Search results

Title: 1842- Letter from Sir Joseph Howe to James Dawson about Reserve in Pictou County
Date: 1842-05-06
Summary: Joseph Howe, Indian Commissioner for Nova Scotia, was unable to attend Pictou to survey Mi'kmaq reserves. In his absence, he asked James Dawson (Pictou Merchant, ship-owner, and proprietor of a book store) to secure a piece of land that could be obtained for a reserve. This letter appears to be part of a larger correspondence between Howe and Dawson pertaining to Mi'kmaq land and education in Pictou.
Subject: Land--Reserves--Education
Genre: Text, Letter

Title: 1888-04-18
Date: 1888-04-18
Summary: Hard to read, but seems to state that $300 or $350 would do to purchase the land from Copeland in connection with request to purchase more timber land for the reserve at Pictou Landing.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1888-05-12
Date: 1888-05-12
Summary: In response to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, this letter explains that a settler named "Fraser" holds the land in trust for Mrs. Copeland.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1888-09-03
Date: 1888-09-03
Summary: In response to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, Tupper explains that the land title should be attained but it might take time. He states that he has spoken with Fraser (Copeland's brother) and that he said if the DIA goes ahead with the purchase they will provide the title.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1888-12-12
Date: 1888-12-12
Summary: In connection to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, the Deed was forwarded for land at Pictou Landing. The land became part of 'her majesty's" holdings.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1883-04-17
Date: 1883-04-17
Summary: Damaged letter, only partly readable. Discusses that the writer is unable to give information as regards to timber stocks on the Pictou Landing reserve.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Indian Reserve--Land-- Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1876-02-04
Date: 1876-02-04
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter asks for confirmation that James Sproull had proper title to the land he was offering for exchange.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1876-11-30
Date: 1876-11-30
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Unclear author, poorly copied file. Appears to say that neither Sproull and the Pictou Landing Indians will equally benefit from the exchange of land.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1875-09-28
Date: 1875-09-28
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the responsibility of Sproull to allow right of way across his land if no proper roads connect the two reserves, and requests that a sketch of the vicinity be drafted. Also discusses proposed roadway in the region, but it is not clear if the road is currently built or would be in the future.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Sketch Map; Personal Correspondence

Title: 1888-10-01
Date: 1888-10-01
Summary: In response to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, Ferguson, Registrar of Deeds in Pictou, confirms that a "certificate of Satisfaction" was recorded in the supreme court at pictou between William Campbell and William Powell.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Resolutions (Law)

Title: 1909- Annual Report from Indian Agent J.D. McLeod
Date: 1909-04-15
Summary: Annual Report from Indian Agent Rev. John D. McLeod, outlining various aspects of life at Fisher's Grant Indian Reserve. Noted that 80 acres of woodlands had been added to the Reserve that year, brining the total land at Fisher's Grant to 280 acres. A small pox epidemic was currently impacting the region, and had killed two people to date.
Subject: Reserves--Land--Boundaries--Resources--Health--Disease--Housing
Genre: Text, Annual Report

Title: 1875-10-18
Date: 1875-10-18
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Rev. MacDonald (Indian Agent) provided a sketch map and reported that the roadway discussed had not yet been built, but arrangements had been made to construct it "at any time."
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land--Map
Genre: Sketch Map; Personal Correspondence

Title: 1886-04-17
Date: 1886-04-17
Summary: Letter (unclear author) explains that the money for the purchase of more land for pictou landing is not available due to the time lapsed since the request. Also states that the land price is too high.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1888-11-22
Date: 1888-11-22
Summary: In connection to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, Tupper reported that the Department approved the purchase the land from Fraser, as there were no encumbrances on the land.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1883-03-24
Date: 1883-03-24
Summary: Chief and Captain of Pictou Landing Indian Band requested that Indian Agent MacDonald request that the Department of Indian Affairs allot $3000 to purchase 30 acres of woodland for the purpose of providing fuel and fence posts for the reserve.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1875-09-21
Date: 1875-09-21
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the responsibility of Sproull to allow right of way across his land if no proper roads connect the two reserves, and requests that a sketch of the vicinity be drafted.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1888-07-30
Date: 1888-07-30
Summary: In response to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, it appeared that the land purchase deal was stalled because no 'Release of property' was supplied to the DIA.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1876-11-28
Date: 1876-11-28
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. MacDonald reported that the proposal for the land exchange understood the differences in the size of lands to be traded, and that if Sproull was asked to pay for the extra acres he would likely not accept the deal.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1875-09-20
Date: 1875-09-20
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the next stages of the process to exchange the land, which involved ensuring that Sproull held proper title to the land in question.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1863- Report by Indian Commissioner Fairbanks to Sir Joseph Howe
Date: 1863-02-09
Summary: Letter from Indian Commissioner Fairbanks to Sir Joseph Howe outlining the state of Indian land in the province of Nova Scotia. Fairbanks reported that the land the Mi'kmaq occupied at the mouth of the harbour should be purchased and made into an Indian Reserve.
Subject: Indian Reserve--Land--Purchase
Genre: Text, Report

