Strategic Alliances and Trail of Broken Treaties 1700-1799

1756

Canada issues resolution calling for scalping of MicMac Indians

Governor of Nova Scotia Charles Lawrence. Image:  Nova Scotia Historical Society
Governor of Nova Scotia Charles Lawrence. Image: Nova Scotia Historical Society

Governor Charles Lawrence’s proclamation says: “And, we do hereby promise, by and with the consent of His Majesty’s Council, a reward of 30 pounds for every live male Indian prisoner, above the age of sixteen years, brought in alive; or for a scalp of such male Indian twenty-five pounds, and twenty-five pounds for every Indian woman or child brought in alive: Such rewards to be paid by the Officer commanding at any of His Majesty’s Forts in this Province, immediately upon receiving the Prisoners or Scalps above mentioned, according to the intent and meaning of this Proclamation.” This proclamation is still on the books; a motion in 2008 to reverse it did not pass. However, the Canadian government says it is not in effect.

Settler Colonial Policy