1894- Annual Report from Indian Agent Rev. Roderick McDonald
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Annual report from Indian Agent Rev. R. McDonald to Department of Indian Affairs. Referenced the "industriousness" of the Pictou Mi'kmaq, a decline in the cod fishery, eel and smelt fishing, the lack of a school due to families living in smaller camps in the district for most of the year, and St. Anne's Day celebrations.
1894-11-19 1894-11-19
Rev. Roderick McDonald (Indian Agent) (Author) T. Mayne Daly (Superintendent General Indian Affairs) (Recipient)
Annual Report
EUREKA, N.S., 19th November, 1894. The Honourable The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - I have the, honour to submit my annual report and tabular statement for the year ended 30th June, 1894. Beyond the information contained in the tabular statement, very little can be said. The Indians in this district are gradually becoming more industrious, and every year falling into line with white people in earning a livelihood. They are abandoning hunting and sea fishing, for game is scarce in the forest, and cod-fishing around the coast uncertain. They occupy themselves in the winter season principally with basket-making, and providing material for butter tubs, also in smelt and eel fishing in the harbour. A few families are employed at the iron works at Ferrona. In the summer season there is very little appearance of want, unless among the old and sick, for it is then less expensive to live and they have more opportunities of obtaining work. The general health of the band is fairly good. I have not known for the last year or more of any contagious disease among these Indians. The principal disease is of a pulmonary character. There is no school taught in this district, for the reason that the Indians are scattered all over the country in small encampments of about five or six families each. Were they all settled in one place, a school could be kept up. The only time they are all brought together is on the festival of St. Anne, 26th July. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, RODERICK McDONALD, Agent District 8.
eng
Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended 31st December 1894 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1895), 186.
