Nonosbawsut facts for kids

Nonosbawsut (died March 1819) was a respected leader of the Beothuk people. He lived on the island of Newfoundland (which is now part of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada). Nonosbawsut was also the partner of Demasduit. While some people called him "Chief" Nonosbawsut, his role was more like a headman or a main leader among the last remaining Beothuk.

Nonosbawsut's Life and Encounters

Meeting David Buchan

Nonosbawsut was part of a Beothuk group that met David Buchan on January 24, 1811. This meeting happened at Red Indian Lake. Buchan had left two of his soldiers at the Beothuk camp. He then went with Nonosbawsut and three other Beothuk to get some presents Buchan had hidden. Nonosbawsut became worried about being captured. He and two other Beothuk quickly left. Back at their camp, they convinced the rest of their group that Buchan and his soldiers had bad intentions. Because of this fear, the two soldiers were killed, and the Beothuk group scattered.

Encounter with John Peyton Jr.

In March 1819, another group, led by John Peyton Jr., went to Red Indian Lake. This trip was approved by Governor Charles Hamilton. Peyton's group was looking for items that had been taken from fishing stations nearby. People were also very concerned about the few remaining Beothuk people. The expedition hoped to build friendly relationships with them.

On March 5, Peyton's armed group surprised a small party of Beothuk at Red Indian Lake. The Beothuk tried to get away. Peyton's group captured Demasduit, who was Nonosbawsut's wife. Nonosbawsut then approached the armed men. He held a pine branch, which was a sign of peace. Through words and gestures, he asked Peyton to let Demasduit go. A struggle began when Peyton would not release her, and Nonosbawsut was shot and killed.

Nonosbawsut's Burial Site

Nonosbawsut's body was placed in a special burial place called a sepulchre. Later, his baby son was also buried there. Eventually, Demasduit herself was laid to rest in the same place.

Nonosbawsut's Legacy

In 1828, a man named William Cormack found the sepulchre. He took some of the skulls and other items from the burial site. Among the things Cormack took was Nonosbawsut's skull. This skull was later sent to the Royal Museum in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Genetic Testing and History

In 2007, scientists performed DNA tests on material from the teeth of Nonosbawsut and his wife, Demasduit. The results showed that Nonosbawsut belonged to Haplogroup C (mtDNA). Demasduit belonged to Haplogroup X (mtDNA). These genetic groups are also found in some Mi'kmaq people living in Newfoundland today. This suggests that Mi'kmaq people have a mixed background, including European and Beothuk ancestors.

See also

• List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador