Demasduwit (1796-January 8, 1820) was a Beothuk woman, one of the last of her people on the island of Newfoundland.
She was born near the end of the 18th century. In the fall of 1818, a small group of Beothuks had taken a boat and some fishing equipment at the mouth of the Exploits River. The governor of the colony, Charles Hamilton, authorized an attempt to recover the stolen property. In March 1819, Desmasduwit was captured during a raid on her village. Nonosbawsut, her husband and the leader of the group, was killed while attempting to prevent her capture. Her infant son died a few days after she was taken.
Demasduwit was brought to St. John's, where Lady Hamilton painted her portrait. She was given the name Mary March.
During the summer of 1819, a number of attempts were made to return her to her people, without success. She died of tuberculosis near Botwood in 1820. Her body was returned to her village in February. The remaining members of her people later placed her remains in a burial hut beside her husband and child.
Demasduwit's niece, a young woman named Shanawdithit, was the last known Beothuk.
A song, Demasduit Dream, recorded by Newfoundland band Great Big Sea describes this incident.
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Last updated: 08-18-2005 17:10:45
