Historical Obituary
South Rawdon, NS
August 20, 1934
On August 20, 1934, Nova Scotia bid farewell to George Creed, a man of profound intellect and passion for history, particularly the cultural heritage of the Mi'kmaq people.
Creed’s contributions to Nova Scotia’s ethnological record are still revered today, as he dedicated much of his life to preserving the legacy of the region's Indigenous peoples through the detailed recording of petroglyphs, providing invaluable insight into their early history.
Born in South Rawdon in 1842, George Creed was the son of English settlers. Though originally employed as the postmaster in Rawdon, Creed’s intellectual curiosity led him to a life of amateur ethnology—a pursuit that became his passion and life’s work. Creed became fascinated by the petroglyphs carved by the Mi'kmaq in various stone outcrops throughout Nova Scotia, notably around Fairy Lake, in Kejimkujik. The Mi'kmaq’s engravings date back hundreds of years, offering a glimpse into their transition from traditional Indigenous beliefs and practices to the influence of European colonization.
Creed’s work began in earnest in the late 19th century when he traveled through Nova Scotia, carefully tracing and documenting over 350 Mi'kmaq petroglyphs, making him one of the first individuals to comprehensively record this cultural art. His meticulous documentation not only preserved these significant carvings but also shed light on the spiritual, social, and cultural transformations of the Mi'kmaq people during a time of great change.
In addition to his petroglyph recordings, Creed's work encompassed research on various aspects of Mi'kmaq life. His contributions were recognized by both local and international ethnologists, and many of his tracings and studies were later housed in Nova Scotia’s historical archives, ensuring that future generations could study and appreciate the province’s Indigenous history.
Though Creed’s work was not without challenges—given the fragility of the petroglyphs and the elements—they remain a crucial part of Nova Scotia's archaeological and historical record today. His efforts helped to protect a part of history that was at risk of fading into obscurity as industrialization and development grew throughout the region. Without George Creed’s work, much of what is known about the petroglyphs and their cultural significance might have been lost forever.
Creed passed away quietly in his sleep at his home in South Rawdon at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy that bridges the past and the present, helping both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Nova Scotians understand the deep history and traditions of the land. His passing was noted by local newspapers, recognizing the vital contributions he made not only to Nova Scotian heritage but to the broader understanding of Canada's Indigenous peoples.
He was buried in a small cemetery in South Rawdon, his headstone simple yet marking the resting place of a man whose work helped immortalize the ancient voices of the Mi'kmaq people.
George Creed’s dedication to preserving Nova Scotia’s Indigenous past ensures that his name will be remembered alongside the very histories he sought to protect.
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