Wabanaki Artifacts Ignite Collaboration at University of New Brunswick

A significant collaboration has emerged at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), involving the examination and documentation of Wabanaki artifacts. These items, part of the “Bailey Indian Artifact Collection,” have sparked a partnership between university researchers and the Wolastoqey Nation, aiming to illuminate aspects of Indigenous heritage that have remained largely unexplored.

The project is led by Ramona Nicholas, the Wabanaki Heritage Lead at UNB, who expressed a sense of urgency regarding the endeavor. “I wanna say, it’s about time,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of this work in reconnecting with her ancestors’ history. The collection, housed in the university’s Archives and Special Collections Department, consists of numerous boxes labeled under the Bailey collection, which were collected during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The artifacts had largely been untouched until 2023 when a team of archaeologists began investigating the collection as part of a separate research project. Ken Holyoke, an assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Lethbridge and co-lead on the project, noted that initial expectations of only 25 artifacts quickly expanded when they discovered 25 boxes filled with items. “Immediately, the scope of this kind of grew, and we were like, ‘oh, wow, that’s pretty significant,'” he stated.

Unearthing the Past

The collection’s titular figure, Loring Woart Bailey, served as a scientist and professor at UNB from 1861 to 1907. His interests included collecting artifacts, often from areas surrounding the Wolostoq River and Maquapit Lake. However, the methods employed by Bailey would not align with today’s archaeological standards, as he collected items without consent and often disrupted the context necessary for understanding their historical significance.

Project co-lead Trevor Dow pointed out that many artifacts were collected indiscriminately, lacking the methodological rigor characteristic of contemporary archaeology. As the team began cataloguing the boxes, they unearthed burial-related objects, including beads linked to a child’s burial in the Tobique region. Recognizing the sensitivity of these finds, the researchers promptly contacted the Wolastoqey Nation for guidance.

A Collaborative Future

Before this collaboration, the Wolastoqey Nation had limited knowledge of the artifacts in the archives. Ramona Nicholas had previously performed ceremonial work around some of the burial-related beads, providing a spiritual connection to the artifacts. The partnership has since opened up avenues for community involvement, allowing members of the Wolastoqey Nation to engage with the artifacts directly.

Various community meetings have been organized, and Wolastoqey students have joined the research team to assist in documenting and cataloguing the artifacts. Jamie Gorman, resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “This became this opportunity to be like, wow, we can tell these stories.”

The project also highlights the importance of acknowledging the historical context of these items. Some artifacts date back to the Late Paleoindian Period, approximately 11,000 to 9,500 years ago, a time previously thought to have limited evidence of human activity in New Brunswick. “See, we were always here,” Nicholas emphasized, reinforcing the connection between the artifacts and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples in the region.

Among the notable finds is a unique groundstone frog sculpture, which archaeologists like Dow have deemed extraordinary. “It is wholly unique. We never really see artifacts like this in the archaeological record,” he remarked.

The project has not only facilitated access to these artifacts but has also fostered discussions around their future. Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of the Wotstak First Nation, expressed a bittersweet sentiment about the collection. While he is impressed by the craftsmanship of Indigenous ancestors, he also recognizes the challenges surrounding accessibility. “This is a very small fraction of what Indigenous communities don’t have access to,” he noted.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential return of the collection to the First Nation. Tomah believes that such a move could facilitate healing for Indigenous communities, allowing them to determine the future of these important cultural materials. Holyoke confirmed that preliminary talks have taken place to explore various options, including community exhibitions.

The project is also in the process of renaming the collection, with Nicholas leading a series of talking circles and community meetings aimed at expanding access and participation. Gorman highlighted the significance of integrating Wolastoqey voices into the project, calling it a “good news story” that signifies progress in addressing past injustices.

As the collaboration moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the artifacts serve not only as historical objects but as vital connections to the past for the Wolastoqey Nation and future generations.