History of the Fraser
Everyone and everything has a history. You probably know when you were born, where your home is, and exciting things that have happened to you. The Fraser River also has a history – except it’s much older than yours!
Timelines tell us about things that happened, and when they happened. Explore the timeline of the Fraser River, and notice how the river changed over time.
Time Immemorial
Since time immemorial, the Fraser River has been a source of life for the many First Nations that live within the Watershed, providing the resources needed to survive and a way to connect with one another.
Late 1770s
British Columbia is home to thousands of First Nations people. European people, called colonists, begin arriving in the province and settling near the river. These colonists wanted to explore this new land use the natural resources they found.
Early 1800s
In 1808, Simon Fraser, a colonist and fur trader, sets off to explore the river that will later be named after him—although the river already had many names in local First Nation languages. Fraser and his group begin the journey near Prince George, traveling down the river to the Salish Sea. At the time, Simon Fraser actually believed he was traveling the Columbia River, which is located south of the Fraser. He wanted to find out if the river could be used as a fur trade route.
Other colonists also trade with the First Nations people, exchanging metal items like pots and knives for furs. This was called the ‘Fur Trade’. Since so many people wanted furs, hunting and trapping increased. The Fur Trade also resulted in diseases, like smallpox, being passed to First Nations communities.
Question:
Mid-late 1800s
Gold is discovered near the Fraser River, and people from all over the world move to British Columbia to mine it. This was called the ‘Gold Rush’. During this time, many gold mines, roads, and towns were built. The Gold Rush caused conflict between colonists and Indigenous communities, which led to the Canyon War.
Question:
1900-2000
More and more people move to British Columbia. These new settlers did not respect First Nations ways of life, and caused harm to the culture and health of Indigenous communities. Roads and buildings were built as cities grew, and industries like lumber, mining, and farming increased. Even though these industries were useful to people in the area, they polluted the environment and water around them.
Question:
Today
Pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion (using up resources faster than they can be replenished) are problems that still affect the Fraser River today. Fortunately, we are learning more everyday about how our actions can help the river instead of harming it. Lots of people—including First Nations, who continue to be important stewards to the land—are working together to make the Fraser River a healthier place for people and wildlife to live for generations to come.
Human actions can affect the Fraser River and the wildlife living in or around it. These actions can be big, like mining, or small, like leaving garbage behind.
