The Aboriginal people of Nova Scotia are known as the "Mi'kmaq". Proof of their long-standing habitation of the area is shown by the discovery of projectile points during excavation, pictured here to your left. These points date back over 1500 years (approximately 500 A.D.). Canso probably served as a summer camp for small family groups harvesting seals, fish, and shellfish.

Traditional Mi'kmaq territory extends over all of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as well as New Brunswick east of the Saint River John and into the Gaspé region of Quebec. They also lived on the Magdalen Islands and are known historically to have crossed from Cape Breton to southern Newfoundland. This large territory was divided into seven regions, each with a district cheif and council of Elders. The territory in which Canso lies was called "Eskikewa'kikx" meaning "skin dressers' territory" (Hoffman, 1955).

In the 1500's Mi'kmaq had summer fishing camps on Grassy Island and were trading frequently with French and Basque fishermen. During this time they learned to sail the chaloupes or small fishing boats used for the inshore fishery.

For more information on the history of the Mi'kmaq in Guysborough County please refer to:

Jost, A.C., Guysborough Sketches And Essays, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Kentville Publishing Company, 1950.