Native Brotherhood of British Columbia facts for kids
The Native Brotherhood of British Columbia is an important group that works to protect the rights of First Nations people across British Columbia, Canada. It was created a long time ago, in 1931, by leaders from the Haida and Tsimshian nations. This organization was formed during meetings held in the Tsimshian community of Port Simpson, also known as Lax Kw'alaams.
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What is the Native Brotherhood?
The Native Brotherhood of British Columbia is an organization that stands up for the rights of Indigenous people. It helps make sure that First Nations communities have a voice and that their traditional ways of life and lands are respected. The group was inspired by a similar organization called the Alaska Native Brotherhood.
How it Started
The Native Brotherhood was officially started on December 13, 1931. This happened after a week of important meetings between Haida leaders from Masset and Tsimshian leaders in Port Simpson. Four main people helped create this group:
- Alfred Adams, a Haida chief from Masset
- William Beynon, a Tsimshian ethnologist and chief
- Chief William Jeffrey
Focus on Fishing Rights
Over time, the Native Brotherhood started to focus more on fishing rights. This change happened in 1942 when another group, the Pacific Coast Native Fishermen's Organization, joined them. This new addition brought many members from the Kwakwaka'wakw nation, who were very involved in fishing. Protecting fishing rights became a big part of what the Brotherhood did.
A New Group Forms
In 1945, some members of the Native Brotherhood decided to form their own organization. These members, led by Andy Paull, were mostly from Coast Salish communities in British Columbia. They created a new group called the North American Indian Brotherhood.
The Story Continues
The story of how the Native Brotherhood was formed in British Columbia is so important that it was made into a musical documentary. This film, called The Road Forward, was created in 2017 by North Vancouver filmmaker Marie Clements. It shares the history and impact of this significant organization.
