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Annual Report from Rev. John D. McLeod, Indian Agent for Pictou County. Report contains information on work, health, housing, education, and where Mi’kmaq families lived throughout the year.

1905-07-15
1905-07-15

John D. McLeod (Indian Agent) (Author)
Frank Pedley (Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs) (Recipient)

Annual Report

MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, NEW GLASGOW, July 15, 1905. FRANK PEDLEY, Esq., Deputy 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, 1905. Reserves. - There are two reserves in this agency, the Indian Island reserve and the reserve at Fisher's Grant. The greater number live on the Fisher's Grant reserve. Forty-six Indians live on the Indian island during the summer months. These Indians live in shanties on the adjacent mainland during the winter months. All the other Indians live on the Fisher's Grant reserve, which contains 200 acres of land. Population. - The Indian population of this agency now numbers 170. Health. - The general health of the Indians during the past year has been good. There has been no epidemic or contagious disease. Four of the deaths recorded were of infants. Tuberculosis claimed its annual tribute. The physical energy of the Indians is inferior, due no doubt, in large measure, to lack of nourishing food. Occupations. - The Indians of this agency make a living by farming, fishing, coopering, making moccasins, hunting, making pick-handles and occasionally hiring out as labourers. Buildings. - The Indians are improving their dwellings from year to year. Many have sufficiently large frame buildings, comfortably furnished within. In the majority of cases, however, their houses are too small for health or comfort. Education. - There is a school continually in operation at the Fisher's Grant reserve, which is fairly well attended. An efficient teacher is kept in charge and the children are making good progress. Temperance and Morality. - There are three or four Indians who get drunk from time to time. All the rest are of sober habits, and in a large number of cases keep the pledge of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks. They live in peace in their sequestered communities and are a God-fearing class of people. I have, & c., JOHN D. MacLEOD, Indian Agent.

eng

Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended June 30, 1905 (Ottawa: Dominion of Canada, 1906), 68.