| Note |
MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, NEW GLASGOW, April 15, 1909.
FRANK PEDLEY, Esq.,
Deputy Supt. General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa.
SIR, - I have the honour to submit my annual report and statistical statement for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1909.
Reserve. - The Indians of this agency have two reserves. The larger reserve, situated near the entrance of Pictou harbour, has an area of 280 acres; 80 acres of wooded land were purchased during the year, which the Indians needed very much for fuel. The other reserve consists of a small island in Merigomish harbour, which the Indians leave during the winter months, when they live in shanties on the adjacent mainland until spring comes again.
Population. - This agency has a population at present of 174.
Health and Sanitation. - An epidemic of small-pox of a mild type prevailed throughout the agency for the past four or five months. The settlements of Indians, at Pictou Landing, Pine Tree and Loch Broom were quarantined from the beginning of January to the middle of April. All the Indians bad the disease except three or four families. Two deaths resulted from it. They have all now fully recovered. There was one death from tuberculosis during the year. After the necessary measures of disinfection, quarantine was raised about the middle of April.
Occupations. - These Indians are engaged in farming, fishing, making baskets, moccasins, tubs, pick-handles, and some from time to time hire out as labourers.
Buildings. - Most of the Indians have frame buildings for dwellings. Some of these houses, however, are too small to be sanitary or comfortable. There is a good school-house and a fine church.
Stock. - There are a few horses owned on the larger reserve at Fisher's Grant. This, with a few hens, is the only stock kept.
Farm Implements. - A few of the Indians possess ploughs and harrows, but most of the work of preparing the ground for seeding is done by hired teams.
Education. - The school at Fisher's Grant reserve was fairly well attended during the fall months and good progress made by the pupils. On account of small-pox, school was closed a week or two before the Christmas holidays. It will re-open on April 19.
Characteristics and Progress. - The Indians, as a rule, are industrious and law-abiding. As they have been idle now for the past few months, owing to the prolonged quarantine, I cannot report much improvement in their circumstances.
Temperance and Morality. - These Indians are, with very few exceptions, temperate. The great majority do not even taste intoxicating drinks. They are to be considered, on the whole, a religious and moral community.
I have, & c.,
J.D. MACLEOD,
Indian Agent.
NOVA SCOTIA, |