Title: 1876-04-11
Date: 1876-04-11
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. John Dawson approved the exchange, and MacDonald's note stated that they were waiting for word that Sproull held the title to the land.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1887- Special Appendix- Immovable and Personal Property
Date: 1887-00-00
Summary: Special Census collected by Indian Affairs in 1887. Pictou Landing is District No. 8.
Subject: Census--Housing--Land--Implements--Agriculture--Livestock--Resources
Genre: Text, Census

Title: 1876-04-21
Date: 1876-04-21
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. The government was waiting for word on Sproull's title to the land in order to facilitate the exchange.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Legal memorandums

Title: 1831- Letter from George Smith pertaining to Land for Indians at Moodie Point
Date: 1831-06-10
Summary: Poor copy letter from George Smith (resident of Pictou) asking for the Lieutenant Governor to consider allowing the purchase of land from Mr. Moodie at Moodie point for the Mi'kmaq who were already residing on the land. Smith stated that the Mi'kmaq would only accept that tract of land, and he asked for the government to purchase it. Moodie agreed to the sale. Interestingly, early maps of Pictou show an Indian Village at that point, predating Moodie's claims.
Subject: Land--Reserves--Dispossession
Genre: Text, Letter

Title: 1875-12-09
Date: 1875-12-09
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. J.M. Carmicheal (Member of Parliament) asked for the land exchange to be approved, stating that it would be of benefit to both parties.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1875-12-15
Date: 1875-12-15
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter contained a sketch map of proposed changes to Indian Land in Pictou Landing, highlighting proposed roadways and plots of land to be exchanged by Sproull and the Pictou Landing Indians.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land--Map
Genre: Cartographic materials

Title: 1834- Letter from Hugh Denoon asking for Land for Mi'kmaq of Moodie Point
Date: 1834-07-22
Summary: Letter from Hugh Denoon of Pictou asking for land for the Mi'kmaq living in Pictou. Stated that they wished to get title to land they had occupied for some time at Moodie Point.
Subject: Land--Dispossession--Reserves
Genre: Text, Letter

Title: 1888-07-26
Date: 1888-07-26
Summary: In response to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, Tupper reaches out to Vankoughnet to ask if there has been any decisions made on Pictou Landing land purchase.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1886-04-17
Date: 1886-04-17
Summary: The Department of Indian Affairs explains that since Agent did not respond to government's request for more info in 1883, the funds are no longer available. Writer also states that the valuation on the land is too high ($350 for 30 acres), and that McDonald never answered the question whether the Pictou Landing reserves were so destitute of timber to require purchasing additional lands.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1885-04-07
Date: 1885-04-07
Summary: Letter explains (and contains plans) for the sale of land from Mr. Robert Fraser to the Pictou Landing Indians for a "fair price" of $350 for 30 acres.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1888-11-23
Date: 1888-11-23
Summary: In connection to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, Vankoughnet requested that Sedgewick make up deed of sale, and he had enclosed a cheque for the agreed upon cost.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1883-04-20
Date: 1883-04-20
Summary: Letter states that Agent McDonald requested permission for Indians at Pictou Landing to buy 30 acres of land from a settler named Smith Copeland for $300 to add timber for fire and fencing to the reserve. Writer asks for McDonald's opinion, whether the reserve and the two others (islands A and B, which he states are vacated) requires more timber.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Personal correspondence

Title: 1829- Petition by James Lulan for title to land at Moodie Point
Date: 1829-03-02
Summary: Petition from James Lulan, asking for title for a piece of land at Moodie Point, which the Mi'kmaq in Pictou had cleared and planted for the last 50 years (not to mention had used for thousands of years prior to white settlement). The settler who pre-empted the land, Mr. Moodie, asked for them to be removed from the land. Lulan asked for this land to be granted or for a similar tract of land somewhere else, but insisted that it be near the town of Pictou. The letter also asked for relief to help them as they would not be able to rely on their spring planting as they had no access to land.
Subject: Land--Dispossession--Relief--Reserves--Agriculture--Agency
Genre: Text, Petition

Title: 1888-05-25
Date: 1888-05-25
Summary: In response to request to purchase the Copeland land for additional timber land for the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing, this letter reports the transfer of title to Ms. Copeland, which originates in 1855. Explains the progression of the land from original pre-emption to Copeland.
Subject: Timber--Firewood--Woodlands--Fencing--Boundaries--Indian Reserve-- Land--Resources--Logging
Genre: Deeds

Title: 1876-11-14
Date: 1876-11-14
Summary: The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Letter reported that Sproull was to receive 5 more acres of land in the exchange, and that he should be charged $65 for this extra acreage. Sproull was also responsible to pay for half of the costs associated with the exchange, including title search, surveying, and expenses of taking surrender of land.
Subject: Land Survey--Boundaries--Exchange--Indian Reserve--Land
Genre: Personal correspondence

About the Researcher coo225
The Dissertation coo225
Historical Timeline coo225
Pictou Landing Mi'kmaq Historical Database coo225
About the "Paycheques and Paper Promises" Project coo225
Maps coo225

Recent content

You are here