BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND

I am tbefirst and the last, the beginning and the end. (REVELATION 22,13)

Maybe as Far back as 100,000 years ago present-day Canada, including P.E.l., was covered with thick ice. Around 13,000 years ago this island was ice Free with greenery beginning to grow. Confederation Bridge is not the First one between present-day New Brunswick and P.E.|. A land bridge between the two existed until at least 7,000 years ago.

In the Bible’s creation story the picture was not complete without the appearance oF human beings. Only then could Ciod proclaim that all creation was very good.

Who, then, were those humans who came to this Island which eventually became as well the Diocese oF Charlottetown?

WHO CAME?

Many nations shall come to you from afar. (TOBIT 13,11)

Micmacs

About 2,000 years ago a group 0F Eastern Algonquin Indians moved out oFCentral Canada into the Maritimes. These were the First Micmacs who gradually became a distinct

people.

Knowledge oF these early Micmac people is derived From archaeological sites, From accounts oF explorers and missionaries From the early 16005 and From the stories that have survived over the centuries.

In the 16005 the Micmac population over the whole Maritime region is put at 3,000 to 4,000. This small population resulted From the many new diseases which brought death to thousands oFMicmacs. How many died? Estimates range From 50% to as high as 90%.

For over 1,500 years the Micmacs lived,

hunted and Fished all over this Island undisturbed by other people. They were a

8 O BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND

highly skilled people, excellent hunters and fishers, athletic and handsome. Feasts, singing and dancing were a natural part OF

their lives and spirituality.