According to Mike Parker, there were 160 Mi’kmaq in Digby County by 1898. Most were living on L’sitkuk reserve in Bear River. Archaeological reports suggest that beach areas in the Annapolis Basin were used for summer campsites dating back two thousand years
.
One tradition that survived until the early 1900’s was the porpoise harvest at bay View. Porpoise oil was prized as a machine lubricant, leather softener, laxative, as a remedy for ear aches, and for baiting bear traps.
Date: Late 1800s
Reference: Admiral Digby Museum P8133
For more information, please contact the Admiral Digby Museum.
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