Louise Mandell and community supporters at the Bradley Bob trial decision

Identifier

LM0157

Title

Louise Mandell and community supporters at the Bradley Bob trial decision

Scope and contents

Item is a photograph of Louise Mandell and community supporters at the Bradley Bob trial decision in Lillooet, BC on August 2nd, 1979. The photograph is a snapshot of Louise sitting on the grass outside the court house discussing the decision with community supporters in a circle around her.

Date

August 2, 1979

Spatial Coverage

Lillooet (B.C.)

Subject

Court proceedings

Fishing rights--Law and legislation--British Columbia

Names

Mandell, Louise

Context

In 1978, the Lillooet Band claimed their reserve right to fish even though a closure was set by the federal fisheries department because the salmon count was low on the Fraser River. The dispute went to court in the historic Bradley Bob vs. the Queen trial from April 17th to 20th, 1979. The legal argument of the case was based partly on the exclusive right to fish that was given by the Royal Commission in 1881. The defense counsel was comprised of Louise Mandell and Stuart Rush who got the trial moved to the Thunderbird Hall on the Lillooet Reserve because of the enormous support from members of the Lillooet Band as well as the Fountain and Bridge River Bands and even other surrounding reserves and cities. Soon after Bradley Bob was arrested for fishing during the closure, the Lillooet Tribal Council asked the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs to defend him and the Legal Fish Committee was formed. In preparation for the case that would affect the outcomes of other cases, witnesses were organized, maps were prepared, fishing patterns were charted, river resources usage was assessed and documents were assembled. On August 2, 1979 the court's decision was announced. The judge found Bradley Bob guilty according to the letter of the law but gave him an absolute discharge.

In the matter of Regina vs Bradley Gerald Bob

Statement of Responsibility

Photographer unknown

Rights

Rights Holder

Copyright held by Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs

General notes

Title based on contents of the image

Last Modified

November 19, 2024