For thousands of years, the Mi’kmaq had existed in peace, and in harmony with the land. However, during the late 1600s and well into the 1700s, France and England fought for possession of the lands inhabited by our people.

Throughout this period, the Mi’kmaq fought alongside our friends and trading partners, the French, in numerous conflicts and raids against the English military.

United Empire Loyalists
Illustration by C.W. Jefferys

Unlike the French, the English brought large numbers of soldiers and settlers to this region and built many fortifications, eventually gaining control over the land. During this time there was almost continuous fighting between the English and the Mi’kmaq as the Mi’kmaq were threatened by the English presence in our land. Many on both sides of the conflict died.

The English did not understand our people and our relationship with the land. They began clearing the forests to build their homes and farms in the fertile river valleys along the Bay of Fundy This made it difficult for our people to continue to hunt, fish, and travel as we had done for thousands of years. Our land and way of life were disappearing.