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1915- Report on Day School at Indian Cove
Excerpt from annual inspection report of Indian Schools in Nova Scotia., PICTOU COUNTY. Rev. J.D. McLeod, the Indian agent, reports on the educational work in this agency as follows: - Indian Cove Day School. This school is on the Fisher's Grant reserve. The teacher, Miss G. McGirr, has had considerable experience in teaching Indians. The school is very comfortable and is neatly kept. The chief difficulty in teaching the children here is that they are ignorant of the English language owing to the fact that Mic-mac is spoken exclusively in their homes. In these circumstances the children make reasonable progress. They are docile and well-behaved. NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE: 45; NUMBER OF PUPILS ENROLLED: 32; AVERAGE ATTENDANCE: 19., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended March 31 1915 (Ottawa: J. De L. Tache, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1915), 130.
1916- Annual Report from Indian Agent J.D. McLeod
Annual Report from Indian Agent Rev. J.D. McLeod, reporting on various aspects of life at Fisher's Grant Reserve for the year 1916., REPORT OF REV. T.D. MACLEOD, INDIAN AGENT FOR PICTOU COUNTY, NOVA SCOTIA. Tribe. - All the Indians in this agency are Micmacs. Occupations. - These Indians are engaged in farming, fishing, making baskets and pick-handles, and hiring as labourers. Not a few work at the steel works at New Glasgow. Many during the past summer found employment loading steamers at Pictou and Pictou Landing with lumber, and products of Nova Scotia Steel Company. The smelt- fishing was not a success during the past season. The Indians have no boats or nets for sea fishing. This, it is thought, would be a profitable source of employment if they had the means. The women help in making baskets and moccasins. Farm Implements. - The Indians take good care of their farm implements such as ploughs, harrows, wagons, and cultivators. Buildings. - All the houses with few exceptions are frame buildings of small size and fairly comfortable. Health and Sanitation. - The health of the Indians has been good. Precautions are taken in avoiding infection in cases of tuberculosis. Characteristics and Progress. - The Indians are industrious with few exceptions. The younger men show a more progressive spirit and are anxious to secure more permanent and lucrative occupations at nearby industries to build better dwellings and to live up to a higher standard of life. Temperance, and Morality. - The large majority of the Indians are temperate. There are but few exceptions. Their morals with rare exceptions are very good., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended March 31 1916 (Ottawa: J. De L. Tache, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1916), 35.
1916- Report on School at Indian Cove, Pictou County
Annual Report pertaining to the Day School at Indian Cove, Fisher's Grant., PICTOU COUNTY. Number of pupils of school age, 46; number of pupils enrolled, 26; average attendance, 18. Rev. J.D. McLeod, the Indian agent, reports on the educational work in this agency as follows: - Indian Cove Day School. This school is on the Fisher's Grant reserve. It is a modernly constructed building, large; well ventilated and comfortable. For some years the school has been in charge of Miss Gertrude McGirr, who holds a grade "B" provincial scholarship. Owing to the migratory habits of the Indian families, it is difficult to secure regular attendance. Those children who attend regularly are progressing. satisfactorily. General Remarks. The careful education of the children by a conscientious teacher has a very good effect on the reserve life., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended March 31 1916 (Ottawa: J. De L. Tache, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1916), 127.
1919- Record of Pictou County Mi'kmaq who served in First World War
Excerpt from report on Indigenous people who served in the First World War. Ten men from Fisher's Grant served on the front lines during the conflict., MARITIME PROVINCES. All the Indians of the Maritime Provinces belong to the Micmac tribe, which is a subdivision of the Algonkin linguistic stock, with the exception of the Maliseets of New Brunswick, who form a separate branch of the Algonkin race. The Nova Scotia reserves are not very thickly populated, and in consequence the number of recruits secured upon them was numerically small. In a number of instances, however, the enlistment record in proportion to the population was very high, for example, from among the Micmacs of Sydney every eligible man went to the front. The Micmacs of Colchester county sent nine men from a total adult male population of twenty-five; the Micmacs of Hants county sent six from a total adult male population of sixteen; the Micmacs of Lunenburg county sent eleven from a total adult male population of nineteen; the Micmacs of Pictou county sent ten from a total adult male population of forty; the Micmacs of Shelburne county sent three from a total adult male population of eight; the Micmacs of Yarmouth county sent three from a total adult male population of twelve, and the Micmacs of Digby county sent six from a total adult male population of twenty-four. One of these Nova Scotia Indians, Private Joseph W. Morris, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. He was three times wounded., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended March 31 1919 (Ottawa: J. De L. Tache, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1919), 18.
