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The following records provide information on the Nabaise Family.
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1831
Napisis “Donald” was mentioned at York Factory. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/d/406, fo. 3d, York Factory Indian Accounts, 1830-1831, mf. 1M698 or 1M699) Who was this man? Napisis is the diminutive of “Napis or Napish, so “Donald” may have been the son of Nabaise baptised as “John Napesis” at Norway House. More research required.
1832/1833
Fo. 11d, Tuesday 28 Aug 1832, Ethe nes kish and Family arrived recd from him 10 Rats, 1 Small Bear and 3 Minks; fo 15d, 22d, 28 Sep 1832, All the Indians with the exception of an old Man Tuetum left the House with there Families for there Winter Hunting Grounds; fo 24, 18 Nov 1832, Late this Evening the Indian Meth-co Gappo with his wife arrived from Deers River Wier he has caught but 900 Fish and these he informs me of a very inferior quallity; fo 30, 23 Dec 1832, Baptist and his Brother Pa twa shish arrived this day recd. From them 5 Prime Otters 1 Marten and 5 Lynx. Fo. 31, 30 Dec 1832, Mith co gappo and Baptist returned from Manito Lake; fo. 33, 12 Jan 1833, Old Toue tum and wife arrived this day recd. From him 1 Prime Lynx 3 Comn Otters, 5 Large Beaver, 6 Minks 1 wolverine and 23 rats. Wachachabis sent in by the old Man on his Debt 6 Large and 2 Small Beaver 1 Wolverine 1 mink and 6 Rats, notwithstanding all the exertions I have used to prevent the Indians, this winter, killing Beaver they still continue as well appear by what came to the House to day in their usual practice lecturing [sic] the old Man on this head for killing these Beaver so contrary to the Positive instructions I gave all the Indians last Autumn, Starvation is why he pleads, in excuse saying that hunger has driven him and others to commit the Same fault to get a meal for their Families when reduced to want no persuation [sic] or threat will prevent them from attacking the Beaver Houses, and Killing what they can. Fo. 35d, 27 Jan 1833, This evening two Indians arrive George and Jacob recd from them m pr. Otter 3 Beaver Skins 7 Martens 4 Minks and 3 Rats this is all the hunt of these two young Men and Jem who also sent in his few Furs by them Since they took their Debts in the Autumn; 1 Feb 1833, The same morning I left this for Manito Lake the two Indians George, and Jacob, returned to their Tents (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, fo. , Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
6 April 1833, During the course of the day Napishs son arrived received only 16 MBeaver on his own and his Fathers last falls Debt; 1 May 1833, With Harper two Indian lads arrived Napishs Son and Etheniskiskes son received from them 16 minks 4 Prime Otters 1 Fisher 75 Musquashs and 1 Lynx; 2 May 1833, During last night Harper and the two Indian lads returned to the other end [west side] of the Lake. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, fo. 49d and 55, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115) Napish and Etheniskees were still trapping on the west side of Oxford Lake, probably at Wipanipanis.
13 Apr 1830, This Morning the Indians Jem and his second Brother with Charlo and two Boys arrived received from them 250 lbs half dried Deers Meat and 80 lbs fresh Meat all of which was traded for Ammunition and Tobacco also received on the Debt of Jems brother and Charlo 6 Prime Otters e1 Comn Otter 2 Large Beaver 5 Half Beaver 3 Martens 1 Wolverien [sic] & 1 Min,. This is all the Fur hunts these two young Men have made since the Autumn they complain of the poverty of the Country now no Cats are to be found little or nothing else is to be had these Lads are both good Hunters and industerous [sic] they not being able to make better Hunts Still less must be expected from Indians of a inferior cast from Jem I did not receive a Single Skin Death in his Family this Winter the loss of a favourite Son he assigns as the cause of his not hunting, such indeed is the invariable custom among Indians, for a considerably length of time after a loss of this nature, neither Parents thinks of doing any thing further than bearly finding themselves in food.(PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, fo. 50d, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
