The Mi'kmaq nation and the embodiment of political ideologies : Ni'kmaq, protocol and treaty negotiations of the eighteenth century

Abstract

During the eighteenth century, the Mi'kmaq Nation entered into a series of peace and friendship treaties with the British which established a political and legal relationship between themselves and the British crown. Mi'kmaq leaders entered into the treaties for specific reasons; however, no written Mi'kmaq record exists which clearly outlines the Mi'kmaq leadership's intention when they negotiated the treaties. This thesis analyzes the political processes and logic behind Mi'kmaq leaders' desire to enter into the treaties, and the various aspects of Mi'kmaq society, including cultural and social norms which perpetuated political structures, leadership and political ideologies. The political leaders, their families and social relationships are identified, demonstrating the political role in which Ni'kmaq (kin-relations) played in the political environment of the eighteenth century. The negotiations which led up to the signing of the treaties are also presented, providing further evidence that Mi'kmaq cultural and social norms supported political ideologies, structures and actions of leaders and shaped the treaty making process they undertook with the British.