Annual Report
Census
Health
Resources
Occupation
Work

Annual Report from Indian Agent Rev. J.D. McLeod, outlining several areas of life and work at Fisher's Grant Reserve.

John McLeod (Indian Agent) (Author)

Annual Report

NOVA SCOTIA, MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, NEW GLASGOW, July 7, 1903. The Honourable The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended June 30, 1903. Reserves. - There are two reserves in this agency: one at Fisher's Grant, having an area of one hundred and sixty-four acres; the other, an island in the harbour of Merigomish, known as Indian island. Twenty-eight Indians live on this island during the summer. Several Indians left the island during the past year to settle on the Fisher's Grant reserve. Vital Statistics. - The population of this agency is one hundred and fifty, an increase of eleven. The number of births was seven and deaths six. Ten additional Indians settled on the reserves during the past year. Health. - There has been no illness of an epidemic character. Consumption is the great cause of mortality among the Indians. Through the literature distributed among them by the department, the Indians are becoming convinced of its infectious character, and are taking precautions to prevent its further reckless dissemination. Resources and Occupations. - Considerable farming is done by the Indians on the Fisher's Grant reserve. Fishing is prosecuted in the contiguous sea waters by a few. A large number fish for eels in the winter in the East river, and the harbour of Pictou. Many Indians find employment in the public works at Pictou Landing during the summer months, while at home the industrious squaws make dainty baskets and deftly ply the busy needle, making indoor footwear, which they sell at good prices in the neighbouring towns. Buildings. - During the past few years the Indians, encouraged and assisted by the department, have been greatly improving their dwellings. Frame houses have been built, large and airy, in pleasant contrast to their former shanties, greatly promoting the health and comfort of the inmates. Stock. - Horses and a few cows are to be found on the Fisher's Grant reserve. Education. - The school at Fisher's Grant reserve continues to give great satisfaction. Miss Cassie A. McDonald taught here during the past year. Religion end Morality. - Too much cannot be said of the honesty and purity of the lives of these Indians. They all profess the Roman Catholic religion. I have, & c., JOHN D. MCLEOD, Indian Agent.

eng

Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended June 30, 1903 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1904), 75-76.