In the 17^th century, the Wolastoq River ( St. John River) ran through the heart of Maliseet country in Atlantic North America. The Maliseet helped the Mi’kmaw resist the advancing Mohawk to the northwest. With their population depleted by war and European diseases, they faced a new threat when Puritans arrived on Massachusetts Bay. The English Colonies grew and New France pushed them to attack the New Englanders. Peace was eventually reached in 1763 when the French surrendered to Great Britain ruled. In 1776 The Maliseet and Mi’kmaq joined George Washington in the Revolutionary War, but Washington’s promise of support for them was not fulfilled. Despite this they used cunning, courage and diplomacy to keep their nation and culture alive.