1921- Letter from Chief Matthew Francis to Department of Indian Affairs
Letter from Chief Matthew Francis of Pictou Landing, asking for clarification on Mi'kmaq hunting and fishing rights. Three Mi'kmaq hunters from Pictou Landing had recently been arrested for hunting wild fowl on Caribou Island, and Chief Francis asked for clarification as he believed these hunters were acting within their rights. Chief Francis asked for written copies of the rules to help prove these rights to local wardens and officials., To Sec’y of Indian Affairs Ottawa Sir, I am writing regarding Indians and game wardens in our county. Last week on the 26th day of May, three of our Indian men went to Caribou Island to shoot water fowl – they were not doing it for pleasure nor for market but it was a case of something to eat for themselves and families. The game warden of Pictou NS stopped them from shooting and we are having a terrible hard time of making our living. One hears a lot about our white neighbors almost in starvation at New Glasgow and Pictou and Trenton, and being supported by the towns and no mention is made of us Indians – we are poor and when one goes to our Indian Agent for help for food we don’t get it. Is there anything you can do for us so in case if anyone goes to shoot wild fowl or hunts they wouldn’t get prosecuted by the game warden? In the Treaty written Sept. 15, 1752 Indians were given that privilege of getting their livelihood that way at all seasons [pg.2] of the year – of course we do not do it everyday neither do we intend to only in case of necessity and if game laws re Indians have been changed since, we have not been notified as yet – when Mr. Bleury was here last year he said that nothing would prevent us from getting out living that way if it was necessary. If that is so, I wish you would send me a paper so could present it in court in case anyone should be called up for that offense. Hoping for an early reply, I remain, dear sir, Chief Matthew Francis Pictou Landing Pictou County Nova Scotia May 30th, 1921, Chief Matthew Francis, to Secretary of Indian Affairs, May 30th 1921, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1921- Letter from J.D. McLean to Chief Matthew Francis
Response from Department of Indian Affairs to Chief Matthew Francis' letter asking for clarification on Mi'kmaq hunting rights. See: http://pictoulandingmikmaq.usask.ca/islandora/object/osmond%3A494, Ottawa, June 2, 1921 To Chief Matthew Francis Pictou Landing Pictou County, N.S. Sir, - I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, in which you state that the game warden stopped some members of your band from shooting water fowl at Caribou Island. In reply I have to state that Indians are subject to the same game laws of the province as whitemen. In this event, however, any of your Indians being prosecuted for shooting game for their immediate necessities, you might bring the matter to the notice of the Indian Agent for the locality, Rev. J.D. McLeod, New Glasgow, N.S., so that he might present the matter to the magistrate on behalf of the Indians. Your obedient servant, J.D. McLean Asst. Deputy and Secretary, J.D. McLean, Secretary of Indian Affairs, to Chief Matthew Francis, June 2nd 1921, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1921- Letter from J.D. McLean to Chief William Paul and Chief Matthew Francis
J.D. McLean, Secretary of Indian Affairs, responded to the Petition from Chief Matthew Francis and Chief William Paul by stating that all Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia were required by Law to purchase licences for hunting and to follow proper rules on season., Ottawa, 26th October, 1921 To Mr. William Paul Chief, Shubenacadie Indians Shubenacadie, Hants Co. N.S. Sir,- I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant signed by yourself and a number of other Indians asking that all Indian hunters and trappers be exempted from the obligation of paying fees for hunting purposes. In reply I regret to have to inform you that Indians are subject to the Game Laws of the Province, and this Department has no authority to exempt you from the payment of fees required under the Provincial Game Laws. Your Obedient Servant, J.D. McLean Asst. Deputy and Secretary, J.D. McLean, Secretary of Indian Affairs, to William Paul, Chief of Shubenacadie, May 30th 1921, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1921- Petition by Mi'kmaq of Pictou Landing and Shubenacadie
