Wabanaki Artifacts Unearthed at UNB Ignite Urgent Cultural Collaboration

UPDATE: A groundbreaking collaborative effort has just been launched at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), revealing over 25 previously unknown boxes of Wabanaki artifacts. This urgent initiative, involving the Wolastoqey Nation and UNB researchers, seeks to uncover and honor the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples in New Brunswick.

In a significant turn of events, Ramona Nicholas, Wabanaki Heritage Lead at UNB, expressed her excitement: “I wanna say, it’s about time.” This collaboration aims to study artifacts that have remained untouched since their collection in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of which the Wolastoqey Nation was unaware existed until recently.

The project began this year when archaeologists, including Ken Holyoke from the University of Lethbridge, discovered that the Bailey Indian Artifact Collection housed not just a handful of items but a treasure trove of history. Initial estimates of 25 artifacts quickly expanded to an astonishing 25 boxes filled with culturally significant items.

This collection, amassed by Loring Woart Bailey, a UNB professor from 1861 to 1907, is now seen as a vital opportunity to reconnect Indigenous communities with their ancestral heritage. Bailey’s collection methods, however, were controversial; many artifacts were taken without proper consent, raising urgent ethical concerns today.

As Trevor Dow, another project co-lead, noted, “We hit pause immediately,” upon discovering burial-related items, including beads associated with a child’s burial in the Tobique region. Recognizing the sensitivity of these finds, the team promptly reached out to the Wolastoqey Nation for guidance.

The collaboration has fostered a series of community meetings, allowing Wolastoqey members to engage directly with the artifacts. “This became this opportunity to be like, wow, we can tell these stories,” said Jamie Gorman from the Neqotkuk First Nation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the research and documentation process.

The artifacts themselves reveal a deeper narrative of Indigenous life in the region, with some dating back to the Late Paleoindian Period (11,000 to 9,500 years ago). These findings challenge previous assumptions about the timeline of human activity in New Brunswick, showcasing that, as Nicholas stated, “We were always here.”

In addition to inventorying the collection, researchers are considering innovative ways to share these artifacts with the public, including 3D casting and community tours. The unique nature of some items, like a one-of-a-kind groundstone frog sculpture, highlights the cultural significance and artistry of the Wabanaki people.

However, the project also uncovers uncomfortable truths about the accessibility of Indigenous heritage. Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of the Wotstak First Nation, expressed a bittersweet feeling about the collection, stating, “This is a very small fraction of what Indigenous communities don’t have access to.” The initiative aims to address these disparities, advocating for Indigenous involvement in research and heritage management.

Looking ahead, preliminary discussions are underway about the potential return of these artifacts to the Wolastoqey Nation, a move that could facilitate healing and restoration for Indigenous communities. “I think it would be an incredible healing process for Indigenous communities to have access to these materials,” Tomah added.

This ongoing project is not only about uncovering the past but also about reshaping the future of archaeological practices. With plans for new naming and community engagement initiatives, the collaboration represents a hopeful step towards reconciliation and respect for Indigenous heritage.

As this urgent story develops, the integration of Wolastoqey voices into the research process stands as a powerful model for how archaeology can evolve. “This is a good news story,” Gorman concluded, highlighting the positive direction of this collaborative effort.