Water Over the Wheel by W. H. Olsen

Good condition, paperback , 

Water Over the Wheel by W. H. Olsen (illustrated by R. L. Ryan), which chronicles the local history of the Chemainus Valley and Crofton on Vancouver Island

I have included this book because of the interesting character named toma; mentioned in other writings as james douglases right hand man or henchman; toma was a mohawk native, and had encounters with cowichan chiefs which i found interesting.  This book also has information on earlier encounters with settlers and natives. -- Fran

• The Intercultural Divide: Olsen highlights that Toma (who worked as an HBC guide and interpreter) held a deep contempt for certain coastal tribes. The author uses this animosity to explain the rising interpersonal tensions that ultimately led to the famous 1856 dispute with Quw'utsun (Cowichan) Chief Tathlasut. [1, 2]
• The 1856 Incident: The book recounts the confrontation in which Toma was shot, an injury so severe his right arm required immediate amputation. Olsen sets this personal struggle up as the direct catalyst for Governor James Douglas' deployment of military force onto Quw'utsun lands. [1]