For my research project, I decided to look into Chief Wickaninnish and his influence in the fur trade on Vancouver Island. This idea came to me while trying to think of something I was interested in. I love Vancouver Island, especially the Tofino/ Ucluelet area and my partner and I spent the better part of a day last Christmas exploring the Wickaninnish beach and surroundings. I was absolutely incredible. I decided to find out what or who Wickaninnish was and why it was named after this thing/person. Turns out, Wickaninnish was a very influential Chief in the area and he was well respected by not only his people, but by others who traded with him. Under “Reflections on the Past” is my document analysis of a journal written by Irish explorer and navigator, John Mears. It gives more insight on how welcoming and well respected of a man Chief Wickaninnish was and why we honor his name today.
(PS Photo is the old Wickaninnish Inn at Wickaninnish Beach, BC. December 2015)