Aylash
Aylash was an Indigenous woman who lived approximately 20 miles away from T'sakis (Fort Rupert). In July, 1862, John White, an Irish immigrant, accompanied four American men leaving New Westminster, British Columbia in a canoe. According to White's testimony to the Crown, after leaving Fort Rupert, White began to suspect foul play from his companions stating that he overheard them say that they will do away with him. After noticing violent intentions from the group, they docked on land where White refused to go any further with the group. They left White on the island with clothes…and a little flour whereupon he was left alone for two days. Subsequently, White was taken 20 miles away from Fort Rupert by a few Indigenous men where they promised to take [him] to their home. White was ordered to make a fire and then was shot in the shoulder by one of the Indigenous men. White then ran away and hid in a bush for days before he was found by Aylash and three other Indigenous people. Aylash took White to her home, gave him food, and, according to his account, treated [him] very well. Aylash and the others moved White to various villages before stopping at Sabassah. On 3 October 1862, White was removed from the village of the Kithrahtalah by Commander John Pike. White gave Aylash and her partner, Quoshawahl $15 for their humanity in rescuing him from starvation and providing him with food and lodging for more than 6 weeks.
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