The earliest inhabitants of this bold and rugged land still have descendants here today. Archaeological evidence indicates that Paleo-Indians made this region their home more than 10,000 years ago. And their descendents, the Mi’kmaq, have been here ever since. The early name that the natives had for the area was Pictook, meaning exploding gas, probably related to the coal fields in the area.

Some of the earliest European influences in the region may have come from the Vikings. Tales abound of Leif Ericsson, the ‘green-eyed, red-haired’ stranger, who visited Atlantic Canada in his pursuit of the new world.

Soon after, the Mi’kmaq recount another group of visitors – the legendary Knights of Templar. These Knights, led by Henry Sinclair are said to have protected untold riches, as well as the Holy Grail. Some believe these treasures are still buried somewhere in Nova Scotia soil.

Pictou Island was claimed on October 17, 1809 by Charles Morris. That same year it was granted by the Crown to Admiral Sir Alexander Forrester Inglis Cochrane, likely as a reward for Royal Navy victories secured under his command in the Napoleonic Wars. Permanent European settlement of the island began in the 1810s. Admiral Cochrane went on to lead the attack on Washington in the War of 1812, the battle which inspired the Star Spangled Banner, and went on to become the Supreme Commander of the British Royal Navy. Interestingly, Cochrane was knighted in 1806 as a member of the Order of Bath, as a Knight of the Grand Cross.

The Mi’kmaq welcomed the European settlers, and helped them learn hunting and fishing skills for this strange new land. The Mi’kmaw belief in harmony with the earth and its inhabitants influenced their way of providing for themselves, and their relationship with the new settlers. The Mi’kmaq still embrace these values, and continue to practice their age-old traditions.