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Annual letter from Indian Agent R. McDonald reporting on the Pictou County Mi'kmaq.

1888-11-17
1888-11-17

Roderick McDonald (Indian Agent) (Author)
Edward Dewdney (Superintendent General Indian Affairs) (Recipient)

Annual Report

PICTOU, N.S., 17th November, 1888. The Honorable Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - I have the honor to transmit for your information the tabular statement for the year with the Allowing remarks. I am pleased to observe that the Indians of this district attach due importance to farming, and fully realize the substantial benefits arising from this industry. The crop, consisted principally of potatoes and wheat, and I am happy to state that the yield was very good. Their other industries were fishing, coopering, basket making, putting back and bottom in chairs, making pick handles for the mines, working at the wharves loading and unloading vessels. During the winter season many Indians make a profitable business of fishing eels and selling at from 4 to 7 cents per pound to local buyers for shipment to foreign markets. Although contagious diseases are not known among them for years past, yet as main as twelve deaths have occurred within the last year. The school at Indian Cove is yet vacant for want of a teacher. The fund for the payment of a teacher is so limited that none can be found to undertake the charge. It is not a recognized school section like the other schools of the province, and consequently receives no government nor county aid. The Indians of this district are exemplary in their honesty, and in their morals; and when speaking of them as a body, they are also sober. There are always a few individuals who will drink when they have an opportunity. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, RODERICK MCDONALD, Indian Agent, District No. 8.

eng

Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1888 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1889), 186.