Thomas Barnaby
Thomas Barnaby | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 7, 1841 along the Miramichi River near Newcastle |
| Died | March 23, 1907 (aged 66) Eel Ground |
Thomas Barnaby (17 March 1841 – 23 March 1907) was a Micmac chief from the Eel Ground First Nation band near Newcastle, New Brunswick.
Barnaby was instrumental in the change from a family tradition of leadership in the band to elected leadership. Despite a provision in the Indian Act of 1876 for elections, the traditional chief, John Julian, persevered until his death. In an election in 1888, Thomas was elected by a one-vote margin.
He was considered to have given enlightened leadership to the band and was often consulted by the district Indian superintendent after he had lost a subsequent election. There is no written record from the band's point of view, but a large attendance at his funeral would give testament to his standing within the community.
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