Kw'eh, Chief National Historic Person

Fort St. James, British Columbia
The knife believed to be Chief Kw’eh’s, loaned to J.B. Munro, found in the Royal BC Museum collection and now on display at Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada © Parks Canada Agency | Agence Parcs Canada, Frieda Klippenstein, 2008.
Dagger of Chief Kw’eh
© Parks Canada Agency | Agence Parcs Canada, Frieda Klippenstein, 2008.
The knife believed to be Chief Kw’eh’s, loaned to J.B. Munro, found in the Royal BC Museum collection and now on display at Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada © Parks Canada Agency | Agence Parcs Canada, Frieda Klippenstein, 2008.Chief Kw’eh exhibit at Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada © Parks Canada Agency | Agence Parcs Canada, Frieda Klippenstein, 2008.
Address : Fort St. James, British Columbia

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 2011-07-19
Life Date: 1755 to 1840

Other Name(s):
  • Chief Kw'eh  (Designation Name)
  • Chief Kw’eh (c. 1755-1840)  (Other Name)
Research Report Number: 1976-005, 2009-053

Importance: Used kinship ties as well as personal qualities and gifts to gain traditional rights and leadership over a wide territory and numerous Carrier communities

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada, Fort St. James, British Columbia

This Dakelh (Carrier) chief emerged as a great leader during a critical period. Early in life he distinguished himself as a warrior, defusing a cycle of warfare between the Dakelh-ne of Stuart Lake and the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) to the south. Kw’eh’s esteemed position enabled him to negotiate relations with fur traders who established a post here in 1806. His conciliatory approach in conflicts with these newcomers and his ability to provide for both his people and the traders are legendary. The “dreamer of the salmon” continues to preside over the fishery from his burial place at the mouth of the Stuart River.