Eel Ground First Nation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eel Ground Band
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 Eel Ground First Nation
Location in New Brunswick
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| Country | Canada | |
| Province | New Brunswick | |
| County | Northumberland County | |
| Established | 1783 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 28.23 km2 (10.90 sq mi) | |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) | |
| Population
(2012)
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| • Total | 977 | |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (Atlantic (AST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-3 (ADT) | |
| Area code(s) | 506 / 428 | |
| NTS Map | 021I13 | |
| Website | http://www.eelgroundfirstnation.com/ | |
| Postal code span: | ||
The Eel Ground Band, also known as the Eel Ground First Nation, is a Mi'kmaq community in New Brunswick, Canada. It is a First Nation band government with 977 members. The community is located along the Miramichi River in northern New Brunswick. It includes three special areas called reserves: Eel Ground #2, Big Hole Tract #8 (south half), and Renous #12.
Contents
A Look Back at Eel Ground's History
The Eel Ground First Nation lives on land next to the City of Miramichi, New Brunswick. People from both communities have likely known each other for a very long time. This goes back to when Europeans first settled in the area.
Early European Contact
Around 1648, a man named Nicolas Denys set up a fort and trading post nearby. This was on the north side of the Miramichi River, where two parts of the river meet. His son, Richard Denys, later took charge of this post. In 1688, Richard said that about a dozen French people and more than 500 Indigenous people lived there.
Official Recognition
The British government officially recognized the Eel Ground Band in 1783. This happened soon after the French lost the Seven Years' War.
Ancient Meeting Place
The Mi'kmaq people lived in this area long before Denys arrived. The place where the Northwest and Main Southwest branches of the Miramichi River join was a natural meeting spot for them. Many of today's Eel Ground residents are likely descendants of the Mi'kmaq who lived near Richard Denys's trading post.
Notable People from Eel Ground
- Thomas Barnaby - He served as Chief of the Eel Ground Band from 1888 to 1894.
