1
The Indian Agent: Harvey RuddyA non-Native government official, had the authority to issue, or to deny, us a permit to leave the reserve.
2
Harvey Ruddy: Indian Agent1950s
Pikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin
3
Indian Agents also decided who qualified to continue their education once Indian Day School on the reserve was completed.4
Harvey Rudy Catches One!1950s-60s
Pikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Harvey Ruddy
Matt Bernard
5
During the depression some girls went by train to the convent at St. Jacques in Quebec,6
Golden Lake Train Line1930-1950
Pikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Jill Closter
7
where they were taught weaving. Then, Indian Affairs sent some looms to Golden Lake, but didn’t send any thread. After they learned that we couldn’t afford to get the thread ourselves, they took them back.8
Golden Lake Homemakers Working Group1940-1960
Pikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Golden Lake Homemakers Working Group
Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin
9
The rail line had a junction on the reserve between the Ottawa line coming from Barry’s Bayand the branch line west to Pembroke.
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Train Station Golden Lake Indian ReservePikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Golden Lake Book Store
11
Some of us, to avoid the stigma that had become associated with being Indian, or in order to try to improve our circumstances, rode the train to cities, or north to the bush to try to find work. Some of us jumped the train, avoiding the Indian Agent pass issue, in order to spend the day at Pembroke.12
Ian on Train Switch1930-40
Pikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Ian
13
The trains allowed transport, but also placed us in jeopardy – wartime soldiers often came to the reserve by train looking for women to take advantage of and abuse. Many of our women were afraid to walk alone to the Village of Golden Lake, as the path ran beside the rail line.14
Waiting for the train1930
Pikwàkanagàn, ON
Credits:Jill Closter
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