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History |
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Archaeologists know that people were living on the coast of Vancouver Island 9,000 years ago. When the sea-level stopped fluctuating about 4,000 years later, the coastline became permanent and river deltas and tidal flats developed. Fish and shellfish became much easier to catch and harvest, resulting in an increase of population and settlements. With increasing prosperity, tribal communities developed a sophisticated social system, a spiritual life and an artistic tradition. European impact on Vancouver Island began in 1778 when Captain Cook set foot on Nootka Island. Both the British and the Spanish became deeply involved in exploration of the island and surrounding waters. In 1792, with the signing of the Nookta Conventions, Spain ceded her interests in the area to Britain. Some fifty years later, in 1843, the Hudson's Bay Company established a fort on southern Vancouver Island to protect British interests in the area. Under the command of James Douglas it became a supply centre and jumping-off point for the Fraser Gold Rush of 1858 and was incorporated as the city of Victoria in 1862. Victoria first became capital city of the crown colony of Vancouver Island and from 1871 of the province of British Columbia.
Vancouver Island remained a region of Canada until the early years of the 21st century. Economic decline in British Columbia, combined with the desire of Islanders for autonomy, led to establishment of an independent state. Under the terms of a Royal Charter, a self-governing Prinicipality was founded. The creation of the new state is commonly referred to as the Accession. |
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