19 April 1833, This Morning O pe mase huggemow and Family arrived from YF, bringing with him 10 Dogs belonging that Establishment, this Man is an hired Indian Servant of the Companies and is sent up for the purpose of passing the ensuring summer at the Manito Lake Fishery in company with one of the Men belonging this District who will have the care of all the Dogs belonging both Establishments; [fo. 53]. 20 April 1833, This Morning sent off to Manito Lake with all the YF Dogs Pemasihuggemow and Family. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, fo. 51d, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
28 April 1833, Chemouches second son Peses cue arrived in Company with Spence and his party recd from this Lad on his own and his Fathers last Fall Debts 19 Prime Martens, 3 Large Beaver 1 Otter 1 Blk Bear 1 Mink 1 Cross Fox and 1 Red Fox. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, fo. 54, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
31 May 1833, This Morning Sent off Tom and Harry two of our smartest Indian Lads to the White fall for the purpose of bringing the Indian Ke yaczass to the House with as little delay as possible, this Indian is one of our principal Freight Steersman and till he comes I cannot send off the two Boats for YF. I am anxious that he should now be here for in a very few days a passage may be expected through the Knee Lake as soon as this Man does arrive not a moment will be lost, dispatching the Boats. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, fo. 59d, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
30 June 1833, [Part of a Report by John Lee Lewes, Chief Factor] Natives. These may be classed under two Heads, muskago or Swampy Sauteaus, and the Swampy Crees, the former by far the most numerous in the District, the Natives resorting to the Post of Windy Lake and Manito Lake are all of this Tribe, those resorting to Merrys House are part of both, and those of Oxford House are all of the Cree tribe, their total Numbers [fo. 61d] may about to about [no number given] Men and Boys but few of them having very large Families and with the exception of some, few are but indifferent Hunters in deed the Hunting grounds of the Indians of this District is, now that, no Lynx are to be found, so exhausted of other fur bearing Animals that even the best of Hunters have much difficulty to kill forty or fifty made Beaver in the twelve month as a measure of relieving many of them, in the Present impoverished state of their Country a freighting business as been established from this Post, which conveys Goods up and down from YF to Norway House employing four Boats and manned solely by Natives, the Payment they receive for their Summers labours enables them to provide themselves with many necessaries they otherwise could not expect to obtain, they seem to take well to the work and are getting into a good train of discipline, bidding fare when strictly commanded becoming good Boatsmen. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/13, 61, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
1833/1834
4 June 1833, Tom and Harry two Indian Lads Sent to Bring to the House two of our principal voyaging Indians a Steersman and Fore man, returned to day in company with the Indians they went for; 5 June 1833, The white Governor and crew Started off this morning passing by the north Side of the Lake, the whole day he is in Sight at a point not far distant from the House. Stopped by the Ice. At 5 P.M. this day dispatched off two Freight Boats under the charge of Magnus Harper for YF to Receive there a Cargoe of pieces for Norway House, the Steersman of the Second Boat is the Indian Eyack zass, who arrived yesterday, the Crews fourteen Indians. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 5, Oxford House Journal, 1832-1833, mf. 1M115)
June 1833, This morning Naipish Ethe nes Kish and the old White headed man with their families arrived, received from them 124 musquash 1 Black Bear and 2 mink, these Indians are from the S. W. end of the Lakes, they report that they have been five days getting here owing to the State of the Ice, which as they say is in a compact body from the Seven Mile Point to nearly the narrows at the other end, So that until the wind Shifts no passage can they are of opinion be found for boats to pass to or from the Other end of the Lake.” (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 6, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf. 1M115) These people lived at Wapanipanis on the south west side of Oxford Lake, and were probably a closely related hunting band.
Sometime during the fall of 1833, John Lee Lewes, the Chief Factor in charge of Oxford House, hired a son of Nappish, probably the eldest son. He was generally called “Napis” in the journal, but there are a couple of references to “Ned,” suggesting that he was known by that name as well.
