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- 1906-04-02
- Mcleod states the he has been writing many letters to get firewood for the Pictou Landing Indians. Says the last winter was mild and the "Indians did not suffer much." Asks the department to purchase wooded land or to make a yearly allowance for buying feul. "During a severe winter the Indians might perish from cold, and their sad plight would be brought hence in an unpleasant way to all concerned. What are you going to do about it?"
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- 1906-04-07
- Chitty asks Pedley to review the case of firewood and timberland at fisher's grant.
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- 1906-04-10
- In connection with adding more timber land to Fishers Grant Reserves, Mclean restates that the department will not buy woodlot, but will supply wood to certain people if needed.
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- 1906-07-30
- Lawyers representing a settler request info on if the department will supply wooded land for Indians of Fishers Grant as his client has "suffered sufficiently at the hands of the Indians." Asks the department to let them know if they will pay for the wood taken from the property.
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- 1906-08-03
- Mclean informs the lawyers, who were inquiring about wood cut from their clients' land by Indians from Fishers Grant, that the department "disclaims all liability for the alleged acts of Indians in trespassing on private property. Says that they can ask Indian Agent Mcleod for more information.
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- 1907- Annual Report of Indian Agent John D. McLeod
- Annual Report from Indian Agent Rev. J.D. McLeod. Report contains the usual references to housing, health, occupations, and religion/morality, but also includes an interesting section on the circumstances of the "ambitious" members of the community. McLeod states that the band is limited by the natural limits of the land and by the lack of resources on reserve., MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, NEW GLASGOW, April 30, 1907. 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, 1907. Reserve. - The Indians of Pictou county hold two reserves. The larger reserve, at Fisher's Grant, contains 200 acres. The greater portion is under wood. The other reserve is an island near Merigomish. Population. - The present population of this agency is 170. This number includes a few Indians temporarily absent from the reserve. Health and Sanitation. - These Indians have, during the past year, enjoyed immunity from any general epidemic. Small-pox, which has been spreading in different sections of this county, spared the Micmac tribe. Steps have been taken to have the Indians vaccinated. I regret to record the recent death of the kindly physician of the Indians for many years past, Dr. John MacMillan, Pictou. Occupations. - The Indians are engaged in farming, fishing, coopering, basket-making, and some hire out as labourers. Buildings. - During recent years, helped by the department, the Indians have improved their dwellings, sufficiently large frame buildings taking the place of small unsanitary shanties, greatly to the advantage, health and comfort of the tenants. Stock. - Horses and a few cows are owned on the Fisher's Grant reserve. Farm Implements. - Two or three Indians possess all the needful farm implements, which do service for all the others. Education. - There is one school located on the Fisher's Grant reserve, doing satisfactory work and fairly well attended. Characteristics and Progress. - Most of these Indians are industrious; only a few make a comfortable living. They cannot obtain steady employment near the reserve. The land is not productive, the fishing is precarious, they lack the knowledge and equipment to till the soil or reap the harvest of the deep. The wood to be made into tubs, baskets and pick-handles is getting scarce and more remote. What outlook is there for the ambitious Indian? Their circumstances are not improving. Temperance and Morality. - They are as a rule, sober and virtuous, and fear God, who is to judge the living and the dead. I have, & co., J.D. MACLEOD, Indian Agent. NOVA SCOTIA,, Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended March 31 1907 (Ottawa:S.E. Dawson, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1907), 65.
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- 1907-05-06
- Pedley states that $700 was provided to purchase timbered land for Pictou Landing (from Mr. Foster). Asks Mcleod to acquire title and transfer.
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- 1907-05-25
- Mclean asks for a plan and description of Foster's land that was purchased for firewood for Fishers Grant Indians.
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- 1907-08-12
- Settler interested in selling his land adjoining the Fishers Grant Indian Reserve. States the he has moved to Alberta, and the Indians have already been using this land to access boats at Moody Cove and also using the streams. States the the reserve is small so the government might want to add to it.
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- 1907-08-12
- Mclean responds to settler offer of land for Fishers Grant Reserve, saying the Department has no money to buy the land.
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- 1907-09-09
- $700 sent to purchase the Foster land for Pictou Landing Indians.
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- 1907-11-07
- In connection with recently purchased Foster land for Fishers Grant Reserve, Department asks for better description of land as they cannot identify the parcel by what Mcleod has provided.