Gonzales to Cedar Hill
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of the tribe or family of Che-ko-nein, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between Point Gonzales and Mount Douglas, following the boundary line of the Chilcowitch and Kosampsom families, the Canal of Haro, and the Straits of Juan de Fuca, east of Point Gonzales.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Seventy-nine pounds ten shillings sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Chayth-Lum his X mark and 29 others
Done in the presence of (signed)
Alfred Robson Benson, M.R.C.S.L.
Joseph William McKay
Ka-ky-aakan Tribe – Metchosin
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of family of Ka-ky-aakan, acting for and with the consent of our people, who being here present have individually and collectively confirmed and ratified this act. Now know that we, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between Point Albert and the Inlet of Whoyung, on the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the snow covered mountains in the interior of the Island, so as to embrace the whole tract of District of Metchosin, from the coast to these said mountains.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Forty-three pounds six shillings and eight pence.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Quoite-To-Kay-Num his X mark
Tly-A-Hum his X mark
Descendants of the Chiefs – ancient possessors fo this District, and their only surviving heirs – about 26 in number
Done in the presence of (signed)
Alfred Robson Benson, M.R.C.S.L.
Joseph William McKay
Chewhaytsum Tribe – Sooke
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of family of Chewhaytsum, acting for and on behalf of our people, who being here present have individually and collectively ratified and confirmed this act. Now know that we, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between the Inlet of Whoyhung and the Bay of Syusung, knows as Sooke Inlet and the snow covered mountains in the interior of the Island.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Forty-five pounds ten shillings.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Al-chat-nook his X mark
We-ta-noogh his X mark
Cha-nas-kaynum his X mark
Chiefs and representatives oft he family of Chewhaytsum, who collectively have ratified the sale – about 30 in number
Sooke Tribe – North-West of Sooke Inlet
Know all men, we, the chiefs and people of family of Sooke, acting for and on behalf of our people, who being here present have individually and collectively ratified and confirmed this act. Now know that we, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between the Bay of Syusung, or Sooke Inlet, tot he Three Rivers beyond Thlowuck, or Point Shirringham, on the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and the snow covered mountains in the interior of Vancouver Island.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Forty-eight pounds six shillings and eight pence.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
(Signed)
Wanseea his X mark
Tanasman his X mark
Chysimkan his X mark
Yokum his X mark
Chiefs commissioned by and representing the Sooke Tribe here assembled.
Saanich Tribe – South Saanich
Know all men that we, the chiefs and people of the Saanich Tribe, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the sixth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever, to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between Mount Douglas and Cowichan Head, on the Canal de Haro, and extending Thence to the line running through the centre of Vancouver Island, north and South.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Forty-one pounds thrirteen shillings and four pence.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks at Fort Victoria, on the7th day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
(Signed)
Whut-Say-Mullet his X mark and 9 others
Witness to signatures, (signed)
Joseph William McKay, Clerk H.B. Co’s service
Richd. Golledge, Clerk
Saanich Tribe – North Saanich
Know all men, that we the chiefs and people of the Saanich Tribe, who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the eleventh day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever, to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying as follows, viz: – commencing at Cowichan Head and following the coast of the Canal de Haro North-west nearly to Saanich Point, or Qua-na-sung; from thence following the course of the Saanich Arm to the point where it terminates; and form thence by a straight line across country to said Cowichan Head, the point of commencement, so as to include all the country and lands, with the exceptions hereafter named, within those boundaries.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment [amount not stated]
(Signed)
Hotutstun his X mark and 117 others.
Witness to signatures, (signed)
Joseph William McKay, Clerk H.B. Co’s service
Richd. Golledge, Clerk
Queackar Tribe – Fort Rupert
Know all men, that we the chiefs and people of the Tribe called Queackers who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the eighth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever, to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between McNeill’s Harbour and Hardy Bay, inclusive of these ports, and extending two miles into the interior of the Island.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Sixty-four pounds sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks, at Fort Rupert, Beaver Harbour, on the eighth of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.
(Signed)
Wale his X mark and 11 others.
Witness to signatures, (signed)
William Henry McNeill, G.T., H.B.Co.
Charles Dodd, Master, Steamer Beaver
George Blenkinsop, Clerk H.B. Co.
Quakeolth Tribe – Fort Rupert
Know all men, that we the chiefs and people of the Tribe called Quakeolths who have signed our names and made our marks to this deed on the eighth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, do consent to surrender, entirely and for ever, to James Douglas, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vancouver Island, that is to say, for the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Committee of the same, the whole of the lands situated and lying between McNeill’s Harbour and Hardy Bay, inclusive of these ports, and extending two miles into the interior of the Island.
The conditions of our understanding of this sale is this, that our village sites and enclosed fields are to be kept for our own use, for the use of our children, and for those who may follow afer us and the land shall be properly surveyed hereafter. It is understood, however, that the la d itself, with these small exceptions, becomes the entire property of the white people for ever; it is also understood that we are at liberty to hunt over the unoccupied lands, and to carry on our fisheries as formerly.
We have received, as payment, Eighty-six pounds sterling.
In token whereof, we have signed our names and made our marks, at Fort Rupert, Beaver Harbour, on the eighth of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.
(Signed)
Wawattie his X mark and 15 others.
Witness to signatures, (signed)
William Henry McNeill, G.T., H.B.Co.
Charles Dodd, Master, Steamer Beaver
George Blenkinsop, Clerk H.B. Co.
Saalequun Tribe – Nanaimo
A similar conveyance of country extending from Commercial Inlet, 12 miles up the Nanaimo River, made by the Saalequun Tribe, and signed Squoniston and others. [December 23, 1854]
From: Papers Connect with the Indian Land Question, 1850-1875, Victoria, R. Wolfenden, 1875