Fo 22d, 11 Oct 1833, Roches and Napis plastering the mens House. [fo 23] 15 Oct 1833, Rochee and Napis plastering the Stable; [fo. 24] 26 Oct 1833, Sent Urban and Napis to put the cattle to Spence lake and See if the Others which did not come home are Safe; [fo. 24d] 28 Oct 1833, Our nets from the Boisterous weather yesterday could not be got up – consequently are frozen in Billy Moar & Napis got up two which gave 25 white fish and 4 Carps; fo. 25, 2 Nov 1833, Billy Moar Senr and Napish put 4 nets under the Ice; 3 Nov 1833, Billy Moar and Napish put four more nets in the water and visited those of yesterday which gave 21 white fish and 6 Carp; 4 Nov 1833, Billy Moar & Napish visited 8 nets under the Ice which produced 43 White fish 5 Trout and 15 Carp, from the State of the Weather it was found Necessary to take up 4 of the nets that was farthest off; fo. 26, 12 Nov 1833, Sent Napish off to look after the Cattle and See if they re all Safe and wherewith to feed on he returned in the evening having only Seen twenty-five where there Should be 26. Says that they have eat up all the Grass in that place; fo. 26d, 13 Nov 1833, Joe and Napish went off this morning to put the Cattle to a better place for feeding, returned at even after finding them all 26 Head, and left them at a tolerable good place for grass while there are little Snow; 14 Nov 1833, B. Moar and Napis visited the nets the produce was 60 white fish 6 Trout & 15 Carp; fo 27, 16 Nov 1833, Billy Moar Senr & Ned brought 95 white fish 6 Trout and 7 Carp from the nets; fo. 27d, 22 Nov 1833, Billy Moar and Methcogappo brought 400 fish from So Bay fisher – B. Moar Senr & Ned brought 66 white fish 8 Trout & 4 Carp from the nets [fo. 28d] 26 Nov 1833, Billy Moar and Ned visited the nets … ; 27 Nov 1833, About Midnight last night Sent off to Norway House Billy Moar Senr and Napish our two fishermen, are under the necessity of Sending there two men not having at this moment any so Smart for a trip requiring activity and dispatch – fo. 29, 5 Dec 1833, Billy Moar and Napis arrived from N.H. this afternoon; 6 Dec 1833, Meriman and Ned to the B. Bay fishery with 2 Yoke of Oxen for fish – 7 Dec 1833, Late in the evening [fo. 29d] Merriman and Napish arrived with the four Oxen light having left the Sleds and Loads, the one 7 and the other 9 miles from here – the Ice is Smooth and the Bows being also Broke, they found it impossible to farther with the Loads – the Oxen appear tired; fo. 29d, 9 Dec 1833, Billy Moar and Napish visited the nets which produced 44 White fish 6 Trout and 6 Carps; fo 32d, 4 Jan 1834, Billy Moar & Napish brought from the nets 23 White fish 15 Trout & 5 Carps. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 23, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
Fo. 33d, 6 Jan 1834, Moar & Napish visited the nets which produced 21 White fish 6 Trout & 4 Carp; 9 Jan 1834, James Isbister and the Indian lad [Napish] arrived from Harpers fishery came for an Ice Chissel having lost one by Sinking in one of the Net Hole – the Indian returned back to attend the fishery with Harper, and Isbister remains to attend the cattle … the old Chief and two young lads arrived from Little Deer Lake brought 32 Martens 20 prime Otters 1 Wolverin [sic] 1 Red Fox & 100 Muskrats – which paid their Credits and they got Some fresh advances with Some Gratuities in Ammt. and Tobacco, fo. 35d, 29 Jan 1834, young Napish from the So. Bay fishery came to the House, Sent by Harper the fisherman to inform me that he is again unable to Visit the nets from the Constant & violent pain in his back; fo 36, 30 Jan 1834, Early this morning Sent off young Napish with Ferguson, and With orders to Harper if he finds himself Capable to remain Where he is for the purpose of mending the Nets and Overseeing the fishery; fo. 37, 7 Feb 1834, Harper came to the House from the fishery Still complaining of his back; fo. 37, 10 Feb 1834, Billy Moar and Napis visited the nets which produced 28 white fish 11 Trout & 8 Carp, young Billy [Moar Jr.] and Johny went to the So. Bay fishery with 4 Train of dogs for a trip of fish, & brought 235 white fish & 45 Trout; fo. 38, 17 Feb 1834, Harper returned back to the fishery; fo. 38d, 24 Feb 1834, Napish arrived from Harpers to be otherwise employed; 25 Feb 1834, Methcogappowe and Napish Started for Manitoo Lake with 4 Sleds for a trip of fish they have a Small assortment of trading goods for that lace; (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo.33d, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