Petition from Chief Matthew Francis of Pictou Landing and Chief William Paul off Shubenacadie, asking for Mi'kmaq hunters and trappers to be omitted from Provincial Game laws. Includes list of signatories from Pictou Landing and Shubenacadie., Shubenacadie, Hants Co. N.S. Oct 10 – 1921 Deputy Secretary of Indian Affairs Dear Sir: In consideration of our status as the wards of the Government and on old Treaty Rights, and above all, the present stress of hard times now prevailing among Indians. We the undersigned Chiefs and other Indians humbly crave and beg of Your Influence as our sole-protector. To Cancel or cause to be cancelled the very oppressing obligations of the Nova Scotia Game laws. Namely to exempt all Indian hunters and trappers from all obligations of paying fees for hunting privileges. Signed. William [x] Paul, Chief of Shubenacadie Indian Reserve Matthew [x] Francis, Chief of Pictou Landing Indian Reserve The names of other petitioners in separate sheet. [pg.2] Petitioners of Pictou Band: Chief Matt. Francis, Peter Paul, Noel Toney, Peter Toney, Richard Toney, Paul Francis, Tom Francis, Michael Tom, John Tom, Leewis Tom, Stephen Francis, James McKenzie, Joseph McCoul, Leewis McCoul, David McCoul, Randy Francis, Andrew Francis, Noel Michaels, John Sark, Frank Sapier, Leewis Sapier, Tom Sapier, Joe Sapier, Peter Wilmot, Peter Pirdle, Mosses Pirdle Petitioners of Shubenacadie Band: Chief William Paul, Peter J. Paul, Peter Stephen Paul, Martin Sack, Joe Jeremy, Isaac Sack, Richard Sack, Joseph Sack, Peter Glode, James Glode, Benj. Paul, Stephen Knockwood, Noel McDonald, Paul McDonald, Thomas McDonald, Frank Thomas, Levi McDonald, L.R. McDonald, Isaac Cope, Frank Cope, John Cope, John Bradly, Isaac Man, Frank Paul, George McLeod, J.C. Cope., Chief Matthew Francis and Chief William Paul, to J.D. Mclean, Secretary of Indian Affairs, May 30th 1921, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1921-10-31- Petition on behalf of the "Micmack Indians", signed by William Paul, Grand Chief of Shubenacadie
A letter signed by several people from Shubenacadie Indian Reserve. This letter asks for better clarification on Mi'kmaq fishing, hunting, and land rights as were laid out in the 1752. Treaty between the Mi'kmaq Chief Jean Baptiste Major Cope (Shubenacadie) and the Colonial Government. The petition stated that the Mi'kmaq rights were not being respected and their the terms of the treaty were not being lived up to by the settlers and the government. Letter attached a copy of the 1752 treaty (transcribed below) and also a copy of the Nova Scotia Game Laws (not included in records). This letter is significant to Pictou Landing First Nation history, as several weeks before this petition Chief Matthew Francis and Chief William Paul (Shubenacadie, author of petition) had penned a joint letter asking for clarification on game laws in Nova Scotia. While Matthew Francis did not sign this version of the petition (for unknown reasons), it is likely that he would have if he was given the chance., October 31st, 1921 To His Majesty King George promising this to the Crown of the land we love. Dear Crown, We Micmacks of Nova Scotia do ask for a hearing on this treaty which we forward a copy of to you, as you will read as follows: As we ask for the protection of our children as was in the days that are gone by, as we were always used to the fish of the rivers and the game of the forest by the treaty made in the reign of George III and our Chief in the city of Halifax Province of Nova Scotia, our Chief met at the Governor in Council and Buried the hatchet and became brothers together. They have taken the treaty away from us altogether. What we want to know is if our treaty stands good today as it reads as the sun and moon never see an end. Oh Crown Protect us! They have taken our rights away and we have not got what we ought to have. We are not like the white men, go to the town and get work. White man don’t look at the Indians and what we woild like to have is the protection of our treaty of 169 years ago. We protected the forests until 59 years ago and they have gradually taken all away from us and have put the same law on the Indians that they have on the whiteman and strangers that come into this country. England never made a treaty to be broken don’t let this one be broken, the one you gave us when we gave you our heart and hand, and we would like to have that which we think is ours, the revenue which came out of this, as it would help us in this hard times [pg.2] and also to have the right to get meat of the forest for our families at any time or fish in the streams, creeks, or coves and the fowl of the air which we were always used to before taken away. We are also sending a copy of the laws we have to abide by and a copy of our treaty. Signed your servants. Signed. William Paul Grand chief Shubenacadie X Peter L. Paul Captain X Martin Sack Capion