CHAPTER IX

THE TREATIES AT FORTS CARLTON AND PITT

The treaties made at Forts Carlton and Pitt in the year 1876, were

of a very important character.

The great region covered by them, abutting on the areas included in

Treaties Numbers Three and Four, embracing an area of approximately

120,000 square miles, contains a vast extent of fertile territory

and is the home of the Cree nation. The Crees had, very early after

the annexation of the North-West Territories to Canada, desired a

treaty of alliance with the Government. So far back as the year

1871, Mr. Simpson, the Indian Commissioner, addressing the

Secretary of State in a despatch of date, the 3rd November, 1871,

used the following language:

"I desire also to call the attention of His Excellency to the state

of affairs in the Indian country on the Saskatchewan. The

intelligence that Her Majesty is treating with the Chippewa Indians

has already reached the ears of the Cree and Blackfeet tribes. In

the neighborhood of Fort Edmonton, on the Saskatchewan, there is a

rapidly increasing population of miners and other white people, and

it is the opinion of Mr. W. J. Christie, the officer in charge of

the Saskatchewan District, that a treaty with the Indians of that

country, or at least an assurance during the coming year that a

treaty will shortly be made, is essential to the peace, if not the

actual retention, of the country. I would refer His Excellency, on

this subject, to the report of Lieut. Butler, and to the enclosed

memoranda of Mr. W. J. Christie, the officer above alluded to."

He also enclosed an extract of a letter from Mr. Christie, then

Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, and subsequently one of

the Treaty Commissioners, in which, he forwarded the messages of

the Cree Chiefs to Lieut.-Gov. Archibald, "our Great Mother's

representative at Fort Garry, Red River Settlement." This extract

and messages are as follows.

EDMONTON HOUSE, 13th April, 1871.

On the 13th instant (April) I had a visit from the Cree Chiefs,

representing the Plain Crees from this to Carlton, accompanied by

a few followers.

The object of their visit was to ascertain whether their lands

had been sold or not, and what was the intention of the Canadian

Government in relation to them. They referred to the epidemic

that had raged throughout the past summer, and the subsequent

starvation, the poverty of their country, the visible diminution

of the buffalo, their sole support, ending by requesting certain

presents at once, and that I should lay their case before Her

Majesty's representative at Fort Garry. Many stories have reached

these Indians through various channels, ever since the transfer of

the North-West Territories to the Dominion of Canada, and they were

most anxious to hear from myself what had taken place.

I told them that the Canadian Government had as yet made no

application for their lands or hunting grounds, and when anything

was required of them, most likely Commissioners would be sent

beforehand to treat with them, and that until then they should

remain quiet and live at peace with all men. I further stated that

Canada, in her treaties with Indians, heretofore, had dealt most

liberally with them, and that they were now in settled houses and

well off, and that I had no doubt in settling with them the same

liberal policy would be followed.

As I was aware that they had heard many exaggerated stories about

the troops in Red River, I took the opportunity of telling them why

troops had been sent, and if Her Majesty sent troops to the

Saskatchewan, it was as much for the protection of the red as the

white man, and that they would be for the maintenance of law and

order.

They were highly satisfied with the explanations offered, and said

they would welcome civilization. As their demands were complied

with, and presents given to them, their immediate followers, and

for the young men left in camp, they departed well pleased for the

present tune, with fair promises for the future. At a subsequent

interview with the Chiefs alone, they requested that I should write

down their words, or messages to their Great Master in Red River. I

accordingly did so, and have transmitted the messages as delivered.

Copies of the proclamation issued, prohibiting the traffic in

spirituous liquors to Indians or others, and the use of strychnine

in the destruction of animal life, have been received, and due

publicity given to them. But without any power to enforce these

laws, it is almost useless to publish them here; and I take this

opportunity of most earnestly soliciting, on behalf of the

Company's servants, and settlers in this district, that protection

be afforded to life and property here as soon as possible, and that

Commissioners be sent to speak with the Indians on behalf of the

Canadian Government.

MEMORANDA:

Had I not complied with the demands of the Indians--giving them

some little presents--and otherwise satisfied them, I have no doubt

that they would have proceeded to acts of violence, and once that

had commenced, there would have been the beginning of an Indian

war, which it is difficult to say when it would have ended.

