Joseph William McKay: A Metis Fur Trader, Explorer, Politician and Business Leader in Colonial British Columbia

Joseph William McKay: A Metis Fur Trader, Explorer, Politician and Business Leader in Colonial British Columbia
Presenter: Greg Fraser (Author and Retired History Educator)

The story of Joseph William McKay’s life, reveals a success that few Metis of the time could accomplish. Come learn about this amazing man who fully participated in all the economic and political opportunities on offer in colonial British Columbia.  He was a fur trader, founder of Nanaimo and the coal mines, explored and helped map multiple regions of British Columbia, and was elected to the provincial legislature to name a few accomplishments. Greg Fraser, tells this important and colourful story of remarkable and complex man who despite the prejudices of the day, could achieve so much at a time of great expansion in the province, and yet, oppression for First Nations peoples. Such a contradiction cannot be ignored and makes his life even more interesting. 

1 session: $10   Class size: max 24
Monday:  November 7   1:00-3:00pm
Note: offered online via Zoom