Documents & Records

Claims Arising Out of Riots in 1913 and 1914 on Vancouver Island

Basics

Riots associated with a coal miners' strike on Vancouver Island in 1913 and 1914 led to injury to people and damage to property. A Commission on Claims was struck in 1916 to report on resulting claims for compensation. 380 claims were filed, with sessions held at Nanaimo, Ladysmith and Victoria between May and December 1916. Claimants included many Chinese people. The Commissioner's report includes information and files relating to individual claimants.

Finding the Records

At B.C. Archives

The Commission's papers, comprising five boxes of documents, are held by the B.C. Archives as GR-0518. The records are not microfilmed and must be consulted on-site.

Box 1, File 1 includes a list of the 380 claimants, the majority of whom were Chinese. Remaining files in Box 1 consist of the claims, submitted on standardized, notarized forms. Box 5, Files 90-110 contain Chinese statements and translations.

A detailed list of the boxes and files is found in the archival description of GR-0518, which includes a Detailed Finding Aid. If you are unable to visit in person, contact the B.C. Archives for more information.

Photo banner: Detail from VPL Historical Photograph 78362