The coast provided the early peoples with plentiful food and an environment which allowed great cultures to form over the next centuries. The arts flourished and cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs became sophisticated and intricately interwoven into daily life. Several nations formed along the coast; each with a distinctive culture.

For thousands of years these great nations survived the rigors of the Pacific Coast. In the 1700's European ships began to enter the waters of the Pacific North. They began to trade furs with the First Nations peoples. Soon there were more explorers charting routes, expanding European business interests establishing forts and officials settling disputes over "ownership" between themselves. Settlers took over land for the colonization of what they called "New Caledonia". The aboriginal peoples paid heavily over the next century in lives and land.

European ships began to explore in earnest by 1770 and soon Spanish, English and Russians visited many areas along the coast. Many islands, passages, bays and other geographical points carry the names of Europeans who explored during those years. Some early European explorers like Alexander Mackenzie, made their way to the coast over land. Evidence of Mackenzie's trek can be found along Dean Channel. The Spanish and English established uneasy accords over trading rights. The British eventually got the upper hand largely through Captain Vancouver's thorough exploration and charting of the coast.

The 1820's found more and more settlers, officials, trappers and traders finding their way to the Coast. Forts sprung up and commerce began. By the 1850's gold fever had struck with the discovery that aboriginal people had found gold in the Queen Charlottes and a few years later in the interior. The Gold Rush brought thousands of people to Victoria and then on to the interior. The Queen Charlottes were spared this massive influx as gold became scarce there by 1856. Officials alarmed by the great influx of Americans into New Caledonia, hastened to turn it into the official colony of British Columbia in 1858. New Westminster on the mainland became the capital, but by 1868 Victoria was chosen as the capital where it has remained to this day.

Vancouver Island became known for its fine timber and rich mining lands and soon a steady stream of settlers came west to make their fortunes. The gold fields however, began to offer less and less gold and the economy grew more slowly. The fledgling colony needed something more to help it prosper. Decisions were made and in 1871, the colony of British Columbia joined the Dominion of Canada.

Meanwhile the native populations once strong and thriving were being decimated by smallpox, alcoholism and other diseases– all brought by the European invasion of settlers and traders. Over 20,000 aboriginal people died on the South and Central Coast. Many thousands more died throughout British Columbia in just a few years. The First Nation's, reeling from the destruction of their population also faced serious threats to their cultural and spiritual traditions. The Europeans, with their own religions and mores were intolerant and forced through laws and acts further crippling the First Nation's culture. The damage was devastating and many of the great nations were all but destroyed. (Today, the First Nations traditions are being recognized as magnificent reflections of civilization. Their art is sought by collectors throughout the world and their culture and beliefs have gained great respect.)

By the 1870's fishing became an industry and canneries were built along the coast. Settlements cropped up. Up until British Columbia joined confederation, aboriginals could sell their fish but after 1867, aboriginals were banned from commercial fishing but were allowed to work in the canneries and fish packing plants.

Logging, fishing and mining became major industries. Several whaling stations and many canneries dotted the coast. Mining the metals and minerals found on the mainland and islands brought the need for small communities nearby. Remnants of many abandoned sites can be visited today. Logging camps became established on land and on floating communities which were moved around the coast. Paper making mills were established at Ocean Falls on the Central Coast, Swanson Bay on Vancouver Island and Powell River on the mainland's South Coast. The industry along the coastline of B.C. was growing rapidly. This was a period of great optimism which laid the ground for British Columbia's resource-based economy.

With the outbreak of World War I, exports were suddenly cut and for the next few years much energy was put into regaining their market. Many of the marginal small businesses were unable to bounce back and whole communities were abandoned and soon swallowed up by the wild growth along the shores. The growth of large and powerful industries, the depression and W.W.II further took their toll on Central and North Coast settlements. By the 50's, things were again looking better for the people in British Columbia. Economic growth was focussed on large scale industries. Cities and communities supported by big business grew larger as people left their homesteads for better financial prospects. Aboriginal Communities slowly grew or were incorporated with others. They began the process of rebuilding and reclaiming their ancient culture. The Central Coast and much of the North Coast became more remote. Fishing, mining and logging continued in pockets. As a result we now have a extraordinary area of wilderness to appreciate.

The Future

The Central and North Coast or "Forgotten Coast" as it is sometimes referred to, now is the focus of renewed public interest. Viewed by many to be one of the world's greatest wilderness areas, this region is the subject of more than one controversy. Individuals and environmental organizations are expressing concerns about the over-harvesting of timber and fish. Many sensitive areas are being monitored in attempts to retain healthy habitats for wildlife and flora. Discussions over aboriginal land-claims are in progress. Eco-tourism is growing and again being studied for its impact on the environment.

Most of Central and North Coast shoreline is not accessible by road. For some time cruise ships and private vessels have been taking the "Inside Passage" thrilling passengers with spectacular views. New nautical charts are being produced allowing boaters to take lesser travelled routes through this vast collection of islands and inlets.

The Central and North Coast of British Columbia is beautiful and abounds with animal life, history and ancient culture. Its wild profusion of green growth, rocky wind swept shores and remoteness often belies the rich history lying within. All in all, this is a most fascinating and exciting area to visit by boat.

Kwakuitl Recipes from Bruce Hallman

A History of the Northwest Coast by Bruce Hallman

Aboriginal Peoples exhibit at the Museum of Civilization Virtual Museum

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