Sutas (also known as Lutas) was a Tsilhqot’in First Nations member, involved with
the conflict at
Bute Inlet. With his relative
Ahan, they attacked a group of road workers, resulting in the deaths of
Higgins,
Alex Macdonald and McDougal.
1 A year later, Sutas, and
Ahan travelled to
Bella Coola with a variety of expensive furs in order to create peace with colonial authorities.
2 Instead of accepting their offering,
Mr. Moss captured
Ahan and Sutas for their role in the
Bute Inlet conflict.
3 At the trial,
Ahan and Sutas, explained they were pressured into the attack by the powerful
Chief Klatsassin who had threatened them with death.
4 Mr. Brew charged Sutas with third degree murder, but pardoned him with a royal clemency and
returned to
Bella Coola.
5