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- 1880- Report on Indian District No. 8 (Pictou County)
- Annual report on Indian District No. 8 (Pictou County), penned by Indian Agent Rev. R. MacDonald., PICTOU, NOVA SCOTIA, 1st October, 1880. The Honorable The Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - Changes in the habits and circumstances of Micmac life are so slow of formation, that one finds little to report from year to year. But if a more lengthened period, a quarter of a century for instance, or even a decade, be taken at once into review, a well-defined transformation, though almost imperceptible in its progress, (45) will yet be found to have been effected. Pictou Indians can scarcely be said to-day to lead a nomadic life; and yet it is impossible to point out the precise date at which their wandering customs ceased to exist. Any person here, who has reached middle age, remembers, quite distinctly, when they subsisted exclusively on the fruits of the chase. They hunted at all seasons, and to this employment they, very rarely, added the labor of catching a few fish, and that too after the most primitive of fashions. The women indeed, plaited a few baskets, which were purchased more as toys than as articles designed to serve any useful purpose. The men rarely stayed more than a few weeks, particularly during the summer, in any one place. The tribe were thus essentially a wandering, homeless race, dependant on the chances of game and venison, and on the spear and the rifle, for means to eke out a very precarious livelihood. Wherever they chanced to alight they built wigwams, covered with birch bark, and constructed canoes largely of the same material to convey themselves and their pénates from one very temporary resting place to another. Thus lived our Indians a few years I ago, a harmless, but a useless life. To-day, however, a change forces itself on the notice of the least observant. They build permanent houses. They congregate on their reserves. They possess boats, and many of approved appliances for fishing with hook and line, and sometimes with nets. They are not unfrequently employed at full wages, on public and other works, in company with their brethren of European extraction. They have "a turn" for woodwork of any description and devote much of their time to it. The gun still hangs up over their doors, but they rarely take it down, unless an actual temptation entices them, in the shape of a flock of sea-fowl flying over their village. Unlike their brethren in some other parts of this Province, they pay little or no attention to farming, and make scarcely any preparation for winter, and, unhappily, this is the season in which their woodwork is at a discount, fishing is impossible, and their village is not accessable enough to enable them to avail themselves of other stray chances of paying labour. They had planted a few bushels of potatoes the preceding spring, and committed a small variety of other vegetable seed to the ground, but their harvest, though of much assistance during the fall and early winter months, is entirely inadequate to the demands made upon it, and before the snow disappears, they are, as a rule, absolutely destitute of food. It is the same experience every year. There is one trait in the character of our Micmacs which cannot be too highly praised. Living as they do, they frequently suffer many privations. This evening they have not to-morrow's breakfast in reserve for themselves and families, and yet a case of theft from their white neighbours, is, I believe, utterly unknown. The gradual elevation of a race with a fine characteristic like this so firmly impressed ought not to be despaired of. As to the rest the average Micmac is chaste, patient, temperate and reverential towards the aged, affectionate in his domestic relations, and charitable, when means and opportunity permit, to his less favored Indian brother. The absence of schools has been a serious privation. Very few persons can even read, not one can be regarded as a scholar. The earlier missionaries had invented a system of hieroglyphics, which they subsequently gathered into a volume, and handed to the first converts. By the good offices of a religious foreign society, a reprint was made a few years ago, and many copies of this later edition are now in circulation. The publication is in two small separate volumes, which contain the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the Hail Mary, a few other simple supplications, the Ten Commandments, the principal Roman Catholic Ecclesiastical Precepts, the entire service of the Mass, the Office for the Dead, several selections from Sacred Scriptures, and a summary of Christian doctrine in catechetical form; this, I need not say, is the poor Micmacs greatest treasure on earth; father has explained to son, and son to grandson, this simple record, through two hundred and seventy consecutive years. Each Sunday evening, the head of the family, with profound reverence, takes "the book" into his hand, deciphers it from beginning to end, and then with great earnestness, impresses what he considers its most important truths on the minds of his by no means inat- (46) tentive hearers. Yet there are many drawbacks to this mode of teaching. The volumes are hieroglyphic. Their perusal imparts no conception of a written alphabet, of arithmetic, of secular history, of current events, or of literature properly so-called. The world that lies outside of personal observation is unknown to the ordinary Micmac. Last year the erection of a small, yet comfortable and sufficiently commodious school-house was begun in the Indian Village at Boat Harbor, and with the assistance received from your Department, was this year fairly finished. A young lady (Miss Jollymore) whose attainments easily procured her a first-class license at the provincial examinations, and whose many good qualities otherwise render her services as teacher particularly valuable, undertook to open school in the new building. Her labors so far, have been very successful. I base great hopes on this. Parents and children seem equally anxious