Anaheim

Anaheim, a resident of Nancootloon, was the principal chief of the western Tsilhqot’in territory and it was within his territory that the attack on McDonald’s pack train occurred. Anaheim viewed the attack as a declaration of war on all whites in Tsilhqot’in territory and departed for Bella Coola shortly before the ambush took place. When Brew and his men arrived at Nancootloon, they found the village deserted.

In October 1864, Brew returned to Nancootloon in search of Chief Anaheim. Anaheim, fearing retribution on the part of the whites, refused to meet with Brew until his freedom was guaranteed. Brew agreed to pardon the chief if Anaheim returned the plunder he had received following the attack. Anaheim also promised to help bring the warriors to “justice.” In the spring of 1865, he persuaded Ahan, a Tsilhqot’in warrior involved in the attack on the pack train, to surrender to colonial authorities. Ahan was found guilty of participating in the murder of Alexander McDonald and sentenced to death.