Louis James Newell Peter Glode John Cope X Joseph Toney X Peter L. Paul Jahn Bradley X Alix Paul X Pitter Paul X Isick Sark X James Glode X Thomas Malhoney Stephen Malhoney X Peter Glade X Joseph Paul X Andrew Paul Frank Thomas N. Thomas McDonald Noel McDonald Ha Selma Luxeny Richard Nevin William Nevin X William Paul X Waiting a reply on this we remain your servant Commutation Address James Prosper, Micmack Assistant Chief 272 Upper Water St. Halifax, N.S. [pg.3] At a council, September 15th, 1752. Present as ye last. The answer prepared for the Indian Chief was read to him, and being approved by him as satisfactory, it was ordered that the same should be fairly drawn on parchment, in French and English in order to be ratified and exchanged on the morrow. (sgd) P.T. Hopson At a Council holden at the Governor’s House at Halifax on September 16th 1752. Present – His Excellency the Governor The Honble. Cha. Lawrence, Banj. Greene, John Salusbury, Wm. Steele, Jno. Collier, Geo. Fotheringham His Excellency the ^late^ Governor, being also present. The following answer to the proposal of the Indian Chief was interchangeably signed and sealed; after which he took his leave, and embarked on board the vessel that brought him, and sailed the same day. The answer His Excellency Peregraine Thos. Hopson, Esq., L.S. Captain General and Governor in Chief in and His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia or Accadie [sic], Vice Admiral of the same, and Colonel of one of His Majesty’s Regiment of Foot, etc., for himself and his tribe, and to his offers and engagements to endeavor to bring the other Micmac Tribes to renew ye peace. Friend, It is with pleasure that We see thee here to commune with us touching the burying of the hatchet between the British children of his puissant Majesty King George and his children the Micmacks [sic] of this country. We do assure you that he has declared unto us, that you are his children, and that you have acknowledged him for your great [pg. 4] Chief and Father. He has ordered us to treat you as dear Brethern [sic], and We did not commence any new dispute with you upon our arrival here – but what is passed shall be buried in Oblivion, and for the time to come we shall be pleased and charmed to live together as friends. We will not suffer that you be hindred [sic] from Hunting, or Fishing in this country, as you have been used to, and if you shall think fit to settle your wives and children upon the River Shubenacadie no person shall hinder it, nor shall meddle with the lands where you are, and the Governor shall put up a truck house of merchandise there, where you may have everything you stand in need of at a reasonable price, and where you shall be given unto you the full value for the peltries, Feathers, or other things which you shall have to sell. We approve of your engagement to go and inform you people of this our answer and then the other Tribes, with the promise of your endeavours to bring them ^to a renewal of ye peace. When you return here (as a mark of our goodwill) we will give you handsome presents of such Things whereof you most need; and each one of us will put our names to the Agreement that shall be made between us. And we hope to brighten the chain in our hearts and to confirm our Friendship every year; and for this purpose we shall expect to see here some of your Chiefs to receive annual presents whilst you behave yourselves as good, and faithful children to our Great King – and you shall be furnished with provisions for you and your families every year. We wish you a happy return to your friends and that the Sun and Moon shall never see and [sic end of our Friendship – and for a more particular mark of our Sincerity, we have given you a golden belt, a laced hat for your self and another for your Son. Given under our Hand and Seal at the Council Chamber at Halifax, this 16th September 1752 in ye 26th year of His Majesty’s Reign. (SGD) P.T. Hopson Cha. Lawrence, Benj. Greene, John Salusbury, Wm. Steele, Jno. Collier, Geo. Fotheringham [Pg. 5] I Major Jean Baptiste Cope do accept sincerely, and with a true heart, the conditions of this answer of His Excellency, the Governor, and His Majesty’s Council and for myself, and my people, and I engage to bring them here with me to sign and ratify the Treaty of Peace upon the above said conditions, in a month, or as soon as possible, and I promise to engage to do my utmost Endeavours to bring here the other Tribes of Micmacks to make peace. Given under my hand and seal, in presence of the said Governor and council in the Council Chamber at Halifax, this Sixteenth day of September 1752, and the 26th year of Majesty’s Reign. The Mark of Jean Baptiste Major Cope (SGD) P.T. Hopson, Petition of the Micmack Indians, to King George V of the United Kingdom and British Colonies, October 31 1921, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1922- Letter from J.D. McLean to James Prosper, RE Mi'kmaq Petition for Hunting Rights