to second her efforts; and, if the experiment results (and I have little doubt it will) as beneficially as we all anticipate, the advantage to the race must be signal. Were nothing to be gained but the means of passing the long winter evenings, in listening to the harmless tales of adventure in which the poor children of the forest delight, the amelioration, in the monotonous character of their existence, would be worth striving for. But I anticipate more; I look forward to the time when the young Indian may become an accountant, a clerk, perhaps the chief clerk of a business firm; for no one is more scrupulously honest in his dealings, or more attached to the employer who does fairly by him. I commend their school, the first in this district, to the favorable consideration of the Department. In treating with Indians, and especially in dispensing to them the public grants, the agent has sometimes difficulties of a peculiar nature that, perhaps, it would be well to mention here. Vouchers for the distribution of blankets in the fall, and of seed in the spring, are easy enough to be obtained. The chief, the minor captains, and the populace generally meet the agent in solemn conclave, and at an appointed time, and the allotment to each family is defined, an acknowledgment is signed of the amount received. At other seasons, however, sudden cases of illness may occur, or other emergencies may arise, which do not admit of consultation with the higher authorities of Indiandom. The agent must simply take steps to alleviate distress, so urgent in its demands as to forestall regular methods of procedure. He must make disbursements for which it is often impossible that he can at the time secure regular vouchers. A week later the recipients of Government bounty have moved away from their reserve and have settled somewhere else, and likely, as not, will be absent for six or twelve months. There can be no regular remedy: a cast-iron process will not always suffice for Micmac necessities. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, R. MACDONALD., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December, 1880 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1881), 44-46.
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- 1881- Census of Nova Scotia Indians
- Annual Census return for the Indian population in Nova Scotia, 1881., "Micmacs of Pictou...197" (220)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1881 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1882), 220.
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- 1881- Financial Returns for Nova Scotia- Materials to Build School at Fisher's Grant
- Financial Return for Indians of Nova Scotia. Reimbursement was made to Indian Agent MacDonald for building materials for a school at Fisher's Grant., "Rev. K [sic] MacDonald...Building Material for District No. 8, school at Fisher's Grant...64.25" (97)., The name given is for a Rev. K. MacDonald, but the Indian Agent at that time was Rev. Roderick MacDonald. This was likely a typo., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1881 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1882), 97.
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- 1881- Indian Agent Report
- Annual Report sent from Roderick MacDonald, Indian Agent for Pictou County, to Sir John A. MacDonald, Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Letter discussed Mi'kmaq political structures, and also on the St. Ann's celebration at Merigomish., "PICTOU, NOVA SCOTIA, 28th July, 1881. DISTRICT No. 8. The Right Honorable The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - In my last year's Report to your Department I gave some details of the social habits of the Micmac Indians. To enable you to understand more fully the modus vivendi of the band collectively, I shall, in this paper, describe a few of their more salient religious customs and observances. The great annual Micmac festival - at which I have just assisted - is St. Ann's. The 26th of July is dedicated in the Roman Catholic Church to the memory of St. Ann, who was given as Patroness by the early French missionaries to the aborigines of old Acadia. A few days previously the begin to converge from different points in the country towards Chapel Island which is situated in Merigomish harbor. Their first care is to transact the public secular business. This they always do before they engage in the more solemn duties of religion. The chief, the subordinate captains, and populace generally, are evidently impressed at this season with a deep sense of that responsibility which makes men thoughtful over the welfare of the nation. A review is hold of public current events for the last twelve months, the relations of the band with other bands of the tribe are considered, and all the exigencies of the, actual situation are gravely discussed in solemn council. Any unfortunate individual whose misdemeanors amount to a vulgar crime - usually a solitary lapse into intoxication - is sternly admonished by the chief and obliged to pronounce, in the presence of his peers, his stout purpose of amendment. This promise is always accepted, and - experience proves that it rarely lacks of performance - he is restored to his former status in the band. He goes forth a new man, and never a whisper is afterwards murmured as to his past delinquencies. They are forgotten as well as forgiven. The authority of the chief is respected to a degree that is simply astonishing. Neither in worldly gear nor in distinguished ancestry is he different from his brethren. Until the death of his predecessor in office he was a plodding, ordinary, very humdrum Indian mortal, whose reputation for probity of conduct was indeed excellent, but in whose circumstances and condition there was naught else remarkable. However, the death of the old chief created a vacancy, and after a closely contested election, he was chosen by a low majority of probably one over the next highest competitor. He did not receive directly the suffrages of over one-fourth of the electors; and next day his decisions no one thinks of disputing - nobody more than