The buffalo will soon be exterminated, and when starvation comes,

these Plain Indian tribes will fall back on the Hudson's Bay Forts

and settlements for relief and assistance. If not complied with, or

no steps taken to make some provision for them, they will most

assuredly help themselves; and there being no force or any law up

there to protect the settlers, they must either quietly submit to

be pillaged, or lose their lives in the defence of their families

and property, against such fearful odds that will leave no hope for

their side.

Gold may be discovered in paying quantities, any day, on the

eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. We have, in Montana, and in

the mining settlements close to our boundary line, a large mixed

frontier population, who are now only waiting and watching to hear

of gold discoveries to rush into the Saskatchewan, and, without any

form of Government or established laws up there, or force to

protect whites or Indians, it is very plain what will be the

result.

I think that the establishment of law and order in the Saskatchewan

District, as early as possible, is of most vital importance to the

future of the country and the interest of Canada, and also the

making of some treaty or settlement with the Indians who inhabit

the Saskatchewan District.

W. J. CHRISTIE, Chief Factor,

In charge of Saskatchewan District,

Hudson's Bay Company.

Messages from the Cree Chiefs of the Plains, Saskatchewan, to His

Excellency Governor Archibald, our Great Mother's representative at

Fort Garry, Red River Settlement.

1. The Chief Sweet Grass, The Chief of the country.

GREAT FATHER,--I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. We

heard our lands were sold and we did not like it; we don't want to

sell our lands; it is our property, and no one has a right to sell

them.

Our country is getting ruined of fur-bearing animals, hitherto our

sole support, and now we are poor and want help--we want you to

pity us. We want cattle, tools, agricultural implements, and

assistance in everything when we come to settle--our country is no

longer able to support us.

Make provision for us against years of starvation. We have had

great starvation the past winter, and the small-pox took away many

of our people, the old, young, and children.

We want you to stop the Americans from coming to trade on our

lands, and giving firewater, ammunition and arms to our enemies the

Blackfeet.

We made a peace this winter with the Blackfeet. Our young men are

foolish, it may not last long.

We invite you to come and see us and to speak with us. If you can't

come yourself, send some one in your place.

We send these words by our Master, Mr. Christie, in whom we have

every confidence.--That is all.

2. Ki-he-win, The Eagle.

GREAT FATHER,--Let us be friendly. We never shed any white man's

blood, and have always been friendly with the whites, and want

workmen, carpenters and farmers to assist us when we settle. I want

all my brother, Sweet Grass, asks. That is all.

3. The Little Hunter.

You, my brother, the Great Chief in Red River, treat me as a

brother, that is, as a Great Chief.

4. Kis-ki-on, or Short Tail.

My brother, that is coming close, I look upon you, as if I saw you;

I want you to pity me, and I want help to cultivate the ground for

myself and descendants. Come and see us.

The North-West Council, as already elsewhere stated, had urged

the making of treaties with these Indians, and the necessity

of doing so, was also impressed upon the Privy Council, by the

Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories, and Col. French,

then in command of the Mounted Police therein. The Minister of the

Interior, the Hon. David Mills, in his Report for the year 1876,

thus alluded to this subject:

"Official reports received last year from His Honor Governor Morris

and Colonel French, the officer then in command of the Mounted

Police Force, and from other parties, showed that a feeling of

discontent and uneasiness prevailed very generally amongst the

Assiniboines and Crees lying in the unceded territory between the

Saskatchewan and the Rocky Mountains. This state of feeling, which

had prevailed amongst these Indians for some years past, had been

increased by the presence, last summer, in their territory of the

parties engaged in the construction of the telegraph line, and

in the survey of the Pacific Railway line, and also of a party

belonging to the Geological Survey. To allay this state of feeling,

and to prevent the threatened hostility of the Indian tribes to the

parties then employed by the Government, His Honor Governor Morris

requested and obtained authority to despatch a messenger to convey

to these Indians the assurance that Commissioners would be sent

this summer, to negotiate a treaty with them, as had already been

done with their brethren further east.

