Wabanaki Artifacts Ignite Collaboration at University of New Brunswick

A significant archeological project at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has brought together researchers and the Wolastoqey Nation to explore a trove of Indigenous artifacts. The collaboration centers around the Bailey Indian Artifact Collection, previously unexamined items that have now become a catalyst for both academic inquiry and cultural reconnection.

In a recent interview, Ramona Nicholas, Wabanaki Heritage Lead at UNB, expressed her enthusiasm about the project. “I wanna say, it’s about time,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of engaging with her ancestors’ history. Until recently, many of the artifacts collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were unknown to the Wolastoqey Nation.

The collection, housed in plain banker-style boxes, first came to light for researchers in 2023 when they began investigating a separate project. Initially estimating only a small number of artifacts, they were surprised to uncover 25 boxes filled with historical objects. Ken Holyoke, assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Lethbridge and a co-lead on the project, noted, “Immediately, the scope of this kind of grew, and we were like, ‘oh, wow, that’s pretty significant.'”

Historical Context and Collaboration

The artifacts originate from the work of Loring Woart Bailey, a scientist and professor at UNB from 1861 to 1907. Bailey collected artifacts primarily from the Wolostoq River and surrounding areas, often without the consent of Indigenous peoples. His methods, which would now be considered looting, removed items from their historical context, complicating their significance.

Project co-lead Trevor Dow, who also teaches archaeology at UNB, emphasized the need for collaboration with the Wolastoqey Nation as the team began to uncover sensitive materials, including burial items. “We hit pause immediately,” he said, acknowledging the importance of consulting with Indigenous leaders.

The Wolastoqey Nation had only a limited understanding of the collection until Nicholas, serving as Elder-in-Residence at UNB, performed a ceremony around some of the burial beads. This act opened the door for a new partnership. The researchers invited Wolastoqey members to access the collection and engage in community meetings to discuss its significance.

Reconnecting with Ancestral Heritage

The project has enabled Wolastoqey students and community members to participate in documenting and cataloguing the artifacts. Jamie Gorman, resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation, expressed excitement about the opportunities this research presents. “This became this opportunity to be like, wow, we can tell these stories,” he said, highlighting plans for community tours and 3D casting of the artifacts.

Among the collection are tools and objects dating back thousands of years, including some that challenge previous assumptions about early human activity in New Brunswick. As Nicholas stated, “See, we were always here,” reinforcing the continuous presence of Indigenous peoples in the region.

The findings reveal a wealth of knowledge about the Late Maritime Archaic Period and the Early Maritime Woodland period, which have been poorly understood until now. The research team has carefully inventoried the materials, setting aside sensitive items for the community to decide how best to document them.

One standout piece is a unique stone sculpture of a frog, described by Dow as “wholly unique,” and indicative of the craftsmanship of Indigenous ancestors. The collection’s significance extends beyond academic interest; it embodies the stories and heritage of the Wolastoqey people.

The project has also sparked discussions about addressing historical injustices surrounding Indigenous collections. Dallas Tomah, a UNB student and member of the Wotstak First Nation, expressed mixed feelings about the collection. “There’s a sort of bittersweet-ness to it,” he said, acknowledging the impressive craftsmanship while lamenting the restricted access Indigenous communities have historically faced.

Holyoke noted the potential for this project to serve as a model for improving access to other archaeological collections, emphasizing the importance of allowing communities to guide research about their own history. He mentioned preliminary discussions about possibly returning the collection to the Wolastoqey Nation, which could facilitate healing and greater community involvement in heritage matters.

As the project continues, Nicholas has led a series of talking circles to gather community input on renaming the collection, aiming to enhance accessibility and engagement. Gorman believes that integrating Wolastoqey voices into the project is a positive step forward. “This is a good news story, more than it is emblematic of injustice in the past,” he concluded.

The collaboration between UNB and the Wolastoqey Nation represents a significant effort to reclaim Indigenous heritage and foster a deeper understanding of ancestral history, paving the way for future initiatives that respect and honor Indigenous knowledge.