his rivals of the day before are more ready and willing to obey his behest with profound submission. He is at once universally respected, acknowledged, received. His rights, however, are well defined by tradition within a certain sphere; for though supreme he is by no means an absolute monarch. His jurisdiction extends "so far and no further" and his doughty subjects, though submissive without question where submission is a duty, are yet perfectly free in more than republican fulness of liberty in such matters as custom, has not subjected to the chieftain's authority. They pay no tribute; they allot no special portion to his 30 individual use, and if he engage in hunting, fishing or any other common employment, his share is defined by the same casting of lots that regulates the general distribution. His garments are no richer, his wigwam not better constructed or furnished. The only insignia of office is a medal worn somewhat ostentatiously on state occasions, and carefully kept out of sight for the rest of the year. Until about thirty years ago the chief was elected annually. A change in the term of office was made at the request of the Bishop of Arichat, and the incumbent is now chosen for life. At his decease the medal, the symbol of power, first bestowed by Louis XIV of France, in token of his royal approbation, is transferred to his successor, who may have received a majority of votes. The government of the chief, though he is elected by his subjects, is in all else largely autocratic. As such it is certainly regarded by the people. His principal duty is to correct any public abuses that may have crept into individual conduct, and thus reflect disgrace on the Micmac name. He also acts as interpreter when the priest delivers a sermon, and in the absence of the clergyman presides at public prayers which are always offered three times a day. He further cares for the instruction of the young people in the catechism, and makes it a point to see that as they grow up they are duly prepared to receive the religious ministrations which are proper to adults. Any neglect of parents is severely rebuked, and steps are immediately taken to remedy the omission. The first marriages of the people are solemnized only after consultation with the chief, and it is perhaps needless here to remark that he never puts obstacles in the way. The Indian as a rule marries young. I have more than once assisted at marriages of which the aggregate age of the contracting couple did not exceed thirty years. In the married life the young brave is usually a model of conjugal fidelity and probity. St. Ann's day and the week before and after are almost exclusively the nuptial season, and the rite is celebrated amid much rejoicing and gratulation on all sides. The secular affairs of the tribe settled, the marriages of the young effected, the sacraments of the Church duly approached, the religious celebration concludes by a solemn procession around the graves of the dead. The cemetery of the band is beautifully situated on the rising ground in the vicinity of their church. After this the assemblage breaks up, and each family returns to its usual work, to re-unite next year at the same place for the same purposes. honor to be, Sir, Respectfully yours, R. MACDONALD, Indian Agent" (29-30)., Rev. Roderick MacDonald, Indian Agent, to Sir John A. MacDonald, Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, July 28th 1881, Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1881 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1882), 29.
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- 1881- Report of the Department of Indian Affairs
- In his annual report for the year of 1881, Sir John A. MacDonald referenced changes in administration at Pictou Landing, as well as commented on other information about the band., "Micmacs of the County of Pictou. - A change in the Agency of this band was recently necessitated by the resignation, consequent on the promotion to the Roman Catholic See of Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, of the former Agent, the Rev. Ronald LIX Macdonald, who had for a number of years faithfully acted as the Agent of the Department to these Indians. His Lordship's successor is the Rev. Roderick Macdonald, who is also, as was his predecessor, the parish priest at Pictou, opposite which town the Indian reserve at Fisher's Grant is situated. The Indians on this reserve are as a rule sober, religious and so far as manufacturing their own work is concerned, which consists of all kinds of wood wares, are industrious. There is a school on the reserve, which is fairly attended and efficiently conducted" (LVIII-LIX)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended December 31st 1881 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1882), LVIII-LIX.
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- 1882- Annual Report for the Department of Indian Affairs - Nova Scotia Section
- Segment from Annual Report for 1882. Stated that the Mi'kmaq of Pictou lived principally on selling various Indigenous manufactures, but that poor weather had limited their ability to harvest trees. Stated that the school at Fisher's Grant was operational. Gave the Mi'kmaq population in Pictou County as 200 souls., "County of Pictou. - These Indians live principally by the sale of tubs and other Indian handicraft. But owing to the heavy storms of last winter, they found it very difficult to procure the material requisite for their manufactures, and they consequently endured considerable privation. Their crop this year was good, and consisted principally of potatoes and wheat. They also saved hay for their cattle. They have a school on their reserve at Fisher's Grant, which is conducted in an efficient manner; but here the same hindrance to progress in education is encountered, that is met with on almost every Indian reserve, namely, the irregular attendance of the children at school. The Indians number about 200 souls" (xxxvii)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December, 1882 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1883), xxxvii.
