1818
Indigenous Settlement along north shore of the Wolastoq, located on present-day Union Street, depicted in paintings of the area.
1842
Indigenous Community recorded as an Indian Settlement.
1844
Francis Toma appointed as hereditary chief of Kingsclear, as well as St. Mary’s as it was considered a satellite settlement of Kingsclear at the time.
1847
Gabe Acquin arrives, living as a migrant between St. Mary’s and Wisawtahk (Sheffield)
1851
First census of the community takes place, with 9 households being noted.
1857
Gabe Acquin begins construction of a frame house, clears land and plants a garden, leading to colonists naming him the founder of the St. Mary’s community despite previous generations of residents.
1861
Census update shows the community had grown to 26 households.
1865
The land which the community had been residing was sold to Thomas Hughes
1867
Confederation of Canada formally entrenches St. Mary’s Band as a recognized indigenous group.
1872
William Fisher appointed as Indian Agent for St. Mary’s Band, with Fisher eventually demanding Wolastoqiyik children be sent to Canadian schools; many families did not comply.
1882
Community land was expropriated by the government to construct a school in the community.
1883
Federal government attempts to entice residents of St. Mary’s to migrate to Tobique, promising new houses and larger allocations of land; government assistance threatened to be cut if residents remained. The community rejected these offers and stayed put.
1889
Chief Francis Toma dies, allowing Indian Agents an easier opportunity to enact new laws requiring chiefs be elected rather than chosen by hereditary means.
1902
Divisive election held in communities of St. Mary’s and Kingsclear, with one vote separating the two candidates from one another. This would lead to both being selected to represent their respective communities and all future elections being conducted separately.
1911-1912
Smallpox was identified in the home of Jim Paul, whose home was quarantined and then burned. Paul later agreed to sell some of his property to allow for the construction of a new school for the community and a replacement home for himself to be constructed.
1914-1919
At least five members of the community join the Canadian military and serve in World War 1. During this time, federal and local governments started discussions of relocating the Wolastoqiyik of St. Mary’s to Tobique. Talks of relocation failed in 1919 as residents refuse to move.
1929-1930
After years of failed discussions, government buys an additional plot of land adjacent to the old reserve.
1931-1932
The first nine new homes were completed in 1931, with elders being given priority for housing. The following year 17 more homes of a similar fashion were built, yielding complaints around their materials and workmanship.
2002
Land acquisitions expand St. Mary’s owned property to cover 308 hectares.