Letter from Department of Indian Affairs to Assistant Chief James Prosper, reporting that the Petition sent to the King by Chief Matthew Francis and Chief William Paul was referred to the Department of Indian Affairs. The Department reported that it could do nothing to exempt the Mi'kmaq from Provincial Game Law., Ottawa, February, 23, 1922 Sir, The Petition to His Majesty, dated October 31st last, signed by yourself and other Indians, asking that all Indian hunters and trappers be exempted from the application of the Provincial Game Laws, has been referred to this Department. The Department regrets that there is no way in which the Indians can be exempted from the Game Laws. Your Obedient Servant, J.D. McLean Assistant Deputy and Secretary To James Prosper, Micmack Assistant Chief 272 Upper Water St. Halifax N.S., J.D. McLean, Assistant Deputy and Secretary of Indian Affairs, to James Prosper, Assistant Chief, February 23 1922, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1922- Letter from Winston Churchill to Governor General of Canada, RE Petition. by Mi'kmaq Chiefs
Letter from the Secretary of State of the Colonies, Winston Churchill, reporting that the Petition sent from Chief Matthew Francis and Chief William Paul to the King was forwarded "by royal command" to the Governor General of Canada, Lord Byng. A note on the letter also states that the Petition was forwarded to the Department of Indian Affairs., Downing St, 28 January, 1922 My Lord, I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency, to be laid before your ministers, a copy of a petition addressed to His Majesty the King by the Micmac Indians, and to request that the writers may be informed that their petition has by His Majesty’s Command been referred to the Government of Canada. The copy of the laws sent with the Petition was a pamphlet entitled Game Laws, Nova Scotia, 1921 (Abstract). I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble, Servant, (Signed) Winston Churchill To Governor General His Excellency General The Right Honorable Lord Byng of Vimy, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., M.V.O., &c., &c., &c. Referred to the Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Winston Churchill, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to Lord Byng, Governor General of Canada, January 2 1922, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1923- Newspaper Article in "Setaneoi" RE Mi'kmaq Hunting and Fishing Rights
Article in monthly Mi'kmaq newspaper Setaneoi discussing the recent debates over Mi'kmaq hunting and fishing rights in Nova Scotia. Contains text from 1752 Peace and Friendship Treaty., SETANEOI Vol. II No. 26 Feb, 1923 Migmaci (words obscured by tape on page) The MicMac Messenger- A monthly Newspaper for the Indians. Yearly subscription 50c, one copy 5c. Address all communications to the Micmac Messenger, Restigouche, Bonaventure Co. P.Q. Sample Copies free. Subscriptions solicited in favor of poor families. An Old Treaty. Whether the members of the Mic Mac Tribe are privileged to hunt and fish out of season is a question that was put up last fall to the premier of Nova Scotia for a decision by a young Indian living in the eastern part of Antigonish County. The Tribe has always maintained that under the terms of a Treaty entered into by the Micmacs and the Governor in Council in 1752, the Indians were not to be inrterfered with in hunting and fishing wherever the need arose. The young man above mentioned was found spearing salmon by the Fishery Inspector. He claimed that he was not subject to regulations that the whites are forced to observe, and to find out just where the authorities stand on the matter, he had a copy of the treaty sent to the premier with the request that legislation be introduced in the House at the next ession confirming the agreement made between His Excellency Peregrine Thos. Hopson and his council and Major Jean Baptiste Cope, the Micmac Chief, on Sept. 16, 1752. The item on which the Indians base their claim reads: “We shall not suffer that you be hindered from Hunting and fishing in this country, as you have been used to.” The answer of Premier Murray was that he was authorized to carry on as provided in the Treaty. In April 1821 a similar decision was given in Montreal by Judge Cusson in favour of an Iroquois, John Simons. It said that the Indians have a right to hunt