The National tribune., 1901-09-19
MICMAC INDIANS.
The Remnant of a 0nce-Power-
full Canadian Tribe Now Liv-
ing in Nova Scotia.
BY LILLIAN HERRoD.

There is no more attractive sight in the
market-placs in Halifax than the little
group of Micmac Indians seen on Satur-
day mornings during the Summer season
vending, the braves their bows and ar
rows, the squaws their baskets. This lit
tie group is a matter of small concern to
the slider inhabitants. because from time
immemorial this particular spot has been
the Indians acknowledged ground 10
the tourist, however-particularly from
the United States-it is d unique pic
ture Here they behold the lineal de-
scendants, wretched though they appear
Of a vigorous people, who occupied this
domain before il resounded TO the foot
steps of the white men. In size, form
and color they resemble the Indians Of
our Western plains.
When the country was first discovered
the Indians were clothed in furs; but as
civilization crept in these were super
seeded by a costume of dark-blue broad
cloth trimmed with red, the material for
which they obtained from the traders in
barter for pelts. The braves wore two
garments, full gaiteF or Logging of cloth
which reached to the knee, and over this
a loose coat falling from the shoulder
over the top Of the gaiter, trimmed around
the bottom with a fringe of leather.
Where the Indian was a famous war
rior, the fringe was Of scalps.
Around the waist was a girdle, to
which was attached a purse Of fur con-
tanning their coin, q flint and steel, to-
gether with bit of touchwood for light
ing their fires. Moccasins of leather or
rawhide were worn. A small cord through
the rim, when drawn tight, shaped it to
the foot. These were much warmer than
shoes and better adapted for use upon
the ice. The head was covered by half
beaver.
The dress of the squaws consisted of
a full skirt Of cloth, a blanket folded
over their shoulders in the shape of a
shawl, and a pointed cap resembling the
letter A. which framed their face and
was tied under the chin.
These picturesque costumes are now a
thing Of the past, although the Chief still
wears his uniform upon state occasions,
and cap is seen occasionally in the mar
ket square.
INTERIOR OF wIGwAM.
The wigwams varied little in shape.
They were built Of poles placed In con-
zeal form like a sugar-loaf. These were
well secured, being bound together at the
top, leaving a hole for the smoke, and
interviewer with branches and the bark
of the birch tree, which made q covering
to exclude the air. 1t would be impossi-
BILE to plan hut OF equal dimensions in
which the comforts of the inmates could
be more effectually secured. The fire
was in the center. On either side was
the 'Kamignon." where sat on one side
the brave and squaw; upon the other, the
old and young. Near the door the wife
had her place by tho side OF her husband,
but in no case did she sit above her lord.
The back of the wigwam was the place
OF honor. Strangers who were made well
come were told "Kutahamaguel upchu-
lase" (come up to the back Of the wig
wsm). When sitting the braves cross the
legs; the women put their feet on one
side, while the young people place theirs
In front. Evergreen boughs spread upon
the ground formed their beds.
To those unacquainted with the coun-
try 1t would seem that the intense cold OF
Winter must have caused the Indians
much suffering, but the side Of hill or
slight decliVity in the forest, inaccessi-
BILE to the north-wind, formed so COM
plete a shelter that even a slight wigwam
was sufficient. Then, too, it must be re-
membered that from early childhood they
were ustomed to constant exposure.
This tribe lived not collectively, but in
distinct families, moving from place to
place in order to procure means OF sus-
tenance, sometimes camping upon the
borders Of lake for fishing, then moving