Paul Laurent facts for kids
Paul Laurent was an important leader, known as a Chief, of the La Have Mi’kmaq tribe. He was a strong supporter of Father Le Loutre during a time of conflict known as Father Le Loutre's War. Paul Laurent had a deep personal reason for his actions: his father had been killed by the British when Paul was younger. This made him feel very strongly against the British.
Working for Peace and Land Rights
In 1755, Paul Laurent tried to help Father Le Loutre and other Mi’kmaq leaders. They wanted the British to officially recognize the Mi’kmaq people's land claims. This was a very important goal for the Mi'kmaq. However, the British did not agree to their requests. After this, and when Fort Beauséjour was captured by the British, Laurent decided to join the armed resistance. He fought alongside Father Manach and Charles Deschamps de Boishébert against the British forces.
Meeting at St. Aspinquid's Chapel
During the French and Indian War, there's a story about Chief Paul Laurent. He and eleven others from his group invited Chief Jean-Baptiste Cope of the Shubenacadie Mi’kmaq and five of his people to a meeting. This meeting took place at St. Aspinquid's Chapel, which is now part of Point Pleasant Park. The goal was to talk about making peace with the British.
Paul Laurent had just arrived in Halifax. He had surrendered to the British at Fort Cumberland on February 29, 1760. In early March 1760, the two groups met. Sadly, the meeting turned into a fight. Chief Paul Laurent's group killed Chief Cope and two others from his party. In return, Chief Cope’s group killed five people who supported the British.
Soon after Chief Cope's death, Mi'kmaq chiefs signed a peace treaty in Halifax. This happened on March 10, 1760. Chief Paul Laurent signed the treaty for the La Have tribe. A new chief, Claude Rene, signed for the Shubenacadie tribe.
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