Each volume of the annual Journals and Proceedings of the House of Assembly of Nova Scotia includes an index. The relevant index references to 'Indians' and 'Indian Affairs' for the years 1818 to 1852 have been extracted and are listed below. The references lead primarily to petitions directed to the Indian Commissioners and to annual reports of the Commissioners, plus related appendices.
The appropriate microfilm retrieval numbers for these annual JHA volumes are 3528 (1800-1818), 3529 (1819-1832), 3530 (1832-1838), 3531 (1838-1842), 3532 (1843-1846), 3533 (1847-1849) and 3534 (1849-1852).
Indexed under "Indians"...
Page 61
Mr. Whitman, Mr. McKinnon, Mr. Creighton, Mr. McQueen, and Mr. Esson be a select committee to examine and report upon all matters connected with Indian Affairs.
112
Financial secretary presented a report from Crawley, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Cape Breton. Referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Appendix no. 32
Crawley reports the "condition and prospects of the Indians, as compared with…last year, may be considered to be improving." Crops, except Indian corn, were better. If "a sufficiency of seed potatoes could have been obtained, there would have been a good supply… for the present winter." They are expert coopers and supply all the trade in this part of the Island with fish casks. Some as so well employed that "such of the tribe…did not avail themselves of the supplies of Indian meal offered at half price, preferring instead to pay the full price for superfine flour." Still, destitution among "many aged and infirm" still exists. Little or nothing can be done for the cause of education among the Mi'kmaq "with the present limited funds."
Mentions, as he has every year, of the importance of preserving the Mi'kmaq lands "so long preyed upon and in great part sequestered by trespassers and squatters." Mentions also, as every year, the Mi'kmaq should be given "a voice in the election of representatives for the counties and townships." Two subjects that have "failed hitherto to commend itself to the attention of Government."
Crawley understands that the Indians objected to [his] mode of distribution …and that they have applied for the appointment of James McLeod …as commissioner in lieu of [himself]."
134
Ordered Mr. Brown added to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
135
Report of Gesner, one of the commissioners for Indian Affairs, read.
Ordered referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Appendix no. 32, part 2
Gesner reports that the fourteen families settled at Shubenacadie present "some pleasing features of the ability and industry of these people." Several own cows and livestock and produce crops of considerable value. A small settlement commenced at Fish Lake; bear River improves "but slowly." The commencements at Fairy Lake and Ponhook, Liverpool, could not be followed up due to the small means at his disposal. Describes his methods of distribution of blankets and clothes. Complains that the bills for attendance from medical gentlemen, amounting to a large sum, are drawn directly from the grant. Suggests these sums not be paid, or paid by the counties in which the Mi'kmaq reside. Complains his residence has become an "Indian hospital" and that if the medical doctors are paid by the province, so should he be given "some consideration."
Notes that, due to present law, he is no longer commissioner.
139
Mr. Whitman reported from the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Ordered received by the House.
Appendix no. 45
Report of the Committee on Indian Affairs. States Commissioner Gesner holds a balance of fourteen pounds, and some of his vouchers and accounts cannot be found. Records petitions considered and sums recommended. Mentions petitions by doctors not recommended for lack of certification, but leaves them open for consideration for the following year. Recommends appropriations out of Indian grant for Mi'kmaq in Lunenburg, digby, Annapolis, all through non-Mi'kmaq people. Further reports that "not withstanding the stringent resolution passed in 1850, the increased number of applications made for compensation for medical aid…absorbs quite too large an amount of the Indian grant."
181
Resolved that three hundred pounds be granted "for the benefit of the Indians."
189
Sixty-six Council Resolutions including grant, above.
Petition no. 14
Petitions referred to Committee:
Of Dr. HG Farrish, Liverpool, 66
Of Dr. S Weilobycki, Liverpool, 67
Of Noel Geteaux, an Indian, 73-4
Of Dr. RB Fraser, Windsor, 74
Of Dr. Ruggles, Weymouth, 75
Of Dr. James F. Forbes, Liverpool, 91
Of Peter Paul Toney Babey, physician &c, of Indians, 93
Of Dr. TO Geddes, Barrington, 114
Of Dr. Charles C. Hamilton, Cornwallis, 115
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