Explore the Collection
Pages
-
- 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.
-
- 1939-06-02
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Hoey confirmed receipt of shipment but states that Moodie was out of the office until June 7-8 and the baskets would be dealt with then.
-
- 1939-06-14
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, an order for Mi'kmaq baskets from Pictou Landing were delayed as the Indians were busy ploughing and planting their fields., Dear Sir, This letter accompanies a shipment of baskets addressed to Gibson Armstrong as requested by Miss Moodie. Some time ago I sent 2 dozen. I thought then that I could send you the balance last week but the Indians happened to be busy ploughing and all I could get was 5 doz., less 4. I hope this shipment will be satisfactory and that you will forward payment for same at your earliest convenience.
-
- 1939-06-14
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Hoey stated that only 7 1/2 dozen baskets had been received, and that the buyer could back out if the entire order was not received as agreed upon (1st week of June). Hoey stated that the department deals with over "100 lines" for baskets and novelties, and that in future the industry in Pictou landing should be operated more efficiently so they can make deals. There must be some missing correspondence, as it appears that Chiasson has explained that he has limited capacities to deal with the Indians as he is a Reverend who does the job as an extra.
-
- 1939-06-26
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Chiasson stated that if future orders could be expected, he would get people at Pictou Landing working immediately to create a surplus and future orders would not have delays. Also requested payment for the baskets already sent.
-
- 1939-07-06
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Hoey stated that future orders could not be entertained as the last order was not met. He said the buyer was "not very well pleased" at the shortage. He reminded Chiasson that the order was for $1.20 per dozen, but they are paying $1.50 per dozen. ( I think the original was for $1.50).
-
- 1939-07-15
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Chiasson reported to the Welfare and Training Service that the previous order was not met because he was not able to visit the reserve due to poor road conditions, and also because when the order due date was delivered the Indians were busy working on coal boats and ploughing their fields. Chiasson guarenteed that future orders would be delivered on time., Dear Sir, with further reference to future orders for baskets, I may say that when the order was first given for 12 dozen on April 18, there was no mention made that they had to be made for a certain date. Moreover, the roads did not permit me to go to the Reserve immeditaly and the order was only given later in May. On may 27, I received your letter of May 25, file 410-58-2, stating that the order had to be filled for the first week of June. At that time the Indians were busy planting and working on coal boats so that the order could not be filled completely. This explains why why the order could not be filled as requested. In the future, if you mention the time you want them as soon as you give the order, I gaurentee that they will be made on time.
-
- 1939-07-15
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, the account for baskets was settled at $10.50, which the treasurer pointed out is too little if 7.5 dozen baskets were sold at $1.50. Should be $11.25, or it should be for 7 doz.
-
- 1939-07-18
- In connection to baskets and axe/pick handles being sent from Pictou Landing Indians to the Welfare and Training Service, Department of Indian Affairs asked Chiasson for receipt for payment to the Indians so they can reimburse him for the sale of baskets. Letter also asks "what reduction you were able to make in releif to your Indians because of them having obtained work on the coal boats or fishing in the boat recently supplied by the Branch."