Relief
Housing
Land

Letter written by Indian Commissioner Samuel Fairbanks asking about a request for payment from a Mi'kmaq man in Pictou County. Fairbanks stated that the House of Assembly in Halifax granted permission for four Mi'kmaq (one in Pictou, three in Antigonish) to be repaid $20 for building houses, which would come from the Indian Fund (which was an account where all monies from land sales were placed). Fairbanks was unsure if this was the correct way to fund house building, as the fund was supposed to be used to clothe and feed "distressed" Mi'kmaq people.

1865-10-27
1865-10-27

Samuel Fairbanks (Indian Commissioner) (Author)

Letter

27 [October] 1865 Sir During the last sitting of the House of Assembly the Committee on Indian Affairs recommended that the sum of twenty dollars each should be paid to four Indians viz one in Pictou and three in Antigonish Counties towards building their houses- and to be paid out of the funds granted for the supply of clothing for the Indians generally. I am now called upon by the Indian at Pictou, to pay the amount allotted to him – and have a satisfactory Certificate that the house was erected. I have doubts however whether I am justified in paying these sums – for the report is at variance with the law which restricts all allowances to the supply of clothing – and if sanctioned, it will no doubt be followed by other applications – and the charitable intention be obfuscated. At various times by order of the Government and to mark an immediate cause of distress – small sums have been awarded – but in making my purchases – it is to be very [] if I cannot be certain of the amount [pg. 2] At my disposal. The proceeds of the Indian Reserves, which in accordance with the act are paid into the fund should in my opinion contribute to the fund from which these allowances ought to be made – The representations from [C, J?] Barton have influenced our opinions, that the portion [] from the sales of the Islands ought to be appropriated exclusively to the Indians residing there. I may observe in annum to this, that they got their fair share of the annual appropriation for clothing, that they often change their abode to this province – and that it would be in every way more convenient to regard the proceeds as a common fund for the benefit of the whole tribe. I have no doubt there will be sufficient to meet the provisions of the act, for I dear but few of them will be disposed to settle on the land. I am anxious to have all [] amount as to my course in these matters, and have therefore been more particular in my remarks on the subject. If the government approves of these sums being paid from the Indian fund in the Treasury, I have respectfully to request an [Pg. 3] Order to that effect – and the necessary Certificates will be obtained, before payments are made. I am Sir, Your Obedient Servant, Samuel Fairbanks Indian Commissioner

eng

Public Archives of Nova Scotia, Indian Commissioner Series, Vol. 431.