Wabanaki Artifacts Ignite Collaboration at University of New Brunswick

An archaeological initiative at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has uncovered a significant collection of Wabanaki artifacts, sparking collaboration between university researchers and the Wolastoqey Nation. The project, co-led by Wabanaki Heritage Lead Ramona Nicholas and archaeologist Ken Holyoke, aims to catalogue and study the artifacts, which were previously overlooked and housed in the university’s Archives and Special Collections Department.

The collection, known as the Bailey Indian Artifact Collection, consists of numerous boxes filled with items collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Until recently, the Wolastoqey Nation was largely unaware of the extent of these artifacts. Initial investigations by archaeologists in 2023 revealed not just a few items, but an entire collection of approximately 25 boxes, vastly exceeding previous expectations.

Rediscovering History

The origins of the collection trace back to Loring Woart Bailey, a professor at UNB from 1861 to 1907, who gathered these artifacts. However, modern standards of archaeology would classify much of his work as looting since he collected items without consent, disrupting archaeological contexts critical for understanding their historical significance.

According to Holyoke, “The work that Bailey did wouldn’t be what we would call archaeology. He collected objects indiscriminately, without regard for their context.” This lack of consideration has complicated the historical narrative surrounding these artifacts.

As the team began to open the boxes, they discovered items linked to burial practices, prompting immediate outreach to the Wolastoqey Nation. Holyoke remarked, “We hit pause immediately. The first thing we could think of was that we should reach out to the Wolastoqey Nation to get guidance.” This outreach marked a pivotal moment in the project, leading to a partnership aimed at responsibly documenting the artifacts.

Building Relationships and Sharing Knowledge

The collaboration has allowed members of the Wolastoqey Nation to engage directly with the artifacts. Community meetings were arranged, and Wolastoqey students were invited to assist in the documentation process. Jamie Gorman, resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation, noted the importance of this partnership, stating, “This became this opportunity to be like, wow, we can tell these stories.”

The research team has meticulously inventoryed the collection, carefully setting aside sensitive burial materials for Wolastoqey elders to review. Some artifacts, such as groundstone axes, date back to the Late Paleoindian Period, challenging previous assumptions about human activity in the region.

“This collection is significant in the sense that we can learn a lot about a very limited time frame,” said Holyoke. Among the remarkable finds is a unique stone sculpture of a frog, which archaeologist Trevor Dow described as “wholly unique” and rare in archaeological records.

Despite the excitement surrounding the discoveries, the project also highlights the broader issue of accessibility for Indigenous communities regarding their heritage. Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of the Wotstak First Nation, expressed mixed feelings about the collection. “There’s a sort of bittersweet-ness to it. This is a very small fraction of what Indigenous communities don’t have access to.”

The initiative not only aims to catalogue and study the artifacts but also to facilitate discussions about the future of these items. Holyoke mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the potential return of the artifacts to the Wolastoqey Nation, emphasizing the importance of allowing communities to make decisions about their heritage.

As the project continues, there are plans to rename the collection and expand access through community engagement initiatives. Gorman highlighted the positive impact of integrating Wolastoqey perspectives into the project, stating, “This is a good news story, more than it is emblematic of injustice in the past.”

The collaboration at the University of New Brunswick exemplifies a progressive step towards reconciling historical narratives and empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim their stories and heritage.