Thomas Barnaby
For the Midsomer Murders character see Tom Barnaby
Thomas Barnaby was a Micmac chief from the Eel Ground First Nation band near Newcastle, New Brunswick.
Barnaby was instrumental in the change from a family tradition of leadership in the band to elected leadership. Despite a provision in the Indian Act of 1876 for elections, the traditional chief, John Julian, persevered until his death. In an election in 1888, Thomas was elected by a one-vote margin.
He was considered to have given enlightened leadership to the band and was often consulted by the district Indian superintendent after he had lost a subsequent election. There is no written record from the band's point of view, but a large attendance at his funeral would give testament to his standing within the community.
