The Victoria Historical Society is inviting history buffs to a talk with UVic PHD candidate and historical consultant Jesse Robertson, whose dissertation examines the histories of marine navigation and colonialism in the Pacific Northwest.
On March 27, the society will hold 'Dragged from the Surf: Shipwrecks and Rescues on Vancouver Island’s Indigenous Shores, 1859-1906,' which aims to explore how Indigenous first responders saved lives when sailors washed ashore and local communities were called to their aid.
In a news release, the society explained that in 1877, a Victoria MP raised a motion to establish lifesaving stations “to succour shipwrecked mariners” and protect them from “murderous attacks” on the West Coast.
"Stories of Indigenous 'murder' and 'plunder' continued to circulate long after their actual occurrence, but the reality was quite different by the late 19th century. In fact, Indigenous seafarers were the colonial castaway’s best hope," noted the release.
In the absence of an organized coast guard, Canadian officials relied on Indigenous rescuers to drag mariners from the surf in what became known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific."
The presentation will be held on March 27 at 7:15 p.m. Admission is $5 for non-members.
