Mattie Mitchell (1846-1921)

In 2001 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) recommended that Mattie Mitchell be recognized as a person of national historic significance.

Mitchell’s historical significance is most evident in his contribution to the development of the Newfoundland economy in the 20^th century.  Mitchell, like many other knowledgeable Mi’kmaq guides, helped to diversify the economy from coastal fisheries to interior mineral resources and forest products.

In 1904, while working for H.C. Thomson, Mitchell led an exploratory journey through the interior of the Northern Peninsula.  The purpose of the voyage was to map the region and detail natural resources available for development.  With Mitchell’s assistance and guidance the first maps of the peninsula were created.

In 1905, Mitchell was hired by the Anglo-Newfoundland Development (A.N.D.) Company to survey timber and resource concessions in central Newfoundland.  His work at this time led him to discovering the Buchans ore body, one of the world’s most productive massive sulphide deposits.  Developments from this discovery continue to be a major source of mineral wealth in the province today.

In the winter of 1908, Mitchell was commissioned by the A.N.D. Company to lead a party from Norris Point to St. Anthony to collect and herd a group of 50 reindeer.  After more than three months in the country in poor weather conditions, covering over 650 kilometres, the reindeer were successfully delivered in Millertown.  The voyage demonstrated Mitchell’s skill as a guide through rough weather and rugged, uncharted terrain.

In the remaining years of his life, Mitchell continued to guide in the Bonne Bay area.  He was also employed by the International Power and Paper Company in preliminary survey work for what later became the Corner Brook pulp and paper mill.  He died in 1921.

In 1999, both the Beothuk Institute and the Miawpukek First Nation, in consultation with the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, requested that the HSMBC recognize Mattie Mitchell as a person of national historic significance.

The Miawpukek First Nation, the Federation of Newfoundland Indians and Marie Sparkes, great-granddaughter of Mattie Mitchell, in consultation with Parks Canada, chose the site of commemoration—Deer Arm in Bonne Bay, Gros Morne National Park.