A Time and a Place: The Geography of British, French, and Aboriginal Interactions in Early Nova Scotia, 1726–44

Abstract

British Nova Scotia in the early eighteenth century had overlapping geographic identities. French officials and settlers called the region Acadia, while Native polities inhabited their homelands as they had for thousands of years. The Mi’kmaq lived in Mi’kma’ki, the Wulstukwiuk and Passamaquoddy were sustained by the Wulstuk River, and the Abenaki Dawnland stretched across what is now Maine. During a period of relative peace from 1726 to 1744, these Native and non-Native groups monitored settlements, movements, and borders to prevent any unacceptable displays of territorial authority. In so doing, they created shared spaces of interaction: economic (fishing and trading), diplomatic (negotiating and gift-giving), and religious (worshipping and communing). Sovereignty remained elusive and European settlements were pales, but exchanges took place at various seasonal or temporary sites that allowed various groups to maintain peace, air grievances, and balance territorial control. These sites were created, supported, and allowed to dissolve as necessary. British officials did not always employ these sites effectively, whereas the French benefited from a longer history of interaction with the Native groups, who remained the dominant force in the region. Imperial claims to sovereignty were tempered locally by officials who recognized that their limited authority was a boon to peace.