Nova Scotia Archives
Mi'kmaw Teaching and Learning Resources
Petition and letter from Wentworth to Commissioners of Indian Affairs regarding Mi'kmaq families at Cape Sable that are having their "good dispositions discouraged by several white people who claim the lands." requests having Mi'kmaq lands measured and located, so as to prevent tresspassers who interrupt the Mi'kmaq fishing and planting.
note: transcription publicly contributed - please contact us with comments, errors or omisions
(117
Lodge 28th: September 1802.
Gentlemen
The Indians, whose petition I herewith inclose, are the representatives of a numerous Family, who reside at Cape Sable. By their own account, they are a sober and industrious people, who plant and fish for subsistence. It seems however, that their good dispositions are discouraged by several white people who claim the lands, [whereon?] these Indians & their ancestors have lived and occupied for many years_ They also complain that white people set nets intirely across the Brooks and small rivers, which intirely [entirely] prevent any Fish running up the streams _ and of course deprive the upper residents of any share in this comfortable article of support, and that such practices will soon destroy these fisherys.
I
No mention of names of Mi'kmaq families, however it was Mi'kmaq men who bore the petition and letter to the Commissioners.
Date: 1802
Retrieval no.: Commissioner of Public Records — Mi'kmaq and Government Relations series Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 430 number 117
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