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1800s: “Startled, Mishbee gasped, frozen with horror. She was staring down the barrel of a musket and was familiar with the sound those weapons made. The young girl knew muskets meant death.
A Deadly Distance
What you need to know before your trail
At the beginning of the nineteenth century in Newfoundland, the Beothuks, a First Nations people, have been decimated by disease, and their numbers dwindle further as they are hunted and persecuted relentlessly by European settlers. Young Mishbee, her older sister Oobata, and Oobata’s baby struggle courageously on Exploits Island against tuberculosis, misunderstanding, and prejudice. Mishbee tries to maintain the traditions of her people as she slowly befriends a young settler named John and attempts to bridge the deadly gulf between their two cultures. But has the friendship blossomed too late? Will Mishbee and John be able to show the settlers that the Beothuks aren’t a threat before they disappear completely?
Travel Guide
Early European explorers described the Beothuk Indians of Newfoundland as “red Indians” since they painted their bodies and things they owned a kind of red. They lived a very traditional way of life which was undeistrubed for years. That was until the Europeans came and changed their way of life for ever. Their arrival was a tragic change for them since their villages and way of life was changed by newcomers who wanted to use modern technology to change things and adapt them.
These two cultures clashed and there were misunderstandings which spiralled out of control so by the mid 19th century the Beothuk people were in danger of disappearing all together
In 1819, one of the last known Beothuks, Demasduit (Mary March), was captured near Red Indian Lake. She became ill and despite officials trying to recunite her with her tribe, she died in the town which is now Botwood. Her body now lies near Red Indian Lake.
The last known Beothuk, Shanawdithit, died at St. John’s in 1829.
With thanks to tnewfoundlandlabrador.com website for the information
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: A Deadly Distance
Author/ Guide: Heather Down Destination: Exploits Island Departure Time: 1800s
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