Wabanaki Artifacts Ignite Collaborative Research at UNB

A newly unveiled collection of Wabanaki artifacts at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has sparked a significant collaboration between university researchers and the Wolastoqey Nation. This partnership aims to explore and document the rich history contained within the Bailey Indian Artifact Collection, which had remained largely untouched since its assembly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In a meeting room at UNB, Ramona Nicholas, the Wabanaki Heritage Lead, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “I wanna say, it’s about time,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with her ancestors’ heritage. Nicholas, along with fellow researchers, discovered that the collection consists of far more than the originally estimated 25 artifacts; it contains 25 boxes filled with items pivotal to understanding Wabanaki history.

Unearthing the Past

The Bailey collection is named after Loring Woart Bailey, a scientist who collected artifacts during his tenure at UNB from 1861 to 1907. Bailey’s approach to artifact collection, however, has drawn criticism for lacking consent and context, practices that today would be considered unethical. “The work that Bailey did wouldn’t be what we would call archaeology,” said Ken Holyoke, an assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Lethbridge.

As researchers began examining the collection in 2023, they unearthed artifacts linked to burials. This prompted the team to reach out to the Wolastoqey Nation to seek guidance on how to handle these sensitive items. They soon found that members of the Wolastoqey Nation were largely unaware of the collection’s existence.

The response from the Wolastoqey community was immediate. “We hit pause immediately,” Holyoke stated, recognizing the need for respectful collaboration. This led to meetings with community members, allowing them access to the collection and integrating Wolastoqey students into the research process.

Community Engagement and Future Directions

This collaborative effort has opened new avenues for storytelling and cultural preservation. Jamie Gorman, a resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation, expressed optimism about the potential for 3D casting of artifacts and community tours to foster greater understanding.

The research team has carefully inventoried the collection, paying special attention to burial items, which they have set aside pending discussions with Wolastoqey elders. Some artifacts date back to the Late Paleoindian Period, approximately 11,000 to 9,500 years ago, a time previously thought to have limited human activity in the region.

“We were always here,” Nicholas noted, emphasizing the significance of these findings. The researchers aim to shed light on two lesser-known periods of Wabanaki history: the Late Maritime Archaic Period and the Early Maritime Woodland period.

Among the unique items is a small stone frog sculpture, described by Dow as “wholly unique.” This artifact, along with many others, contributes to the understanding of Indigenous craftsmanship and heritage.

Despite the excitement surrounding the project, there are mixed emotions among community members. Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of the Wotstak First Nation, voiced a common sentiment: “There’s a sort of bittersweet-ness to it.” While the artifacts showcase the skill of Indigenous ancestors, he highlighted the ongoing challenge of accessibility for Indigenous communities regarding their cultural heritage.

Tomah advocates for the eventual return of the collection to the First Nation, positing that such an action would facilitate healing and empower the community to determine the future of these artifacts. Holyoke acknowledged preliminary discussions about this possibility, indicating a commitment to exploring respectful practices for Indigenous communities in archaeological research.

Currently, the project is in the process of renaming the collection to reflect its significance more accurately. This initiative includes a series of talking circles and community meetings aimed at expanding access and understanding of the artifacts.

As Gorman observed, while the collection brings to light uncomfortable aspects of history, the active involvement of Wolastoqey voices marks a positive step forward. “This is a good news story, more than it is emblematic of injustice in the past,” he concluded, affirming the importance of collaboration in reclaiming and celebrating Indigenous heritage.