Fo 38d, 26 February 1834, George the Indian arrived from the Carp wire, and brought the very unpleasant news of a young Indian lad named (Huggemow-wenenew) was a Hunting deer in company with him – they had Stopt for the purpose of encamping. George was about making the Encampment when he heard the other’s Gun going off and immediately ran to the poor Indian who was laying in the Snow – but not able to speak & expired instantly, it appears the Indian was pulling down a Stump of dry wood & having carelessly placed his gun with the muzzle leaning to his Side, when it went off and the Shot passed strait through his Body, this Sad affair has deranged the whole party, and the Old Chief is now very unwell; fo. 39, 27 Feb 1834, George the Indian Went off after getting a Supply of Ammunition and Tobacco with a few fish to take away with him – Says that neither of the party will be in before the Spring. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo.38d/39, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
Fo. 39, 2 Mar 1834, Mithcogappowe and Narpish [sic] arrived late at even with 332 White fish from Manito Lake; 3 Mar 1834, Mithcogappowe and Napish Started for Manito Lake for another trip of fish; fo. 40, 8 Mar 1834, Mithcogappow & Napish arrived from Manito Lake with 340 White fish; fo. 40, 9 Mar 1834, Mithcogappowe and Narpish [sic] Started to Manitoo Lake for a trip of Fish; fo 40, 12 Mar 1834, Mithcogappowe and Napish arrived with 340 White fish from Manitoo Lake; fo. 40d, 15 Mar 1834, C. F. Mr. Lewes with Joe Turner Billy Moar Junr. Methcogappoe Napish & Pessescue Started for YF on his way to Churchill, Narpish returns from Foxes River with one train of dogs; fo. 41, 23 Mar 1834, Naipish arrived in the fore noon having Slept 3 nights since Mr. Lewes returned him back from Foxes River; fo. 41d, 24 Mar 1834, Napis and the Manitoo Lake Indian Started with 3 Trains to Manitoo Lake for a trip of fish; fo. 41d, 28 Mar 1834, the two Indian lads arrived from Manitoo Lake with 354 White fish; fo. 42, 29 Mar 1834, Mallette cutting fire wood in the woods, Napis cutting at the House; 31 Mar 1834, Billy and Napis visited the nets that produced 33 white fish 5 Trout & 4 Carp; fo. 42d 2 Apr 1834, Early this morning the following men Started for Norway House, Merriman, McLeod, Wm. Soulier, St. Urbain, DeReivier[?], Ferguson and an Indian lad Napis as Guide they have one Sled of dogs to haul their provisions. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
Fo. 43, 6 April 1834, Naipish and his family arrived Starving, only brought one Otter; fo. 45, 19 Apr 1834, Naipish & Son brought 2 Otter & 38 Muskrats which he Killed about Trout River. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 40, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115) This reference is to the senior Napish; it was probably his eldest son who was working as a fisherman at Oxford House.
fo. 45, 21 Apr 1834, Napis & Petwashes arrived from Norway House We are glad to learn that all the people got there safe, the travelling from the Sudden thaw became very bad; fo. 45, 22 Apr 1834, Napis Carting up the wood for building from the water side. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 40, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
fo. 45d, 25 April 1834, EthinisKees and Son arrived with 100 Musquash on their credit, got a Supply of Ammunition and is to be off to morrow; fo. 45d, 28 Apr 1834, Napish Carting Hay; fo. 46, 29 Apr 1834, Sent Harper and Napis with two Oxen for some wood for the new House; fo. 46, 30 Apr 1834, Harper and Napis returned with 26 pieces of ?ats or [Prets?] for the inside of the new House; fo. 46, 1 May 1834, Sinclair and Dupee Squaring the Sleepers for the new House, and taking of the Barks Napis, and Petwashes also peeling; fo. 46d, 3 May 1834, Bakie arranging the Plough and harness, Petwashes & Napis Carrying the Posts to where the field is to be enclosed; fo. 46d, 5 May 1834, Bakie and Napis commenced ploughing new ground; fo. 46d, 6 May 1834, the others employed as yesterday with the exception of Petwashes & Napis who are cutting railing for the field; fo. 46d, 8 May 1834, Napish and Petwashes getting fencing. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
11 May 1834, Naipish Brought in 60 Muskrats & 1 Swan Which he Killed about Trout River. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 47, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
12 May 1834, Napish and Petwashes Went and brought Some Hay with the Small Boat from a Cross the narrows, the Cattle were also Sent a Cross to feed as there is not a particle of grass for them on this Side … Six Indians arrived from Mr. McKay’s Post to be engaged for voyaging in the Freight Boats; fo. 47d, 14 May 1834, Wakitch and 8 Indians Clearing Stumps & Rubbish of the new land; fo. 48d, 24 May 1834, Waketch & Napis putting up fencing around the South field … Ethineskees, Jem, and Nippina wes cum arrived with 450 Muskrats 6 Otters 2 large Bears 4 martens & 6 minks on their credit; (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 47, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
