You might think Michael Joe would have no problem getting the proof he needs. After all, he knows how his ancestors made their medicines. He should be able to find the information he needs for land claims in the same way. It should be simple. Either Mi'kmaq people lived in Newfoundland before Europeans came, or they didn't. But history is a tricky thing. There are different ways of remembering what happened. There are different ways of keeping time and events.

A Trip to Newfoundland in the 15th Century

Three sturdy canoes lined the beach at what we now know as Cape North, Cape Breton. The canoes were at least 20 feet long. They were cleverly designed. The sides were raised in the middle to keep out ocean waves. The canoes were made of birch bark. The bark had been peeled off the trees gently so as not to kill them. Prayers had been offered to the Great Spirit for the use of the bark. It was laid on the canoe frames while still wet with sap. The birch bark dried in the sunlight. It shrunk tight against the ribs of the canoes. Here were vessels to have confidence in. They were waterproof, steady and truly seaworthy. The canoes were neatly packed with supplies and winter gear.

As the sun rose over the salt water several Mi'kmaq families came down to the beach. They settled into their canoes. There was a lot of talking and laughing. There were a few sharp words about an eel spear. It had been left on the beach. A young man ran back to pack it safely into one of the canoes. It was an exciting day, especially for the children. It would be their first trip to the island north of Cape Breton. They called it Unamakik—the foggy lands.

The adults were also happy to go on such a calm, clear fall morning. The winter hunting would be good on the other side of the water. There would be feasting and gossiping with the Mi'kmaq people who lived there.

Ansalewit carried gifts for her granddaughter. Her son had married a woman over there five years ago. She had not seen him since. Word had come last spring that she now had a granddaughter. Ansalewit was determined to go along on this year's trip. Her son had named his daughter after her. Her name meant a good person or an angel. The new grandmother smiled to herself. Ansalewit. A fine name, but hard to live up to.