In this episode of Special Export Podcasts, we revisit a haunting chapter of North American history through a lecture delivered in 1859 by Joseph Noad, the Surveyor-General of Newfoundland. We explore the tragic saga of the Beothuk (historically referred to as the "Red Indians"), a tribe whose origins remain shrouded in mystery, ranging from theories of Asiatic descent to connections with the "Esquimaux" of the north.

We detail the escalating tensions that drove the Beothuk into the island's interior, moving from their early encounters with explorers like John Cabot to the violent "murderous warfare" waged by settlers and the Micmac tribe. You will hear the harrowing accounts of the capture of Demasduwit (Mary March) and her husband Nonosbawsut, as well as the invaluable cultural insights provided by Shanawdithit, often remembered as the last of her people.

From the architectural ingenuity of their birch-rind canoes and "mamaseeks" to their unique burial rites, this episode honors the memory of a "bold, heroic, and self-dependent" people who were never truly conquered, even as they faced annihilation.

The Lost Tribe: Uncovering the History of the Beothuk of Newfoundland
Host: Special Export Podcasts
Guest (Archival): Joseph Noad, Surveyor-General of St. John’s (1859)

Episode Summary

In this episode, we step back to January 1859 to hear a pivotal lecture delivered by Joseph Noad before the Mechanics Institute in St. John's. We explore the mysterious origins and tragic history of the Beothuk (referred to historically as the "Red Indians"), the original inhabitants of Newfoundland. From early theories of their lineage to the violent conflicts with the Micmacs and European settlers that drove them into the interior, this reading provides a haunting look at a culture pushed to the brink of extinction.

Key Takeaways

• The Mystery of Origin: Explore various 19th-century theories on where the Beothuk came from, including Tatar origin or potential links to the Greenlandic Esquimaux.
• A Fragile Peace Broken: How a once-friendly relationship with the Micmacs turned into a "murderous warfare" fueled by French influence and the introduction of firearms.
• First Contacts: Historical accounts from explorers like Cabot, Cartier, and Frobisher, including descriptions of the Beothuk’s unique use of red ochre and their intricate birch-rind canoes.
• The Story of Mary March: A detailed look at the 1819 capture of Demasduwit (Mary March), the death of her husband Nonosbawsut, and the failed government attempts to open friendly communication.
• The Last of the Beothuk?: The life and legacy of Shanawdithit (Nancy), her contributions to the "Beothuk Institution," and the controversial debate over whether the tribe truly became extinct or migrated to Labrador.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and 1859 Context
• 05:30 – Theories on Aboriginal Origins in North America
• 12:15 – The Conflict Between Beothuks and Micmacs
• 22:45 – Captain Richard Whitburne’s 1622 Observations
• 35:10 – The Tragic Capture of Mary March (1819)
• 50:20 – Shanawdithit and the Information She Left Behind
• 01:05:00 – Cultural Usages: Weapons, Dress, and Burial Rites

Special Export – Joseph Brant: The War Chief of the Six Nations

In this episode of Special Export, our AI narrator brings to life a defining chronicle of North American history: "The War Chief of the Six Nations: A Chronicle of Joseph Brant" by Louis Aubrey Wood (1914).

This historical account explores the complex life of Thayendanegea, known to history as Joseph Brant—a legendary Mohawk military leader, statesman, and diplomat who navigated the violent collision of worlds during the American Revolutionary War.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Birth of a Warrior: The story begins on the banks of the Ohio River with the birth of Thayendanegea, whose name—meaning "two sticks of wood bound together"—symbolized the strength he would one day bring to the Mohawk people.
• A Man Between Two Worlds: Follow Brant’s transformation from a young Mohawk warrior into a British military captain and polyglot diplomat who moved seamlessly between tribal councils and the royal courts of London.
• The Revolutionary Struggle: Learn about Brant’s pivotal role in unifying four of the Six Nations to fight for the British Crown, his tactical leadership at the Battle of Oriskany, and his controversial reputation on the New York frontier.
• The Fight for Sovereignty: Beyond the battlefield, Wood chronicles Brant's tireless efforts to secure land rights and sovereignty for his people, eventually leading loyalist Iroquois to a new home on the Grand River in Canada.

Join us for a deep dive into the legacy of a man whom history remembers as both a "monster" to his enemies and a statesman to his people, whose life remains a testament to Indigenous agency in a changing world.