26 June 1834, Waketch and the Indians employed fencing the fields, and finished the South Field, most of our Indian Voyageurs having now arrived – today were part Equiped for their Summer work; 27 June 1834, Early this morning, David Garson with Napish & Chemouch Started for Norway House in an Indian Canoe; (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 49, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
Fo. 48, Toeawattum or Twawattum and two young lads arrived with the amount of their debts in fur (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 49, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
30 June 1834, Magnus Harper with 29 Indians Started for YF with Six Boats, one they are ordered to leave at Knee Lake for the people from the Outposts to come here with. (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/14, fo. 40d, Oxford House Journal, 1833-1834, mf 1M115)
1834/1835
5 June 1834, Napish & Chemouch arrived from Norway House. [They had accompanied David Garson to Norway House. “Chemouch” was an ancestor of the Harts at Oxford House and Norway House.]; 10 Feb 1835, Napish and the Rats son mentioned; 12 April 1835, Nippiniwayscom and Napish arrived to trade. (PAM, HBCA, B.156,a/16, fo. ?, Oxford House Journal, 1834-1835, mf 1M116)
1838
The Census at Oxford House
No. 14, Nappaish, Head of Family, with a wife, 2 sons, and a daughter living with him. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/z/10, fo. 41, Oxford House Census, 1838, mf. 1M903) Nappaish had two sons with him and three other sons [No. 15, 16, and 17 below] listed separately.
No. 15, Mee nah way hoot, Son of No. 14, single. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/z/10, fo. 41, Oxford House Census, 1838, 1M903) According to his baptismal record, he was born circa 1826, but in fact he may have been born earlier than that. In the absence of birth records, Missionary James Evans often had to guess at how old his converts were
No. 16, Wee yas see passeau, Young Nappaish, Head of Family, with a wife and a son. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/z/10, fo. 41, Oxford House Census, 1838, mf. 1M903) This man was recorded as No. 27 “Napesis” on the Norway House Census in 1838. He was probably “Napis” who worked as a fisherman for the HBC in 1833-1834.
No. 17, Wapistan or Marten, Son of No. 14, single man. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/z/10, fo. 41, Oxford House Census, 1838, mf. 1M903)
The Census at Norway House
No. 22, Miskeecunit, Head of Family, 2 wives, 4 sons, 3 daughters. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/z/10, fo. ?, Norway House Census, 1838)
No. 27, Napesis, Son-in-law of No. 22, with a wife, and no children. (PAM, HBCA, B.239/z/10, fo. ?, Norway House Census, 1838) This man was Wee yas see Passeau, or Young Nappaish, No. 16 on the Oxford House Census. Since he had married a daughter of “Miskeecunit,” Napesis probably trapped with his father-in-law in the Norway House District before returning to Oxford House where his son was born.
1838/1839
13 May 1838, Nappaish and his son the Martin arrived at the post. Nappaish was described as an old fellow, a steersman on of the freight boats. (PAM, HBCA, B.156,a/17, fo. ?, Oxford House Journal, 1838-1839, mf. 1M116)
1840
No. 93, William Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 10 years, baptised by James Evans at Oxford House on 6 August 1840. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) This was one of the sons of “Nappaish” mentioned on the Oxford House Census of 1838. Only he and his brother Peter were baptized from the Naa-pay-s Family at that time.
No. 94, Peter Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 7 years, baptised by James Evans at Oxford House on 6 August 1840. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) This was the other son of “Nappaish” mentioned on the Oxford House Census of 1838.
1842/1843
14 October 1842, “Nappaish’s Son arrived for a few Goods for his father” (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/22, fo. 14d, Oxford House Journal, 1842-1843, mf. 1M116)
9 February 1943, “Two of Nappaishs and two of Etheneskees Sons arrived with furs” (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/22, fo. 25d, Oxford House Journal, 1842-1843, mf. 1M116)
30 May 1843, “Nappaish and his party arrived today.” (PAM, HBCA, B.156/a/22, fo. 38, Oxford House Journal, 1842-1843, mf. 1M116)
1843
No. 378, 28 May 1842, Agnes, daughter of aSounZt [May-chi-ki-kwah-nay-p(b)] of Norway House, aged 20 years, was baptized by James. Evans. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) Agnes became the wife of Andrew Vqh.
