Annual Report
Census
Population
Industry
Manufacturing
Religion
Reserves

Annual Report from Pictou County Indian Agent J.D. McLeod. McLeod reported on the various aspects of life at Fisher's Grant, including census data, health and morality, occupations, and location of families throughout the year.

1902-07-11
1902-07-11

John D. McLeod (Indian Agent) (Author)

Annual Report

PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA, MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, NEW GLASGOW, July 11, 1902. The Honourable The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - I have the honour to submit my annual report and statistical statement for the year ended June 30, 1902. Reserves. - There are two reserves in this agency. The Fishers Grant reserve has an area of one hundred and sixty-four acres. The other reserve is a small island near Merigonish, on which the church stands. About thirty-seven Indians live on this island from June till October, when they migrate to the mainland at Pinetree, where they enjoy the convenient and hospitable neighbourhood of the dominant race during the winter months. Vital Statistics. - The combined population of the two reserves is one hundred and thirty-nine. There were three births and three deaths during the year. A family of four came to Chapel Island from Cape Breton. Resources and Occupations. - Basket-making, coopering and farming are the avocations in which the Indians are employed. Quite a number during the summer months get employment loading and unloading steamers at Pictou Landing. Religion. - They are all Roman Catholics and much attached to their faith. Education. - For the past four years a school has been in operation at Indian cove, Pictou Landing. The children have made excellent progress in that time in reading and arithmetic. These good results are due in great measure to their efficient and energetic teacher, Miss Nellie Connolly. Three pupils attended the manual training school at Pictou and made good use of their opportunities. Health. - The health of the Indians during the past year has usually been good. The deaths occurring were from tuberculosis; a few are suffering from the same trouble at present. The government's efforts in educating the Indian's in hygienic laws, to be observed in cases of consumption will no doubt be beneficial. Characteristics. - The Indians generally are honest, law-abiding and industrious. There are a few instances of the hereditary weakness of the race for 'fire-water'. I have, & c., J. MCLEOD, Indian Agent.

eng

Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended June 30, 1902 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1903), 68.