Matthew Begbie, a prominent figure in British Columbia's history, is facing renewed scrutiny over his legacy. Known for his towering presence at six feet five inches, Begbie served as a circuit judge in the mid-19th century, traveling across the province to enforce the law. He was appointed chief justice of the Crown Colony of British Columbia by the British Empire and played a significant role in the region's transition to Confederation.

Begbie is remembered for his efforts to recognize Indigenous land rights. In 1860, he declared that Indigenous peoples held aboriginal title to their lands, a stance that was progressive for his time. He also advocated for legislation that allowed Native women to inherit property from their white partners, regardless of marital status. His contributions to early legislation in British Columbia included the Aliens Act and the Gold Fields Act.

However, Begbie's legacy has become contentious due to his involvement in the trial of six Tsilhqot’in chiefs following a violent conflict in 1864. The conflict arose after miners disrupted salmon spawning grounds, leading to tensions and violence. A series of killings resulted in the deaths of 21 workers and settlers. Begbie presided over the trial, where a jury convicted the chiefs of murder, leading to their execution by hanging.

For decades, Begbie was celebrated as a hero. A docudrama titled "The Legendary Judge" produced in 1958 depicted him as a symbol of British justice in the wild west. However, the narrative began to shift in the 1990s when the Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry called for a posthumous pardon for the Tsilhqot’in chiefs. In 2014, British Columbia's Premier issued an apology, stating the chiefs were "fully exonerated of any crime or wrongdoing."

This shift in perception has led to a reevaluation of Begbie's role in history. In recent years, institutions have removed his name from buildings and statues. The University of Victoria took his name off its law school in 2001, and in 2017, the Law Society of British Columbia removed a statue of him from its building. The city of New Westminster has also renamed public spaces that honored Begbie.

Critics of this reevaluation argue that it oversimplifies a complex historical narrative. Legal historian Hamar Foster noted that many people mistakenly believe Begbie alone decided the fate of the Tsilhqot’in chiefs, when in fact, it was a jury that rendered the verdict. Foster emphasized that the colonial governor had the authority to commute the death sentences, not Begbie.

Sam Sullivan, a former mayor of Vancouver, expressed concern over the removal of Begbie's statues, stating, "While south of the border the U.S. Army waged a dozen wars against Indigenous people, Judge Begbie risked his life in hostile environments for a more just society." He criticized the decisions made by the Law Society as being conducted in secrecy.

As discussions about historical figures and their legacies continue, the case of Matthew Begbie highlights the complexities of reconciling past actions with contemporary values. The ongoing debate reflects broader societal changes regarding the recognition of Indigenous rights and the legacy of colonialism in Canada.