Mattie Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matty Mitchell
|
|
|---|---|
Matty Mitchell, ca. 1920.
|
|
| Born | June 1846 Halls Bay, Colony of Newfoundland
|
| Died | 1921 Corner Brook, Newfoundland
|
| Occupation | Mi’kmaq Chieftain, Explorer |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Ann Webb |
Matty Mitchell (June 1846 – 1921) was a very important Mi’kmaq leader, guide, and explorer from Newfoundland. People called him "the greatest and most resourceful woodsman who ever lived." He helped a lot with the growth of Newfoundland's economy. Because of his amazing skills and contributions, Matty Mitchell was named a Person of National Historic Significance in 2001.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Family
Matty Mitchell was born in Halls Bay, Newfoundland, in June 1846.
In 1879, he married Mary Ann Webb in Sandy Point. They had a son, also named Matty. Around 1885, Matty and his family moved to Bonne Bay. He lived there for the rest of his life.
Exploring and Guiding
Matty Mitchell was known for his deep knowledge of the land. In 1904, he was hired to map the Great Northern Peninsula. He worked with H. C. Thomson. Matty's amazing understanding of rivers, lakes, and other natural features helped create the first maps of this area.
He also guided workers building the Newfoundland Railway. He used his knowledge of the land to show them how to build the railroad. This helped connect western Newfoundland to the central part of the province.
Discovering Buchans Ore
In 1905, Matty Mitchell made a huge discovery. He was working for a company called Anglo-Newfoundland Development. He found the Buchans ore body. This was one of the world's richest deposits of valuable minerals.
This discovery led to the creation of the town of Buchans. It also created many jobs for people in Newfoundland for generations. Since then, the site has produced a lot of zinc, lead, copper, gold, and silver. This ore was worth billions of dollars.
Matty Mitchell passed away in Corner Brook in the autumn of 1921.
Legacy
Cultural Contributions
Matty Mitchell is remembered for teaching early settlers in Newfoundland how to cook bologna. This dish is now known in the region as “Newfie steaks.”
Honoring Matty Mitchell
In 1998, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador opened the 'Matty Mitchell Prospectors Resource Room'. This room helps people learn about prospecting and finding minerals.
On June 26, 2005, a special memorial plaque was put up in his honor. It was placed at Gros Morne National Park. Important leaders like Stéphane Dion and Gerry Byrne were there. Matty Mitchell's granddaughter, Marie Mitchell-Sparks, also attended.
During the ceremony, Gerry Byrne spoke about Matty's achievements:
"It was Mitchell's outstanding knowledge of the land that allowed him to make such important contributions to the economy and culture of Newfoundland. His legacy is still alive and very well respected in this province, and now throughout all of Canada. It is a pleasure to honour this man who has had such a large role to play in shaping our Canadian heritage."
Books and Films
In 2011, a book about Matty Mitchell was written by Gary Collins. He is a well-known author.
In 2013, students made a film called A Mattie Mitchell Story. Matty's own great-grandson, Alonzo Rumbolt, played Matty in the movie.
Family's Continued Leadership
Matty Mitchell's great-grandson, Brendan Mitchell, was elected Chief of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band in 2015. Another of Matty's great-grandchildren, Geoff Sparkes, also ran for election in 2021 but was not successful.
