Collection search - Mi'kmaq hieroglyphic prayer book [textual record (microform), graphic material (microform)]

Record information – Brief
1
Mi'kmaq hieroglyphic prayer book [textual record (microform), graphic material (microform)]

Hierarchical level:

Item

Date:

[ca. 1810]-1889, predominant 1810-1812.

Reference:

R5746-0-0-E, Microfilm reel number: M-8638

Type of material:

Textual material

Found in:

Archives / Collections and Fonds

Item ID number:

157328

Context of this record:

Show detail Hide detail

Mi'kmaq hieroglyphic prayer book
Link to this record

Add to My Research

Link to this record

This link identifies the web page describing this particular record. Unlike the temporary link in your browser, this link will allow you to access, and reference, this page in the future. To link to this descriptive record, copy and paste the URL where ever needed (wiki, blog, document).

Sign in

Sign in to start saving records using My Research

Sign in
Record information – Details

Date(s):

[ca. 1810]-1889, predominant 1810-1812.

Bilingual equivalent:

Click here

Place of creation:

Newfoundland and Labrador

Extent:

1 microfilm reel negative & positive.

Language of material:

Micmac

Scope and content:

Show detail Hide detail

This manuscript book of prayers and other Roman Catholic devotional works appears to have been compiled over a period of years, but where or by whom is not known. The watermark of 1807 in the paper, a dated entry of 1812, and the consistency of hieroglyphic inscription, suggest one writer is responsible for setting down most of the prayers, probably in a short period of time close to the year 1812. Annotations in Micmac (Mi'kmaq) written in Roman letters and several small sketches (notably of canoes and sailing vessels) appear to have been made in the prayer book at various times by various persons.

The prayer book is available on microfilm reel M-8638.

Provenance:

Show detail Hide detail

Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi. Council of the Conne River Micmacs (Newfoundland)

Biography/Administrative history:

Show detail Hide detail

Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi. Council of the Conne River Micmacs (Newfoundland) : The Miawpukek Mi'kmaq band of Conne River, Newfoundland, is the only federally recognized aboriginal band in the province of Newfoundland. The 1876 Indian Act made no provision for aboriginal peoples outside the existing boundaries of the Dominion of Canada, which Newfoundland was until 1949. Established for centuries on the south coast of Newfoundland, on the east bank of Conne River at Bay d'Espoir, they achieved official recognition of their status under the current Indian Act in 1984 and as a reserve in 1987.

The Miawpukek Mi'kmaq of Newfoundland use the region's ecological diversity to maintain a cultural system based on migratory hunting, fishing and trapping. The band historically governed itself by means of a council of elders made up of family heads. These elders selected a community leader, known as the saqamaw. Traditional succession of the Mi'kmaq saqamaw followed the male line in the Bernard, Lewis (or Louis), Jeddore and Joe families. Today's system of government is a democratically elected chief and council.

The Miawpukek band maintains a unique relationship with Mi'kmaq bands of Cape Breton Island (or Unama 'kik 'foggy land'), located some 100 km across Cabot Strait, traditional residence of the Grand Chief and his assembly of keptins (spiritual leaders) organized in the Sante 'Mawio 'mi (Grand Council).

French Catholic missionaries working among the Mi'kmaq in the 17th and 18th centuries sought to write down their language. Pierre Maillard (1710-1762) built on the work of Chrestien Le Clercq (1641-1700?) in developing a system of hieroglyphics which drew inspiration from the aboriginal use of totemic and other mnemonic markings. Users of this writing system have added refinements over time.

The Miawpukek band at Conne River, Newfoundland, treasure this volume of religious texts inscribed in this hieroglyphic system.

Finding aid:

Show detail Hide detail

(No finding aid)

Additional information:

Show detail Hide detail

Source of title:

Title is based on the ownership and content of the document. Precedence is given to Mi'kmaq nomenclature.

Custodial history:

For most of the 20th century, the Mi'kmaq hieroglyphic prayer book was in the possession of the Jeddore family at Conne River. Prior to its restoration, the prayer book was being held in secure storage at the Queen Elizabeth II Library, Memorial University of Newfoundland. The volume was completely restored in 1998-1999 by David Hanington, a book conservator, at the Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa, and microfilmed at the National Archives of Canada in 1999 before being returned to the community in Newfoundland and Memorial University.

Citation/reference note:

An article describing the physical condition and the conservation treatment of this Mi'kmaq prayer book by David Hanington, Conservator of works on paper at the Canadian Conservation Institute was presented at the Canadian Association of Conservators (CAC) conference in Ottawa, May 2000, and will be published in the CAC Journal later in 2000. A brief article was published on the subject in issue No. 25 of the CCI Newsletter, May 2000, pgs. 1-3.

Preferred citation note:

The following citation format is recommended for researchers: "Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Prayer Book, R5746, frame # (from National Archives of Canada microfilm reel M-8638).

Location of originals note:

The original prayer book remains with the Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi, Council of the Conne River Mi'kmaq, Newfoundland.

Language note:

The text is completely in Mi'kmaq, predominantly written in hieroglyphics but with some notations in Roman letters.

Source:

Private

Related control no.:

Show detail Hide detail

2000-01191-8
Ordering and viewing options

Conditions of access:

Show detail Hide detail

Access restriction document

http://data2.archives.ca/pdf/pdf001/r000000978.pdf

Textual records: microform

[Consultation95 Open, no copying]

Microfilm reel M-8638

[Consultation 95 Open, no copying]

Terms of use:

Show detail Hide detail

The microfilm is available for consultation at the National Archives of Canada and through inter-institutional loan. Questions regarding reproduction of extensive portions or the whole of this manuscript (for whatever purpose) must be referred to: The Director of Land Claims Negotiations, Miawpukek Band Council, Conne River, Newfoundland A0H 1J0.

You can order materials in advance to be ready for you when you visit. You will need a user card to do this.

Cannot visit us on site? You can purchase a copy to be sent to you. Some restrictions may apply.

Report a problem on this page

Date modified:: 2024-06-12