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- 1882- Census Return for Indian Population of Nova Scotia
- Population information for the various bands and Indian reserves in Nova Scotia, 1882., "Micmacs of Pictou...187" (256)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year ended 31st December, 1882 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1883), 256.
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- 1882- Financial Returns for Nova Scotia Indian Districts
- Financial reports for Indian bands in Nova Scotia. Several mentions of Pictou and school at Indian Cove. Also contains information on relief payments and seed grain purchases., "Rev. R. Macdonald - District No. 8 - 139.36 for food relief - 103.00 for seed grain" "Kate Jollymore - Salary as Teacher at Indian Cove to 30th September 1881 - 50.00" "Fanny Stevens - Books for school at Indian Cove - 0.42" "J. McK. Beattie - Books for school at Indian Cove - 3.59", Annual Report of the department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1882 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1883), 103-104.
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- 1882- Report from Indian Agent McDonald
- Report from Indian Agent McDonald on conditions on the reserve at Fisher's Grant., "PICTOU, N.S., 16th November, 1882. To The Right Honorable The Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - I send herewith my Annual Report for the year ended 30th June last. The reason why it was not sent earlier is already explained in a former letter. Tabular statement had been sent early last month; for which you acknowledged receipt, 18th October, File No. 1,266. Form E. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, RODERICK McDONALD." PICTOU, N.S., 7th November, 1882 The Right Honorable, The Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - As I have been but a year ago appointed Government Agent for the Indians of this district, my knowledge of Indian life and character, must necessarily be yet insufficient to furnish your Department with anything more than already submitted by my predecessor. It is a difficult matter to get the Indians to understand the real object of the different Government grants in their behalf. Each one, whether in need or not, considers himself entitled to an equal share with the poorest among the tribe. The relief money of last year was found very serviceable, as many families had been in indigent circumstances, owing to the difficulty of procuring material for wok during the severe storms of last winter, wherewith to buy provisions. The Indian, as a general rule, is very improvident. Necessity with him is the most powerful agent, to induce him either to beg or to work for a livelihood. The money sent in the spring was spent judiciously in buying seed and engaging teams for ploughing and harrowing. It is necessary, under present circumstances, to engage white people to do the most of their farming, owing to the fact that they are wanting in teams and farming implements. The crop, which consists of potatoes, wheat and hay, particularly that grown on the Indian Island, is good. There is one school on this reserve taught by Miss Jollymore, a painstaking and energetic lady. Her efforts are much frustrated by the irregular attendance of the children. This irregularity arises from the wandering habits of the Indians. The school had to be closed last year, at the end or the summer term, for the want of means to keep the house warm. Permission is granted this year by the Department to equip the school-house, during the coming winter, with a stove; and thus, it is to be hoped, we will be able to have school taught the whole year. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, RODERICK McDONALD" (123-124)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December, 1882 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1883), 123-124.
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- 1883- Census of Indians of Nova Scotia
- Census information for Pictou County Indians, 1883., "Micmacs of Pictou, 188" (187)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December, 1883 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1884), 187.
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- 1883- Excerpt from Annual Report for Department of Indian Affairs
- Excerpt from general introduction to the 1883 Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs discussing Indians in Pictou County. Mentions several key industries and also structures on the reserve at Fisher's Grant., In the County of Pictou, at Fisher's Grant. there is an Indian Reserve also occupied by Micmacs. Their principal employment is working on the coal wharves and at the tanneries and steel works, at Pictou. Some of them also engage in fishing coopering, & c. These Indians do not take much interest in tilling the soil. The Agent, however, reports that they farm more than was formerly the case. Bat the land is not very suitable for farming purposes. The majority of those Indians are temperate in their habits. It is to be regretted, however, that a few of them indulge freely in the use of intoxicants. There is a school in operation on the Reserve the attendance at which is stated to be somewhat irregular. The population is 188. They own 33 dwellings, and 1 barn and stable; they have under cultivation 17 acres. They raised 110 bushels of produce and cut one ton of hay; caught fish to the value of $855 and took furs to the value of $100. The value of other industries in which they engaged is estimated at $3,175" (xxxiii)., Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1883 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1884), xxxiii.
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- 1883- Financial Return- Expended by Agents in the Purchase of supplies of food and Seed Grain
- Financial return showing amount of food relief and seed grain purchased for Mi'kmaq of Pictou County, 1883., "Rev. R. MacDonald...In district No. 8...115.36 food &...103.00 seed grain."