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Charles Nelson (Tsimshian chief)

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Charles Nelson
Xpilaxha
Charles Nelson.
PronunciationSPEE-la-haa
Born1868
Died(1930-03-19)March 19, 1930
Terrace, British Columbia
Known forIndigenous rights activism
SpouseEmma Nelson
Children9

Charles Nelson (1868 – March 19, 1930) was a Chief of the Ganhada (Raven) house of the Kitsumkalum Tribe of the Tsimshian Nation, located in British Columbia, Canada. His traditional name, Xpilaxha, roughly translates to “halfway to heaven.” Nelson and his wife, Emma Nelson, played a prominent role in the early history of the Terrace, British Columbia area.

Early life and family

Charles Nelson was born in the mid-19th century, in 1868, and became a notable figure among the Kitsumkalum people. He married Emma Nelson (née Starr), who held a high name within the Gisbutwada (Killer Whale) house of the Kitsumkalum. Together, they raised nine children: Grace, Cecilia, Elizabeth, Josephine, Miriam, Gordon, Charlie Jr., Billy, and Dave.

Contributions and legacy

Charles and Emma Nelson were integral to the development of the Terrace area during the early 20th century. They provided food, hospitality, and local knowledge to European settlers. The couple operated a general store at Kitsumkalum and supported local economic development, including investing in George Little's sawmill, a foundational industry for Terrace. Despite their contributions, historical narratives often understate their role in the region's development.

Nelson was also an advocate for Indigenous rights. In 1915, he appeared before the McKenna-McBride Royal Commission, demanding land rights for his people. He argued for ownership and autonomy, challenging the restrictive policies of the Indian Act.

Injury and death

Nelson sustained severe injuries in a railway accident during a snowstorm when his dogsled was struck by a Grand Trunk Pacific Railway snowplow. This accident left him disabled.

He died on March 19, 1930, at the age of 62.

Recognition

In May 2024, the Grand Trunk Pathway in Terrace was renamed the Xpilaxha – Charles and Emma Nelson Trail in honour of the couple's contributions to the region. The renaming ceremony was part of broader reconciliation efforts, recognizing the Tsimshian Nation's history and contributions.

References

  1. ^ "Grand Trunk Pathway Renamed Xpilaxha Trail". www.terrace.ca. 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  2. ^ Wiebe, Kelsey (2015-06-17). "There's far more to Terrace's history than white men". Terrace Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  3. ^ Bujtas, Sean (2024-05-31). "Sean Bujtas on LinkedIn: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Xpilaxha Nelson Trail ⭐️⭐️⭐️". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  4. ^ McDonald, James A. (1990). "POLES, POTLATCHING, AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS: The Use of Aboriginal Culture in Development". Culture. 10 (2): 103–120. doi:10.7202/1081343ar. ISSN 0229-009X.
  5. ^ "Declaration History". www.kitsumkalum.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  6. Guernsey, Brenda (2009). Un-Layering Landscapes: A Post-Colonial Critique of "Wilderness" in Tsimshian Territory, Northern British Columbia. University of Northern British Columbia. doi:10.24124/2009/bpgub562. ISBN 978-0-494-48767-9.
  7. ^ McDonald, James (2011-12-01), Deur, Douglas E.; Turner, Nancy J. (eds.), "9. Cultivating in the Northwest: Early Accounts of Tsimshian Horticulture", Keeping It Living: Traditions of Plant Use and Cultivation on the Northwest Coast of North America, University of Washington Press, pp. 240–273, doi:10.1515/9780295801100-010, ISBN 978-0-295-80110-0, retrieved 2024-12-07
  8. ^ Link, Rod (2024-06-08). "Trail renaming honours Tshimshian couple". Terrace Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  9. ^ Link, Rod (2024-11-27). "Terrace begins crafting new Indigenous names policy". Terrace Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  10. ^ Spencer, Sabrina (2024-11-27). "Terrace to Develop Indigenous Naming Policy for Streets, Parks, and Facilities". CFNR Network. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  11. ^ Link, Rod (2023-07-05). "Terrace city council backs bid to rename Grand Trunk Pathway". Terrace Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  12. ^ Link, Rod (2024-09-26). "Late Kitsumkalum chief councillor honoured with settlement feast". Terrace Standard. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  13. ^ Moen, Yvonne Marie. "Kitsumgallum People: Emma and Charles Nelson". www.terracelibrary.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  14. "Kitsumkalum Territory" (PDF). Doug Gent's History Pages. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  15. McDonald, James A. (1990). "Bleeding Day and Night: The Construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Across Tsimshian Reserve Lands" (PDF). www.cjns.brandonu.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  16. ^ McGowan, Katharine A. (2010-08-24). ""Until We Receive Just Treatment": The Fight Against Conscription at the Naas Agency and British Columbia, 1917-1918". BC Studies: The British Columbian Quarterly (167): 47–70. doi:10.14288/bcs.v0i167.576. ISSN 0005-2949.
  17. ^ Spencer, Sabrina. "Xpilaxha-Charles & Emma Nelson Trail: Bridging Communities and Honoring Heritage". CFNR Network. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  18. Spencer, Sabrina (2024-10-03). "Second Xpilaxha Trail Sign Installed". CFNR Network. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
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