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Annual report from Indian Agent McDonald. McDonald reported that wage labour was becoming increasingly important to the Pictou Landing Mi'kmaq economy, as well as agriculture. Also stated that the new church on Indian Island was completed after the previous one had been destroyed in a storm.

1897-09-28
1897-09-28

Rev. Roderick McDonald (Indian Agent) (Author)
Clifford Sifton (Superintendent General of Indian Affairs) (Recipient)

Annual Report

NOVA SCOTIA, MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, EUREKA, 28th September, 1897. The Honourable The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - With the statistical statement inclosed I submit my report of matters concerning the Indians within my district for the year ended 30th June last. Occupation. - The progress of the age acts slowly upon Indian character, yet it is plainly perceptible. They are beginning to realize the independence of white people, and are making an effort to imitate them. For the last two summers many of them have been employed at Pictou Landing, discharging ore for the iron works of Ferrona. They prove themselves faithful workers, and earn wages ranging from $1.25 to $2 per day. Others of them are employed principally making pick-handles and butter tubs. To procure suitable material for these they locate themselves where wood is most plentiful, and claim the right of taking whatever the require. It is pleasing to observe the lively interest taken by the Indians of Indian Cove this summer in farming. This is the first year they put in the crop with their own teams, and without the aid of white people, and they seem to have taken great pride in accomplishing such a feat. The crop is very promising but as it is not yet harvested, I am not able to report as to the yield. Health and Sanitary Condition. - There has been no contagious disease among the Indians of this district for several years past. They are cleanly in their habits, and their houses and camps are sufficiently ventilated to give them all the pure air they require. The surroundings of their houses are kept clean and their water supply is, as a rule, too far away from their dwelling to be contaminated by any impurities. Religion. - I am pleased to report that they are very moral in their conduct, and imbued with the spirit of religion. They feel proud of the beautiful church erected for them on Indian Island this summer, through the generosity of the department. This church is 60 x 36 feet and 15 foot post. It is a very substantial building, finished both outside and inside. It was dedicated to divine service on the 24th July last by His Lordship the Right Reverend J. Cameron, Bishop of Antigonish. I have, & c., RODERICK McDONALD, Indian Agent.

eng

Dominion of Canada, Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the year ended 30th June 1897 (Ottawa: Government of Canada, 1898), 64.