Wabanaki Artifacts Spark Collaboration at University of New Brunswick

A significant archaeological project at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has emerged from the rediscovery of Wabanaki artifacts, leading to an innovative collaboration with the Wolastoqey Nation. This partnership aims to explore and document a collection of items that have remained largely unstudied since their initial collection in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Unearthing the Past

In a library room at UNB, Ramona Nicholas, the Wabanaki Heritage Lead, expressed her excitement about this collaborative effort. “I wanna say, it’s about time,” Nicholas said, reflecting on the long-overdue examination of her ancestors’ heritage. The project began when archaeologists discovered that what they thought were merely a handful of artifacts in the Bailey Indian Artifact Collection actually encompassed 25 boxes filled with rich Indigenous history.

The collection is named after Loring Woart Bailey, a scientist and professor at UNB from 1861 to 1907, who collected artifacts from areas around the Wolostoq and Maquapit Lake. Bailey’s methods, however, would be considered problematic today, as he gathered items without consent and often disturbed archaeological contexts.

As archaeologists began to delve into the boxes in early 2023, they were astonished by the volume of findings. “Immediately, the scope of this kind of grew, and we were like, ‘oh, wow, that’s pretty significant,'” said Ken Holyoke, assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Lethbridge and a project co-lead.

Collaborative Efforts and Cultural Significance

Upon discovering burial-related artifacts, including beads linked to a child’s burial, the research team recognized the importance of consulting the Wolastoqey Nation. “We hit pause immediately,” Holyoke noted, emphasizing the need for guidance from the community. This outreach led to meetings that established a framework for collaboration, ensuring that Wolastoqey members could engage with the artifacts.

Years prior, Nicholas had performed a ceremony surrounding the burial beads, recalling the sense of connection it fostered. As a result of this project, community meetings were organized, allowing Wolastoqey students to participate in the documentation and cataloguing process—a vital step in reclaiming their heritage. “We could do 3D casting… we could do a tour in the communities and expose people to these objects,” said Jamie Gorman, resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation.

Among the collection, researchers found items dating back to the Late Paleoindian Period, approximately 11,000 to 9,500 years ago. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about human activity in New Brunswick during this time. “See, we were always here,” Nicholas remarked, highlighting the significance of the findings.

One standout artifact is a unique stone sculpture of a frog, which Trevor Dow, another co-lead of the project, described as “wholly unique.” Both he and Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of Wotstak First Nation, noted the mixed emotions surrounding the collection. Tomah expressed amazement at the craftsmanship of his ancestors while acknowledging the sadness that comes from the limited access Indigenous communities have to such collections.

Holyoke underscored the need for respectful practices in archaeology, advocating for Indigenous communities to have a say in research related to their histories. “This current project can become a case study for opening up other archaeological collections,” he stated. Tomah, Nicholas, and others hope to see the artifacts returned to the First Nation, viewing this as an essential step toward healing.

As discussions continue about the future of the collection, including the possibility of a community exhibition, the project aims to broaden access and integrate Wolastoqey voices into ongoing research. Nicholas recently led a talking circle to explore potential new names for the collection, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the artifacts.

Gorman believes that while the collection may bring up uncomfortable conversations about history, its current direction marks a positive development. “This is a good news story, more than it is emblematic of injustice in the past,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in uncovering and honoring Indigenous heritage.