No. 395, Mark Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 48 years, baptised by James Evans at Norway House. 8 Oct 1843. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) This was Mark/John, the patriarch of the Nabaise Family.
No. 397, John sVWnQt [Mi-nah-wee-way-t], son of Mark and Martha Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 17 years, son of Mark and Martha, baptised by James Evans at Norway House, 8 Oct 1843. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) This was No. 15, “Mee nah way hoot,” son of “Nappaish” on the 1838 Census at Oxford House. He married Eliza Muchikekwanape.
No. 398, Andrew aVQnunolB [May-nah-way-kwah-ki-si-n], aged 19 years, son of Mark and Martha Vqh [Naa-pay-s], baptised by James Evans at Norway House, 8 Oct 1843. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) This is probably “Wapistan,” or “Martin” who was No. 17 on the 1838 Census at Oxford House.
No. 403, Martha, wife of Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 36 years, baptised 8 October 1843 at Norway House by James Evans. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) Martha/Nancy would have been older than 36 years, if she were mother to all of Nabaise’s children.
1844
No. 65, Andrew Napase Vqh boatman, Rossville, married Agnes Machekekanape (ISo"unZt) 11 Mar 1844 by James Evans. (PAM, GR1212, Item 13, Oxford House Wesleyan Methodist Register, Marriages, 1855-1893, and Norway House, Marriages, 1840-1846)
No. 422, John Vqlh [Nah-pay-si-s], baptised by William Mason at Norway House, 1 Sep 1844. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) This is probably Wee yas see passeau, or Young Nappaish, a son of old Nappaish, who appeared as No. 16 on the Oxford House Census of 1838.
No. 495, Fanny Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 3 weeks, daughter of Andrew and Agnes, baptised by James Evans at Norway House, 19 Oct 1844. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889)
1846
No. 88, John Vqh [Na-pay-s], labourer, Rossville, married Eliza aSo"unZt [May-chi-ki-h-kwah-nay-p], 22 April 1846 by James Evans. [PAM, R145, GR1212, Item 13, Oxford House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Marriages, 1840-1893, including Norway House Marriages 1840-1847] Andrew Vqh was married to Eliza’s sister Agnes, and John Napasis was married to a third sister. In other words, three Vqh [Na-pay-s] brothers were married to three aSo"unZt [May-chi-ki-h-kwah-nay-p] sisters.
1848
No. 647, Donald Vqh [Naa-pay-s], aged 1 week, son of John and Eliza, baptised by William Mason at Ross Ville [Norway House], 23 Jan 1848. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) Donald was the son of John Naa-pay-s and Eliza Muchikekwanape, and apparently the only child they raised.
On his scrip application, John Nabaise said he moved from Norway House to Cumberland House in 1862, but it must have been at least a year earlier, because he was listed among the servants at the Cumberland House in 1861. See below.
According to information sent by Les Carriere of Cumberland House, Donald Nabaise was also known as Tatipas, but it is unclear as to the source of this information. The same source indicates that there was a Paul Tatipas, Widow Polly Tatipas, and Noah Tatipas, presumably on the 1878 Treaty Annuity Paylist for Cumberland House. (Information from Les Carriere obtained by fax on 11 March 2008)
1861
Index Cumberland Servt. Accounts, Outfit 1861 Joseph Atkinson, John Ballendine A, John Ballendine B, John Ballendine C, Abraham Ballendine, Alexander Ballendine, Robert Ballendine, George Ballendine, Charles Bell, Peter Bell, Fredk. C. Borrman, John Cochrane, John Constant, Louison Constant, Edward Cook, John Dorion, Peirish Dorion, Edward Dufresne, Pierre Deschambeault, Charles Fiddler, Joseph Henderson B, Jorgers? Jensen, Baptiste McKay, Doanld McKay A, Joseph McLellan, Donald McLeod, William Muchekoonipe, John Nabaise, Michol Okakeek, David Pachenoose, James G. Stewart, Baptiste Sahys, John Simpson John Stove, James Todd, John Thompson, Philip Turner, Joseph Turner, John Wilson. (PAM, HBCA, B.49/z/1, fo. 16-16d, Cumberland House Miscellaneous Items, 1817-1870, mf. 1M874) William Muchekoonipe or Muchikekwanape, was a brother-in-law to John Nabaise.
