Population:

As of February 3, 2005 the total population is 315.

Boundaries:

The Gander Bay Band represents members in the following Communities:

Introduction:

The Gander Bay Indian Band Council was founded in 1972 and became incorporated in 1980. The council has 165 members currently living in Gander Bay and approximately 150 members living outside the boundaries. All members are direct descendants of Charlie Francis Sr. a full-blooded Mi’Kmaq Indian who came to Gander Bay from Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia in 1830.

The Francis clan occupies a part of Gander Bay called Clarke’s Head, the land on which the members live today was granted to Charlie Francis Sr. by the Newfoundland government in 1835. The land is approximately 2.5 miles long and 3 miles wide. Some of the band members are employed as hunting and fishing guides on the Gander River. Years earlier, hunting, fishing and trapping was an essential part of life, however today very few members still have trap lines.

The religion of band members is mostly Roman Catholic and Anglican. The band once had their own Catholic church in Clarke’s Head, however, due to assimilation with other church groups, the Catholic Church was dismantled several years ago. The band has its own cemetery located in Clarke’s Head where Charlie Francis Sr. and most of his descendants are buried.

The Band council provides support to members in the form of post secondary education, job creation, housing and economic development.

Band Activities:

Gander Bay Youth

The Gander Bay Youth have recently set up a youth committee. Their committee currently consists of approximately 5 members. Crystal Reid, Julie Torraville, Jonathan Reid, Brandon Francis, and Jamie Gillingham. The youth in Gander Bay are very excited about attending a Powwow in PEI this upcoming summer, and are busy with fundraising efforts in support of their trip.

The Gander Bay Youth Committee was first introduced to the Mi’kmaq culture through the drum workshop held during the summer of 2004.

Photos from Gander Bay:

From left: Herbert Francis, Simon Francis and Charlie Francis jr. outside the wigwam that they would live in for three months at a time during the trapping season.

Trapping in Gander Bay

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, trapping was a way of life for many Mi’Kmaq people in the Gander Bay area. Band member Charlie Francis jr. and his sons, (pictured above) owned trap lines in various places around Gander Lake.

Charlie and his sons would go for three months at a time and live in the wigwam shown. They would trap animals such as foxes, bear and beaver in order to make a living. During these excursions the men would come into contact with other Mi’Kmaq trappers from Conne River, Glenwood and Badger.

The tradition of trapping by band members no longer exists in this area, however some band members still make a living today as hunting and fishing guides on the Gander River.

Council: 

Gander Bay Website:

http://www.fni.nf.ca/bands/gander bay/gander1.htm