and fish at any time for their living. (See the Casket, Nov. 22, 1822, Le Devoir April 20, 1921). Here is the text referred to, as published in the N.S. Archives 1 p. 671 and 682. The arrangement is somewhat different from the copy distributed among the Micmacs, but the terms are the same. ---------- Council minutes, Halifax. At a Council holden at the Governor’s house on Thursday Sept. 14, 1752. PRESENT: His Excellency the Governor. The Honble: Cha. Lawrence, Benj. Greene, John Salusbury, Wm. Steele, Jno. Collier, Geo. Fotheringham His Excellency the late Govr, being also present. His Excellency the Governour acquainted the Council that one of the Mickmack Indians, who called himself one of their Chiefs, was come in, with proposals of renewing a peace &c., who was sent for before the Council, and being told he was welcome was desired to sit, Then the Governour desired he would acquaint the Council what proposals he had to make, who replyed that he was come in upon the encouragement given him a letter from Govr. Cornwallis, and that his proposals were – that the Indians should be paid for the land the English had settled upon in this country. He was asked if he was one of the Chiefs, who replyd, that he was Chief of that part of the Nation that lived [pg.2] in these parts of the province and had about forty men under him. He was then asked why no more of them came in with him? Who replyd that they had empowered him to treat in behalf of them all. He was also asked, how he proposed to bring the other tribes of the Mickmack nation to a conference here who replyd that he would return to his own people and inform them what he had done here, and then would go to the other chiefs and propose to them to renew the peace, and that he thought he should be able to perform it in a month and would bring some of them with him if he could, and if not would bring their answer. Then His Excellency informed him that he should have an answer tomorrow, and ordered proper refreshments for him. P.T. HOPSON. At a council Sept. 15, 1752, the above named being present. The answer prepared for the Indian Chief was read to him, and being approved by him as satisfactory, it was ordered that the same should be fairly drawn on parchment, in French and English, in order to be ratified and exchanged on the morrow. P.T. HOPSON. At a Council holden at the Governour’s House on Saturday, Sept. 16, 1752, present: His Excellency the Governour, the Honble: Cha. Lawrence, Benj. Greene, John Salusbury, Wm. Steele, Jno. Collier, Geo. Fotheringham His Excellency the late Govr, being also present. The following answer to the proposal of the Indian Chief was interchangeably signed and seald, after which he took his leave, and embarked on board the same vessel that brought him, and sailed the same day. The answer His Excellency Peregrine Thos. Hopson, Esq., Capt. General and Governour in Chief in and over His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia or Accadie [sic], Vice Admiral of the same, and Col. of one of His Majesty’s Regiment of Foot, etc., and his Majesty’s Council, for the sd. Province. To the proposals of peace and friendship made by Jean Baptiste Cope Major, for himself and his tribe and his offers and engagements to endeaver to bring here the other Mickmack Tribes to renew the peace. Friend:---- It is with pleasure that We see thee here to commune with us touching the burying of the hatchet between the British children of his puissant Majesty King George and his children the Micmacks [sic] of this country. We do assure you that he has declared unto us, that you are his children, and that you have acknowledged him for your great Chief and Father. He has ordered us to treat you as dear Brethern [sic], and We did not commence any new dispute with you upon our arrival here – but what is passed shall be buried in Oblivion, and for the time to come we shall be pleased and charmed to live together as friends. We will not suffer that you be hindred [sic] from Hunting, or Fishing in this country, as you have been used to, and if you shall think fit to settle your wives and children upon the River Shubenacadie no person shall hinder it, nor shall meddle with the lands where you are, and the Governor shall put up a truck house of merchandise there, where you may have everything you stand in need of at a reasonable price, and where you shall be given unto you the full value for the peltries, Feathers, or other things which you shall have to sell. We approve of your engagement to go and inform you people of this our answer and then the other Tribes, with the promise of your endeavours to bring them ^to a renewal of ye peace. When you return here (as