McKenna–McBride Royal Commission facts for kids

The McKenna–McBride Commission was a special group set up in 1912 by both the Canadian federal government and the government of British Columbia. Its main job was to try and solve a big problem called the "Indian reserve question" or "Indian land question" in British Columbia. This question was about how much land First Nations people should have for their reserves.

The commission got its common name, McKenna–McBride, from the two important people who signed the agreement to create it in 1912: Joseph McKenna from the federal government and Richard McBride, who was the Premier of British Columbia. The group was led by Nathaniel Whitworth White. The commissioners traveled all over British Columbia for three years. They listened to many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. They wanted to find out if the existing reserves were fair and big enough.

The McKenna–McBride Commission had a huge impact on First Nations reserve lands. It changed them by adding land, making some smaller, and even removing land from some reserves. In total, land was taken away from 35 places belonging to 23 different First Nations groups. In 1924, the commission's ideas became law as the B.C. Indian Lands Settlement Act.

Why the Commission Was Needed

The Land Question

For a long time, First Nations in British Columbia had been fighting for their land and title. As more settlers moved into their traditional territories, First Nations people felt their lands were being taken over.

The governments wanted to find a way to settle this "Indian Question" once and for all. They hoped that if they set aside more reserves for First Nations, everyone would be happy. The main goal of the commission was to "adjust the acreage of Indian reserves in British Columbia." This meant changing the size of these lands.

How the Commission Worked

Traveling and Listening

The commissioners spent three years, from 1913 to 1916, traveling across British Columbia. They visited almost every First Nation group. They asked them what small parts of their traditional lands they wanted to be included as reserves. They also gathered information from non-Indigenous people.

Changes to Reserve Lands

When the commission finished its work in June 1916, it had made many recommendations. While it suggested adding land to most reserves, it also recommended taking land away from others. These lands that were taken away were often in valuable areas, especially near towns. They became known as "cut-off lands."

The commission suggested removing about 47,000 acres (190 km²) of land. This land was worth a lot of money at the time, between CA$1.3 million and CA$1.5 million. They also suggested adding about 87,000 acres (352 km²) of new land. However, this new land was only worth about CA$444,838.80. This means that even though more land was added by area, the land that was taken away was much more valuable.

The recommendations from the commission were not put into action right away. It took until 1923 for the process to begin. Finally, on July 19, 1924, the ideas from the McKenna–McBride Commission were officially adopted as the B.C. Indian Lands Settlement Act.

First Nations Testimonies

Many different First Nations groups shared their stories and opinions with the commission during its hearings. Some of these groups included:

• Spallumcheen Indian Band, at their reserve near Enderby (October 2, 1913)
• Scowlitz First Nation, at New Westminster (September 4, 1914)
• Too-sey First Nation (Chilcotin), at the Too-sey Reserve (July 21, 1914)
• Pemberton First Nation, at Pemberton Meadows (August 15, 1915)
• Cowtain First Nation, at Cheakamus (August 17, 1916)