Moses Henry Perley
Moses Henry Perley was a notable figure born in 1804 in Maugerville, New Brunswick, Canada. Orphaned at a young age due to his father's accidental death, he received an education in public schools and developed an early interest in the local Indigenous cultures along the Saint John River. This interest deepened following a tragic incident in 1822, when he accidentally killed an Indigenous person, prompting him to advocate for Indigenous rights. After being admitted to the bar in 1830, Perley balanced his legal career with his passion for outdoor activities and his commitment to the welfare of Indigenous communities.
In 1841, he was appointed commissioner of Indian affairs for New Brunswick, where he worked closely with Indigenous peoples, earning their respect and becoming an honorary chief of the Malecite and Micmac tribes. Perley played a crucial role in the formulation of New Brunswick's Indian Act of 1844, although its implementation fell short of addressing many Indigenous issues. Throughout his life, he held various government positions and was an accomplished writer, producing significant reports on Indian settlements and fisheries that contributed to a better understanding of the region's resources and demographics. Perley's legacy is marked by his dedication to bridging cultural gaps and advocating for Indigenous rights until his passing in 1862.
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Moses Henry Perley
Nonfiction Writer and Poet
- Moses Henry Perley
- Born: December 31, 1804
- Birthplace: Maugerville, New Brunswick, Canada
- Died: August 17, 1862
- Place of death: Off the Labrador Coast, Canada
Biography
Moses Henry Perley was born in 1804 in Maugerville, New Brunswick, Canada. Shortly before his birth, his father died in an accident. Perley was educated in public schools and spent his free time hunting, fishing, and getting to know the Indians of the Saint John River. In 1822, in an unfortunate accident, Perley killed an Indian while target shooting, and this incident increased his concern for the welfare of the Indians.
In the following years, Perley took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1830. While working as a lawyer, Perley still found time to pursue his interests as a sportsman and to learn more about the native people of New Brunswick. In the mid- to late-1930’s, Perley tried his luck at a handful of businesses, working in mills, mines, and other ventures, none of which was very successful.
In 1841, due to his extensive knowledge and familiarity with the Indian people, Perley was appointed commissioner of Indian affairs for the province of New Brunswick. In this position, Perley visited Indian settlements and often petitioned the government to protect and uphold the rights of these people. The Indian people honored and respected his work and Perley was made an honorary chief of the Malecite and Micmac people. He grew accustomed to their ways and would spend much time with them, observing and practicing their culture. Perley was instrumental in the enactment of New Brunswick’s Indian Act of 1844; many of the act’s provisions were based on his recommendations and reports. Unfortunately, the act did little to solve many of the problems confronting the Indians, and Perley made it his personal mission to evict squatters from Indian lands.
In the years that followed, Perley was appointed to numerous government positions. His knowledge of the land made him a valuable asset in the growing development of New Brunswick and he served the provincial government dutifully until his death in 1862. In addition to his government work, Perley was an accomplished writer, publishing official reports based on his research about Indian settlements and fisheries. Some examples of these publications include Report on Indian Settlements (1842), Report on the Fisheries of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (1849), and Report on the Sea and River Fisheries of New Brunswick, Within the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Bay of Chaleur (1850). His reports were important tools used by the people and the government to better know and understand the land around them. Perley also occasionally contributed articles to Canadian publications.