Indigenous leaders depart Vancouver BC to present petition to King Edward VII in England

The delegation inlcuded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Chief qiyəplenəxʷ, (Capilano), Quwʼutsun (Cowichan) Chief Charley Isipaymilt and Secwepemc (formerly Shuswap) Chief Basil David. Simon Pierre, a young Katzie man from the Coquitlam Reserve, came as interpreter. They sought to address issues related to land claims, governmental regulations on fishing and hunting, and the banning of the potlatch. The delegation first travelled across Canada to Ottawa where they met Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Frank Oliver, and presented him with a written address for Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier, describing the many injustices faced by Indigenous nations across Canada. From Ottawa they sent a letter back home saying “Every station we come to Indians are there waiting for us, bidding us goodbye and handshaking us, and wishing us good luck.” By July 21 they made it to the Atlantic and departed for England. On August 13, the delegation had a fifteen minute audience with King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. They presented three woven baskets to Queen Alexandra, one basket containing a picture of the son and daughter of Chief Capilano. Although the King did next to nothing to assist the Indigenous peoples of BC, the great effort put forth by these leaders on behalf of their peoples is remembered today. Chief qiyəplenəxʷ never abandoned his mission to obtain justice and respect for his people.