Noel Bear facts for kids
Noel Bear was an important Maliseet man who lived a long time ago. He was a skilled hunter, trapper, guide, and even made baskets. He lived in what is now New Brunswick, Canada, and passed away in 1907.
Noel Bear was known by a few different names, like Noil, Newell, or Newal for his first name, and sometimes Bair, Muin, or Aubin for his last name. This was common back then!
Who Was Noel Bear?
Noel Bear was a member of the Maliseet people, also known as the Wolastoqiyik. They are an Indigenous group who have lived along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) and its branches for thousands of years.
He was very good at many outdoor skills. He was a hunter, meaning he found and caught animals for food and furs. He was also a trapper, using traps to catch animals. As a guide, he helped people find their way through the wilderness, which was very important before maps and roads were common. He also made baskets, showing his artistic and practical skills.
Life and Family
Noel Bear got married in 1851. He lived near the Tobique River in New Brunswick, Canada, which is a beautiful area. He was listed on official records, called census lists, at the Tobique Indian Reserve starting in 1853. A census is like a big count of all the people living in an area, which helps governments understand their population.
A Time of Change
Noel Bear's name first appeared in history in 1831. This was because he signed a special letter, called a petition, with other Penobscot people in Old Town, Maine. A petition is a formal request signed by many people, asking for something from a government or authority.
He was also involved during a time called the "Aroostook War" in 1838–1839. This wasn't a big war with lots of fighting, but more of a disagreement over where the border was between Maine (in the United States) and New Brunswick (in Canada). During this time, Noel Bear worked as a hunter for the soldiers at Fort Fairfield in Maine. His hunting skills would have been very valuable to help feed the soldiers stationed there.
Noel Bear passed away in 1907. He is remembered as an important figure who lived through a time of change and contributed to his community with his many skills.
