Science and technology education in a civilizing mission ...

• Main Author: MacIvor, Madeleine
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2008
• Subjects: Fort Simpson; Tsimshian; Tsimshian*
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0086448; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0086448

This thesis is a study of science and technology education in the context of an early Aboriginal-missionary interaction at Fort Simpson and Metlakatla, British Columbia between 1857 and 1887. Drawing on a variety of historical sources, the study investigates how science and technology education were used by lay missionary William Duncan to further the dual goals of Christianization and civilization among the Tsimshian. The thesis also investigates the varying responses of the Tsimshian to Duncan’s educational initiatives. The thesis argues that science and technology education at Fort Simpson and Metlakatla was implemented in an attempt to culturally dominate the People. Duncan used science and technology education to promote Christianity, to undermine the People's traditional beliefs about the natural world, to promote literacy over orality, and to inculcate Victorian work values. Furthermore, the technological and domestic training introduced by Duncan facilitated the development of materials and skills ...