a mark of our goodwill) we will give you handsome presents of such Things whereof you most need; and each one of us will put our names to the Agreement that shall be made between us. And we hope to brighten the chain in our hearts and to confirm our Friendship every year; and for this purpose we shall expect to see here some of your Chiefs to receive annual presents [pg.3] whilst you behave yourselves as good, and faithful children to our Great King – and you shall be furnished with provisions for you and your families every year. We wish you a happy return to your friends and that the Sun and Moon shall never see and [sic end of our Friendship – and for a more particular mark of our Sincerity, we have given you a golden belt, a laced hat for your self and another for your Son. Given under our Hand and Seal at the Council Chamber at Halifax, this 16th September 1752 in ye 26th year of His Majesty’s Reign. (SGD) P.T. Hopson Cha. Lawrence, Benj. Greene, John Salusbury, Wm. Steele, Jno. Collier, Geo. Fotheringham I Major Jean Baptiste Cope do accept sincerely, and with a true heart, the conditions of this answer of His Excellency, the Governor, and His Majesty’s Council and for myself, and my people, and I engage to bring them here with me to sign and ratify the Treaty of Peace upon the above said conditions, in a month, or as soon as possible, and I promise to engage to do my utmost Endeavours to bring here the other Tribes of Micmacks to make peace. Given under my hand and seal, in presence of the said Governor and council in the Council Chamber at Halifax, this Sixteenth day of September 1752, and the 26th year of Majesty’s Reign. The Mark of Jean Baptiste Major Cope. P.T. HOPSON Treaty or Articles of Peace and Friendship Renewed between His Excellency Peregrine Thomas Hopson Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia or Acadie. Vice Admiral of the same & Colonel of one of His Majesty's Regiments of Foot, and His Majesty's Council on behalf of His Majesty. and Major Jean Baptiste Cope, chief Sachem of the Tribe of Mick Mack Indians Inhabiting the Eastern Coast of the said Province, and Andrew Hadley Martin, Gabriel Martin & Francis Jeremiah, Members and Delegates of the said Tribe, for themselves and their said Tribe their Heirs, and the Heirs of their Heirs forever, Begun made and concluded in the manner, form and Tenor following, vizt: 1. It is agreed that the Articles of Submission and Agreement, made at Boston in New England by the Delegates of the Penobscot Norridgwolk & St. John's Indians, in the year 1725 Ratified & Confirmed by all the Nova Scotia Tribes, at Annapolis Royal, in the month of June 1726, & lately renewed with Governor Cornwallis at Halifax, & Ratified at St. John's River, now read over, Explained and Interpreted, shall be and are hereby from this time forward Renewed, Reiterated, and forever Confirmed by them and their Tribe; and the said Indians for themselves and their Tribe and their Heirs aforesaid Do make & Renew the same Solemn Submissions and promisses for the Strickt observance of all the Articles therein contained as at any time heretofore that been done. 2. That all Transactions during the late War shall on both sides be buried in Oblivion with the Hatchet, and that the said Indians shall have all favour, Friendship & Protection shewn them from this His Majesty's Government. 3. That the said Tribe shall use their utmost endeavours to bring in the other Indians to Renew and Ratify this Peace, and shall discover and make known any attempts or designs of any other Indians or any Enemy whatever against His Majestys Subjects within this Province so soon as they shall know thereof and shall also hinder and Obstruct the same to the utmost of their Power, and on the other hand if any of the Indians refusing to ratify this Peace, shall make War upon the Tribe who have now confirmed the same; they shall upon Application have such aid and Assistance from the Government for their Defence, as the case may require. 4. It is agreed that the said Tribe of Indians shall not be hindered from, but have free liberty of Hunting & Fishing as usual: and that if they shall think a Truckhouse needful at the River Chibenaccadie or any other place of their resort, they shall have the same built and proper Merchandize lodged therein, to be Exchanged for what the Indians shall have to dispose of, and that in the mean time the said Indians shall have free liberty to bring for Sale to Halifax or any other Settlement within this Province, Skins, feathers, fowl, fish or any other thing they shall have to sell (The end next month.) ----, "An Old Treaty", Setaneoi, LAC, RG10, Reel C-8101, Vol. 6743, File 420-7.