Cumberland District Servants Balances, Outfit 1861, John Ballendine A, P[ost]. Mast[er], wages £50. James Todd, another postmaster, also paid £50. These were the highest salaries listed. John [sic] MucheKoonipe, Bowsman, £23; John Nabaise, Steersman, £25, Michel Okakeek, Interpreter?, £22, Pachunoose, steersman, £27. (PAM, HBCA, B.49/z/1, fo. 17, Cumberland House Miscellaneous Items, 1817-1870, mf. 1M874)
1863
Abstract of Cumberland District Servants Accounts Outfit 1863, Alexander Ballendine, Fisherman, reengaged for 2 years; George Ballendine, Interpreter, Reengaged for 2 years at £35 p ann.; John Ballendine (b), Carpenter, Retiring @ Red River; Robert Ballendine, Middleman Disobey’d orders 23 March & dismissed the Service; [in pencil John Ballendine, wages 1 month] Joseph McLellan, Fisherman, Sick. Retiring @ Red River; William MesaKiKoonap, Bowsman, Deserted August 1863. Wages for 2 months. John Nabaise, Steersman, Reengaged for 1 Year. (PAM, HBCA, B.49/z/1, fo. 20, Cumberland House Miscellaneous Items, 1817-1870, mf. 1M874)
1862
No. 1154, Elizabeth Nāpās [Nay-pay-s], aged 5 months, daughter of Fanny, baptised by Charles Stringfellow, at Rossville, 20 July 1862. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) Presumably the mother was Fanny, daughter of Andrew and Agnes, baptised in 1844.
No. 1155, Mary [Nāpās? Nay-pay-s], daughter of Peter and Peggy, Rossville, 6 months, baptized at Rossville, 20 July 1862 by Charles Stringfellow. (PAM, GR 1212, Item 10, Norway House Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Register of Baptisms, 1840-1889) No surname was recorded, but it was probably Nay-pay-s, because of it location right below the baptism for Elizabeth Nay-pay-s. This may be a child of Peter Naa-pay-s.
1876
No. 51, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 8 September 1876, One man, one woman, 1 boy, 1 other relation. “Paid to Mr. Belanger” (Libraries and Archives Canada (LAC), Record Group (RG) 10, Vol. 9352, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1877) According to the paylist, all the Cumberland Band were paid at The Pas. That “other relation” appears to have been a daughter of band member George Britain.
1877
No. 59, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 3 September 1878, One man, one woman, 1 boy, 1 other relation. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9352, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1877) John was paid at The Pas.
1878
No. 59, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 3 September 1878, One man, one woman, 1 boy, 1 other relation. “Adopted daughter.” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9353, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1878) John was paid at Cumberland House. Only John Knight and one other man were paid at Moose Lake.
In correspondence obtained from Les Carriere, 11 March 2008, it was suggested that there was a connection between the Nabaise and Tatipas family, and that there was a Paul Tatipas, a widow Polly [Sally?] Tatipas, and a Noah Tatipas. Research needs to be done to see what the basis of this claim is.
1879
No. 62, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 3 September 1879, One man, one woman, 1 boy, “Adopted daughter married.” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9354, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1879) From 1879 on, it appears that the band was always paid at Cumberland.
1880
No. 63, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 3 September 1880, One man, one woman, 1 boy. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9355, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1880)
1881
No. 63, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, [date unreadable] 1881, One man, one woman, 1 boy. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9356, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1881)
1882
No. 63, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 25 August 1882, One man, one woman, 1 boy (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9357 Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1882)
1883
No. 13, Peter Budd, Cumberland Band, 27 August 1883, 1 man. “Daughter is married to Donald, son of John Nabaise No. 63.” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9358, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1883)
1884
No. 63, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 8 September 1884, One man, one woman, “Paid to Wife” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9359, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1884)
No. 92, Donald Nabaise, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 son. “Paid to himself. Boy born.” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9359, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1884)
1885
No. 63, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 19/20 August 1885, One man, one woman, “Paid to himself.” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9360, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1885)
No. 92, Donald Nabaise, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 boy, 1 girl. “Paid to himself. Boy born. (Should have been a girl)” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9360, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1885)
In 1885, the Ballendines, Budds, Cadottes, Cooks, Thomas Head, John Harcus, John Nabaise, Angus McKay, Adam, John, James Jr, and Abel Paul withdrew from treaty.
