The effect of centralization on the social and political systems of the mainland Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq : (case studies : Millbrook-1916 & Indian Brook-1941)

Abstract

In the 1910s the Canadian Federal Government developed a Centralization Policy for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. By 1919, 55 members of the Halifax County Band had moved to the Millbrook Reserve. The population was listed as 124 by 1931. The political structure of the Mi'kmaq was established at this time and leadership was strong on the Millbrook Reserve under Chief Joseph Julian. The Mi'kmaq were included in the decision making process and their ideas, including procurement of additional resources, were incorporated into the program. Relocation can be viewed as only a minor disruption to the social and economic structure of those involved.

During the Great Depression, and as Canada was preparing for World War Two, the government felt the need to ease the economic burden of providing for the Mi'kmaq. Referring to the economic success of the Millbrook centralization, it was decided in 1941 that the Mi'kmaq would be centralized to the two larger reserves, Indian Brook and Eskasoni. By 1946, 816 people were living on Indian Brook where only 41 people had resided in 1931. The political structure was unorganized and representation was weak and inexperienced. The move was forced on an uninformed people under threat of enfranchisement and loss of government financial support. Without the acquisition of additional resources, the overcrowded conditions had serious consequences on the social and economic stability within the Indian Brook Reserve.