James Teit and Indigenous Rights in BC, 1880s - 1920s

Course description

Every once in a while, an important figure makes an appearance, makes a difference, and then disappears. James Teit (1864-1922) was such a figure.  From his base at Spences Bridge, BC, Teit spent four decades working with and advocating for BC’s Indigenous peoples. In this talk, Wickwire will draw from her 2019 book, At the Bridge: James Teit and an Anthropology of Belonging to show how Teit’s journeys – between Shetland, UK and British Columbia; between Boasian anthropology and Indigenous forms of knowledge; between socialist politics and Indigenous political campaigns – fostered cultural bridges that were rare even by today’s standards.