Nova Scotia Archives

Mi'kmaw Teaching and Learning Resources

Letter from Samuel Fairbanks, Indian Commissioner, to the Provincial Secretary regarding disbursement of funds granted by the House for Mi'kmaq relief.
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my disposal -

The Proceeds of the Indian Reserves, which in accordance with the Act are paid into the Treasury should in my opinion constitute the fund from which these advances ought to be made. The representatives from C Breton have expressed an opinion, that the portion realized from the Sales of the Island, ought to be appropriated exclusively to the Indians residing there - I may observe in [answer] to this, that they get their full Share of the annual appropriation for Clothing - that they often charge their abodes to the Province - and that it would be in every way more convenient to regard the proceeds as a common fund for the benefit of the whole Tribe. I have no doubt there will be sufficient to meet the provisions of the Act, for I fear but few of them will be disposed to settle on the Land.

I am anxious to have all uncertainty removed as to my course in these matters, and have therefor been more particular in my comments on the Subject. If the Government approves of these Sums being paid from the Indian fund in the Treasury - I have respectfully to request


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Date: 1865

Retrieval no.: Commissioner of Public Records — Mi'kmaq and Government Relations series Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 431 number 143

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