1886
No. 63, John Nabaise, Cumberland Band, 23/24 August 1886, 2 people “Discharged 19/11/86.” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9361, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1886)
No. 92, Donald Nabaise, 1 man, 1 woman, 4 people. “Discharged with family 19/11/86” (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9361, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1886)
1887
Claim 1837, dated 23 July 1887, Eliza Nabais, wife of John Nabais of Cumberland House, born at Norway House about 1837.[1827?] Father: Roderick Meatik- Ka Kwa nep. Both parents described as “half breeds.” She lived at Norway House until 1862, when she moved to Cumberland House. In 1851 [in fact it was 1846], she married John Nabais at Norway House. One child Donald born about 1853 [January 1848]. Ann McKay swore that John Nabais was a “half breed” on his father’s side [LAC, Record Group (RG), Department of the Interior (15), Dominion Land Administration (D), Dominion Land Branch (II), Land Records, Half-Breeds and Original White Settlers (8), Applications 1886-1901, 1906 (c), mf. C-14993)
Claim 1822, dated 22 July 1887, John Nabais of Cumberland House, born at Oxford House in 1827 [1826 or earlier?], son of John Nabais and Nancy. Father Half Breed, mother Indian woman. Lived at Norway House, and at Cumberland House after 1862. Married in 1851 [1846] to Eliza, one living son, Donald. (LAC, RG15, D II, 8C, mf C-14993)
Claim No. 1848, 22 July 1887, Donald Nabais of Cumberland House, born at Norway House about 1853, son of John Nabais, half breed, and Eliza, Indian woman. He lived in the North West all his life, at Norway House when he was young, then at Cumberland House where he resided 15 July 1870. He was married in 1882 at Cumberland House to Nancy Budd, 3 children, Colin, Ann, and John. He received $240.00. In the affidavit, Ann McKay said she knew the brother of Eliza Nabais, Thomas Machekekanin to be a half breed, but didn’t know which of his parents was a half breed, but she knew one of them was a “halfbreed for sure.” (LAC, RG15, D II, 8C, mf C-14993)
Nancy Nabais, widow of Donald Nabais made a claim on behalf of her daughter Christy Ann. Nancy described herself as born Nancy Bear, [sic - Budd] a Half’Breed. “My deceased daughter Christy-Ann was taken to Winnipeg seven years ago by one Mr. McFarlane, to attend school, she died there 4 years ago at the age of 11 years, her father predeceased her leaving the following heirs. Nancy Nabais, widow of Donald Nabais and mother of the deceased, Colin, brother of deceased, aged 17 years, John, another brother, aged 12, and Albert, another brother, aged 10. Each received $60.00 for a total of $240.00. Christy Ann, daughter of Donald and Nancy Nabaise, Cumberland, born 1 May 1885, baptised 15 May 1885 by R. McLennan. In John Settees affidavit he says Christy Ann died at St. Pauls Industrial School at Middle Church about 4 years ago. [1896?] (LAC, RG15, D II, 8C, mf C-14993) We need to get the exact date of this record to determine the death dates of Christy Ann Nabaise and her father Donald Nabaise.
1894
No. 63, Mrs. John Nabaise, widow, arrears allowed and retained for woman 1889, also annuity retained on scrip acct. Arrears due for 1890, 91. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9369, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1894)
No. 92, Mrs. Donald Nabaise, widow, six boys, 2 girls. Arrears allowed & retained for man, woman, 5? boys & 1? girl for 1889, also annuity is retained on scrip account. Man dead. Boy born. Arrears due for 1890, 1891. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9369, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1894)
Both women were still living in 1896 and listed on the Cumberland House Band List.
No. 81, Sally Tatipas, widow, living along. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9369, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1894) Les Carriere of Cumberland House has suggested that the Nabaise and Tatipas families were somehow connected. This needs investigation.
No. 82. Noah Tatipas, with a wife and 3 daughters. (LAC, RG10, Vol. 9369, Indian Affairs, Treaty Annuity Paylists, Treaties 1, 2, 3 and 5, 1894)
More research needs to be done to determine what became of the descendants of John and Eliza Nabaise.
For more evidence, see: