The Chinlac Massacre Site
This historic site located at the meeting point of the Nechako and Stuart Rivers, is the site of the 1745 Native Chinlac village. This specific village however, is popular not only because it was the home of the Chinlac people, but because it was home to a people that was almost wiped out of existence by the southern Denes, a warring party of Chilcotin natives from further south.
It is told that Chinlac men were out hunting while the woman and children stayed at the village. The Denes came upon the village and then set about massacring everyone who remained. Some say that they even cannibalized some of the bodies.
Over 250 woman and children were killed that day, and even though the Chinlac men did manage to get revenge, it did not change the fact that all their lives were destroyed.
This history of what happened at the village leads to the strange, but understandable sequence of events that occur to people known to go visit this local.
First is that most people who travel here, which can only be reached by boat or plane, will always say that the area has a very cold and creepy felling to it.
Second is that the entire village area seems to no longer support plant growth and anything planted, will only last a short time. It is heard to be said by some native elders that any trees that manage to grow, or are planted will only grow to no more the 15 feet and then die or live a stunted life, before withering and dying quickly.
This may be enough to keep most people away, who are afraid of the unknown. However, if you feel brave enough, go and see if you can spend the night.
Archaeologists have reported feelings of unease and of being frightened, inspiring them to leave. Campers who have canoed to the site, have been so overwhelmed by the area that they have left in the middle of the night to seek more relaxing areas to camp. So I say again, if you feel brave go see if you can spend a night at the Chinlac Massacre site.
Thanks to the Vancouver Sun and the Shadowlands haunted places site for their information on this story.
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