1928- Land Purchased and Surveyed at Boat Harbour
Reference in Annual Report for 1928 referring to land purchased at Boat Harbour and for the construction of the Shubenacadie Residential School., "NOVA SCOTIA Surveys were made of property purchased for Shubenacadie and Boat Harbour reserves." (Pg. I-5) "MacDonald, MacQuarrie & W.E. Sproule, land, 100 acres, $1.000", DOMINION OF CANADA, ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 1928 (OTTAWA F.A. ACLAND PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, 1929), 17.
1939-01-29
Indian Agent Chiasson reported that most of the work being done at Pictou Landing Reserve was basketry and making axe handles. Stated that the depressed economy is limiting opportuniries to sell goods in neighbouring towns., "The only work available at present consists of the making of baskets and axe handles, the market for these articles is fair but the selling price is rather small, e.g. shopping baskets are sold to the merchants of Halifax for 10 cents each. Christmas wreaths were sold around Christmas time but the market was not as good as last year on account of depressed conditions in neighbouring towns."
1939-02-18
Welfare and Training Service Agency requested that the Pictou Landing Indians send a basket to them and they will find a better market as the local prices are too low.
1939-03-11
A pick-axe handle and a basket were sent to the Welfare and Training Service in an attempt to find a buyer for goods from Pictou Landin First Nation. Indian Agent Chiasson stated that due to the economic depression many were unable to find work and asked for help in finding a market for Mi'kmaq goods., With this letter I am sending express, collect one basket which sells in Halifax for only 10 cents (gross price); also a pick handle which the Indian's of Fishers Grant Reserve sell to merchants in New Glasgow for $1.50 a dozen. The merchants themselves retail them for $3.00 a dozen, or 25 cents each, which gives them a profit of 100%. Speaking to one merchant the other day, he told me that they would rather not buy them at all as some of these handles warp and consequently a number is left on their hands. I cannot verify this statement, he may be right and he may also want an excuse for justifying his 100% profit. The price for axe handles is the same i.e. $1.50 a doz. If you can find a market for the above mentioned articles, you will greatly relieve the condition of our Indians who at present time cannot find any other kind of work to do. Hoping to hear from you soon, I beg to remain, Your Obidient Servant, E. Chiasson, Indian Agent.
1939-04-03
Chiasson stated that he was currently seeking a market for Mi'kmaq goods, and that samples had been sent from Pictou Landing. He was currently awaiting a reply., 'The Relief schedule for this period was pretty much the same as for the preceeding quarter, as there was no available work for the indians except for the making of baskets, axe handles, for which little market exists at the present, at least in this section of the country. In my last report I mentioned the small price the Indians were getting for their wares and upon suggestion from the department, I wrote to Miss Kathleen Moodie of Welfare and Training Service Department asking her to find a better market. I am still anxiously waiting a reply, since the market here has not improved any."
1939-04-18
In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Kathleen Moodie (Welfare and Training Service) stated that she could get a slightly better price for the baskets if they can send to Ottawa, but that they were not as valuable as others that come from St. Regis or "Abenakis"
1939-05-25
In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Hoey claimed that they had not received reponse from Chiasson about the 12 dozen baskets for sale. He stated that they have a buyer and need confirmation of shipment in order to process payment.
1939-06-01
Chiasson forwarded three dozen baskets to the Welfare and Training Society, and stated that he could get many more of better quality for future orders., Dear sir, Yours of May 25, File 41058-2, has been received. Yesterday I sent three dozen baskets as requested by Miss Moodie. I expect to send the balance, i.e. 9 dozen at the end of the week. As you will notice, the baskets sent are better than the sample sent some time ago, especially one dozen. Our Indians can make very good baskets as you will also notice by the sample I am sending in a separate parcel. Kindly let me know how much you could pay for same, a doz. Should you want some other samples of baskets, any shape colour or form, kindly let me know. The sample I sent you some time ago was not very good, i'll admit, but it was a sample given me by an Indian who cannot make anything better. We have other Indians who are much better at this work and I am sure they could make baskets to meet your requirements. If your prices are a little better than here, I am sure they would be glad to make any amount.