Sue Tas (Dick): Chief Witness for the Prosecution

Sue Tas (also called Schystatis in The British Colonist , 4 June 1869, p. 3) was known as Dick at the trial. Evidence presented at the trial says he lived at Plumper's Pass [now Active Pass], Mayne Island, so he was likely a member of the Saanich people. Originally charged with accessory to murder, this charge was dropped. His testimony made him most unwelcome among his own people. The British Colonist reports that he was banished by his chief and threatened with death should he ever return to his village.

Record of Prisoners in Victoria Gaol:

"April 8 1869 Name Sue-tas (Alias Dick) an Indian. Age 17 years old, height 5'4" Eyes Dark, Hair Dark, Complexion Dark, Neither reads nor writes, no religion, proportion slight. Where born: Indian. Accessory to Murder. Trade, none. No Peculiar marks.

Sue Tas date arrested 7 Apr 1869, transferred to gaol 8th April arrested by John Morley Esq., JP at Cowichan, charge acc [accessory] to murder. Sentence No True Bill. Discharged 4th June 1869."

Notes:

British Columbia Archives, Victoria Gaol Records, GR308 vol 4, fol . 42; fol. 48; vol. 7, pp. 72-3.