The Tsilhqot'in (Chilcotin) are an Indigenous people with a population of over 3,000 who live between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains in west-central British Columbia. The territory of the Tsilhqot'in includes most of the drainage of the Chilcotin River and the headwaters of the Homathko, Kliniklini and Dean Rivers flowing westward through the Coast range. Traditionally Dene (Athapaskan) speaking, their name means "people of the red river" and also refers to the Chilcotin Plateau region in British Columbia. The Tsilhqot’in National Government is a tribal council established in 1989 that represents the six member First Nations of the Chilcotin Plateau. (See also Indigenous People: Subarctic.)

Early Economic and Social Systems

The Tsilhqot'in traditional culture was similar to that of other Northern Dene. Through most of the 19th century they were organized into autonomous bands. However, through much of the year, families moved about independently hunting, fishing and gathering roots and berries. There were leaders, some of whom were forceful, but the society was basically egalitarian and individuals and their families valued their autonomy. In late summer, most families gathered along the rivers to fish the salmon runs. In mid-winter, they moved to sheltered locations, usually near lakes suitable for ice fishing, where they lived in shed-roofed homes or pit houses (see Architectural History: Early First Nations).

Contact with Europeans

In 1808, Simon Fraser was the first European to encounter Tsilhqot'in, in Secwepemc territory along the west bank of the Fraser River. The Hudson’s Bay Company established an outpost in Tsilhqot'in territory in 1827, which was staffed intermittently until 1844. The Tsilhqot'in resented the presence of these strangers in their territory, and the post was not particularly successful. The Tsilhqot'in had little contact with the influx of gold miners along the Fraser River in 1859–60, but they did suffer heavy population loss in a smallpox epidemic shortly thereafter.

In 1861, a pack-train trail was established from the Bella Coola Valley through Tsilhqot'in territory to the developing gold mine centres to the east, and work was begun on a wagon road from Bute Inlet to the interior. Resisting these intrusions, a small group of Tsilhqot'in killed several workers on this road in what is known as the Chilcotin War of 1864. Six Tsilhqot'in were eventually tried and executed for these killings. On 26 March 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formerly apologized and exonerated the Tsilhqot'in chiefs of any wrongdoing.

Shortly after, settlers began to establish farms and ranches west of the Fraser River. In 1882, Father Morice, also a historian and linguist, commenced missionary work among the Tsilhqot'in. Reserves were created for the various bands between 1887 and 1904. Prior to this, the Tsilhqot'in had begun small-scale ranching and farming while continuing their traditional subsistence activities.

Contemporary Activities

During most of the 20th century the Tsilhqot'in combined traditional subsistence activities with work in the local economy, notably as ranch hands, but also in guiding and in the trapping industry. Logging and the decline in the natural resources that the Tsilhqot'in traditionally utilized have made adherence to traditional ways increasingly difficult. Despite this, Tsilhqot'in retain a strong sense of social and political identity, as they continue the struggle to maintain their Indigenous rights and to negotiate for self-government.

The Tsilhqot'in National Government, established in 1989, is a tribal council that represents the 'Esdilagh First Nation (Alexandria Band), Tsi Del Del First Nation (Alexis Creek First Nation), Yunesit'in First Nation (Stone Band), Tl'etinqox-t'in First Nation (Anaham Band), Tl'esqox (Toosey Band), and the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation (Nemiah Band), which are located throughout the Chilcotin Plateau. The 2011 National Household Survey enumerated 1,195 speakers of the Tsilhqot’in Dene language.

Supreme Court Ruling on Aboriginal Title

On 26 June 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled unanimously in favour of Chief Roger William, acting on his own behalf and on the behalf of all members of the Tsilhqot’in Nation, granting Aboriginal title to 1700 km2 of land traditionally inhabited by the Tsilhqot’in. The ruling gives the Tsilhqot’in exclusive right to use and enjoy the land, as well as any benefits and profits derived therefrom. Any economic development on the land will require the consent of the Tsilhqot’in Nation.

The case, officially known as Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia, stemmed from a commercial logging licence on Xeni Gwet’in territory granted by the British Columbia government in 1983. After a blockade, negotiations began but were derailed over the Tsilhqot’in desire for the right of first refusal to logging activities. After talks broke down, the Tsilhqot’in amended their original claim to include Aboriginal title in 1998.


The ruling is significant in that it clarified the requirements for establishing Aboriginal title. The criteria for Aboriginal title are threefold, in short: an Indigenous group must first prove occupation, and then must prove continuity and exclusivity of said occupation.