Douglas Treaties facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Douglas Treaties: 1850–1854

Sir James Douglas
Drafted	1850–1854
Location	Colony of Vancouver Island
Parties	First Nations of Vancouver Island Colony of Vancouver Island
Language	English

The Douglas Treaties, also known as the Vancouver Island Treaties, were a group of agreements. They were signed between certain First Nations groups on Vancouver Island and the Colony of Vancouver Island. These treaties took place between 1850 and 1854.

Why Were the Treaties Needed?

After the Oregon Treaty in 1846, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) felt their fur trapping rights in the Oregon Territory were uncertain. So, in 1849, they moved their main western office. It moved from Fort Vancouver to Fort Victoria on Vancouver Island.

James Douglas, a main leader for the HBC, moved to Fort Victoria. He was put in charge of the company's work west of the Rocky Mountains.

The British government then made Vancouver Island a British colony in 1849. They gave the HBC control of the colony for ten years. Douglas was asked to encourage more British people to settle there.

Richard Blanshard was named the colony's first governor. However, he soon found that the HBC, and especially James Douglas, held most of the real power. There were no government workers, police, or army. Most British settlers worked for the HBC.

What Were the Douglas Treaties?

As the colony grew, the HBC started buying land from First Nations people on Vancouver Island. This land was needed for new settlements and businesses. Over four years, Governor James Douglas made fourteen land purchases from different First Nations groups.

Douglas first met with leaders of the Songhees Nation in April 1850. They made verbal agreements. Each leader then signed a blank paper with an "X". The actual details of the treaty were added later in August. These details were based on how land was bought from the Māori people in New Zealand.

The Douglas Treaties cover about 930 square kilometers (359 sq mi) of land. This land is around Victoria, Saanich, Sooke, Nanaimo, and Port Hardy. In exchange for the land, First Nations received cash, clothing, and blankets.

The treaties also promised that First Nations could keep their existing village lands and fields. They were also allowed to hunt and fish on the lands they had given up.

Douglas stopped buying land because the colony was growing slowly. Also, there wasn't enough money to continue. The Douglas Treaties were among the last treaties signed in British Columbia for a long time.

Why Are the Treaties Disputed?

The Douglas Treaties are still debated today for several reasons. Many court cases have been held about them. One big issue is that the treaty terms were left blank when they were first signed. Some parts and pages were added later.

It is also unclear if the First Nations leaders fully understood what they were signing away. These treaties were signed during a difficult time for First Nations. Many people were getting sick from new diseases brought by newcomers.

Who Signed the Treaties?

Here are some of the First Nations groups involved in the Douglas Treaties: