There is evidence of inhabitants in Nova Scotia dating back 9,000 to 11,000 years ago. As the last glaciers retreated from Nova Scotia 11,000 years ago, nomadic hunter-gatherers are thought to have followed the Caribou into Nova Scotia in what has been called the Paleo-Indian Period. Between this time and the period when Europeans first made contact with the Mi’kmaq living in the Annapolis Valley, archaeologists have identified three other distinct settlement periods:

• The Great Hiatus Period: Between 9,000 and 5,000 years B.P. there is little evidence of human occupation in the region possibly because, as sea levels have risen, settlement sites have been lost under water.



• Pre Ceramic Period: Between 5,000 and 2,500 years B.P. when hunter and fisher groups of either Laurentian or Maritime Archaic peoples lived in the area.



• Ceramic Period: Between 2,500 and 500 years B.P. evidence shows that pottery was used during this era. Archaeological findings indicate that Mi’kmaq Indians occupied sites in Kings County, with one settlement along the Gaspereau River showing evidence of Mi’kmaq occupation from 1800 B.P. to 350 B.P. The Gaspereau fish run during late April and early May is thought to have been particularly important for people living in the area. One of the most important regions at that time was Cape Blomidon, which is sacred to the Mi’kmaq, as it is believed to be the home to their Creator Glooscap.

The Mi’kmaq, part of the Algonquin peoples who lived in northeastern North America, lived in the valley when Europeans first arrived in the area. The lifestyle and settlement patterns of the Mi’kmaq were determined by the availability of food during the various seasons of the year. The most important food supply areas were the lower reaches of the rivers were the Mi’kmaq fished, gathered shellfish, and hunted waterfowl in the summer. During the winter, they lived in the forests, and hunted moose, deer, and beaver. Seventeenth century copper kettles, swords, axes, knives, and beads found in excavation sites throughout the valley provide evidence that trade took place with Europeans during the 17th century.

For a more detailed explaination on the Annapolis Royal First Nations, please visit the www.bearriverculturalcenter.com.