Emma Nelson (née Starr)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emma Nelson (née Starr; 1854 – June 27, 1959) was a matriarch of the Gisbutwada (Killer Whale) house of the Kitsumkalum Tribe of the Tsimshian Nation, in British Columbia, Canada.[1][2][3][4][5] She contributed significantly to the development of the Terrace, British Columbia area.[3]
.jpg)
Emma Nelson | |
|---|---|
Emma Nelson. | |
| Born | Emma Starr 1854 |
| Died | June 27, 1959 |
| Spouse | Charles Nelson |
| Children | 9 |
Early life
Family Life
Emma married Charles Nelson, Chief of the Ganhada (Raven) house of the Kitsumkalum Tribe, and together they raised nine children: Grace, Cecilia, Elizabeth, Josephine, Miriam, Gordon, Charlie Jr., Billy, and Dave.[1] The Nelson family was among the few Indigenous families remaining in the area when European settlers began arriving in the early 20th century.[1][6]
Role in the Community
Emma Nelson worked in local salmon canneries during the fishing season, contributing to her family's livelihood.[1] She was known for her efforts to gather and prepare food for the winter, including smoking and drying salmon, trapping, and berry picking.[1]
After the death of her husband in 1930, Emma worked as a housekeeper in Terrace.[1]
Contributions and Legacy
Emma and her husband were instrumental in aiding early European settlers, providing food, hospitality, and local knowledge.[3][4][5][7][8][9] They operated a general store in Kitsumkalum, helping to establish the Terrace area as a growing settlement.[3][4][5][10] Despite their significant contributions, their roles have often been overlooked in traditional settler histories.[3][4][5][8]
Emma lived to the age of 105, and died in Terrace on June 27, 1959.[1]
Recognition
In May 2024, the Grand Trunk Pathway in Terrace was renamed the Xpilaxha – Charles and Emma Nelson Trail in honour of Emma and her husband's contributions to the community.[2][3][5][8][11][12][13][14] The renaming was part of reconciliation efforts acknowledging Indigenous histories and their foundational roles in the region's development.[3][5][8][11][12][13]