Wabanaki Artifacts Ignite Collaboration at University of New Brunswick

A significant archaeological collaboration has emerged from the discovery of Wabanaki artifacts at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Researchers have partnered with the Wolastoqey Nation to explore a collection that had remained largely untouched for decades. The initiative aims to document and understand the cultural heritage embodied in these artifacts, which includes items collected by 19th-century scientist Loring Woart Bailey.

Ramona Nicholas, the Wabanaki Heritage Lead at UNB, expressed her enthusiasm about the project by stating, “I wanna say, it’s about time.” As one of the co-leads, Nicholas is crucial in bridging the gap between historical artifacts and the Wolastoqey community. Previously, the artifacts, housed in the university’s Archives and Special Collections Department, had not been catalogued or studied thoroughly. The collection, known as the “Bailey Indian Artifact Collection,” contains numerous items significant to Wabanaki heritage.

In 2023, a team of archaeologists, including project co-lead Ken Holyoke from the University of Lethbridge, began examining the collection. Initially anticipating around 25 artifacts, they were surprised to discover 25 boxes filled with objects. This unexpected find has expanded the project’s scope and significance, prompting deeper investigations into the collection’s historical context.

The origins of the artifacts trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Bailey collected numerous items, many from the Wolostoq River and Maquapit Lake. However, the methods used by Bailey raised ethical concerns. According to Holyoke, “The work that Bailey did wouldn’t be what we would call archaeology.” His collection practices often involved removing items without consent, disrupting archaeological sites and stripping objects of their contextual significance.

As archaeologists began to open the boxes, they discovered sensitive burial materials, prompting immediate outreach to the Wolastoqey Nation. This collaboration has allowed for community involvement in the research process, with Wolastoqey members participating in inventory and documentation efforts.

“This became this opportunity to be like, wow, we can tell these stories,” said Jamie Gorman, resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation. The project has not only facilitated academic inquiry but has also provided a platform for the community to engage with their heritage.

The research team has meticulously inventoried artifacts, including burial-associated items and tools dating back to the Late Paleoindian Period, approximately 11,000 to 9,500 years ago. The significance of these findings is underscored by the realization that they provide insights into periods of Indigenous history in the Maritimes that were previously poorly understood.

Among the standout items is a unique groundstone frog sculpture, which has garnered excitement among researchers for its rarity. Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of the Wotstak First Nation, highlighted both the admiration for the craftsmanship of ancestors and the bittersweet reality of the collection’s inaccessibility to Indigenous communities.

“This is a very small fraction of what Indigenous communities don’t have access to,” Tomah stated. He emphasized the need for greater involvement of Indigenous communities in decisions regarding their heritage. The project’s direction reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrating Indigenous voices in archaeological research.

Discussions are ongoing about the potential return of the artifacts to the Wolastoqey Nation. Holyoke indicated that preliminary talks have begun, focusing on how best to facilitate this process. Ideas include organizing community exhibitions to showcase the artifacts and their historical significance.

As the project progresses, Nicholas has led efforts to rename the collection, ensuring that it reflects the voices of the community. The initiative aims to foster healing, understanding, and respect for Indigenous heritage while addressing historical injustices related to the collection of artifacts.

Gorman remarked on the positive trajectory of the collaboration, noting, “This is a good news story, more than it is emblematic of injustice in the past.” Through this partnership, the University of New Brunswick and the Wolastoqey Nation are paving the way for a more inclusive approach to the study and preservation of Indigenous heritage.