"The Rev. George McDougall, who had been resident as a missionary

amongst these Indians for upwards of fourteen years, and who

possessed great influence over them, was selected by His Honor to

convey this intelligence to the Indians, a task which he performed

with great fidelity and success: being able to report on his return

that although he found the feeling of discontent had been very

general among the Indian tribes, he had been enabled entirely to

remove it by his assurance of the proposed negotiations during the

coming year.

"For the purpose of negotiating this treaty with the Indians, Your

Excellency availed yourself of the services of His Honor Governor

Morris, who had been formerly employed in negotiating Treaties

Numbers Three, Four and Five. With him were associated the Hon.

James McKay and W. J. Christie, Esq., both of whom had had

considerable experience in such work, and possessed moreover an

intimate acquaintance with the Indians of the Saskatchewan, their

wants, habits and dialects."

With reference to the Rev. George McDougall, [Footnote: This

faithful missionary came to an untimely death on the plains during

the succeeding winter. Having missed his way to his camp, he was

found lying dead on the snow, and there in the lonely wilds was

closed a most useful career.] I may here state, that when the

application was made to him, to visit the Indians of the Plains, in

the Sask atchewan Valley, he was on his way, with his family, to his

distant mission, among the Assiniboines, near the Rocky Mountains,

after a brief sojourn in the Province of Ontario, but on the

request being made to him, to explain to the Indians the intentions

of the Government, he at once undertook the duty, and leaving

his family to follow him, went upon the long journey, which his

mission involved, carrying with him a letter missive from the

Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories, promising the

Indians, that Commissioners would visit them during the ensuing

summer, to confer with them as to a treaty. The result of his

tour, and of the tidings which he bore was very gratifying, as the

Indians were at once tranquilized, and awaited in full confidence,

the coming of the Commissioners. The way in which he discharged his

important duties and the success which followed his exertions, will

be best set forth by giving place to his Report, addressed to the

Lieutenant-Governor, of the results of his arduous mission:

MORLEYVILLE, BOW RIVER, ROCKY MOUNTAINS,

October 23rd, 1875.

TO HIS HONOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR MORRIS.

Sir,--In accordance with my instructions, I proceeded with as

little delay as possible to Carlton, in the neighborhood of which

place I met with forty tents of Crees. From these I ascertained

that the work I had undertaken would be much more arduous than I

had expected, and that the principal camps would be found on the

south branch of the Saskatchewan and Red Deer Rivers. I was also

informed by these Indians that the Crees and Plain Assiniboines

were united on two points: 1st. That they would not receive any

presents from Government until a definite time for treaty was

stated. 2nd. Though they deplored the necessity of resorting to

extreme measures, yet they were unanimous in their determination

to oppose the running of lines, or the making of roads through

their country, until a settlement between the Government and them

had been effected. I was further informed that the danger of a

collision with the whites was likely to arise from the officious

conduct of minor Chiefs who were anxious to make themselves

conspicuous, the principal men of the large camps being much more

moderate in their demands. Believing this to be the fact, I

revolved to visit every camp and read them your message, and in

order that your Honor may form a correct judgment of their

disposition towards the Government, I will give you a synopsis of

their speeches after the message was read. Mistahwahsis, head Chief

of the Carlton Indians, addressing the principal Chief of the

Assiniboines and addressing me, said: "That is just it, that is all

we wanted." The Assiniboines addressing me, said: "My heart is full

of gratitude, foolish men have told us that the Great Chief would

send his young men to our country until they outnumbered us, and

that then he would laugh at us, but this letter assures us that the

Great Chief will act justly toward us."

Beardy, or the Hairy Man, Chief of the Willow Indians, said: "If I

had heard these words spoken by the Great Queen I could not have

believed them with more implicit faith than I do now." The Sweet

Grass was absent from camp when I reached the Plain Crees, but

his son and the principal men of the tribe requested me to convey

to the Great Chief, at Red River, their thanks for the presents

received, and they expressed the greatest loyalty to the government.

In a word, I found the Crees reasonable in their demands, and

anxious to live in peace with the white men. I found the Big Bear,

a Saulteaux, trying to take the lead in their council. He formerly

lived at Jack Fish Lake, and for years has been regarded as a

troublesome fellow. In his speech he said: "We want none of the

Queen's presents; when we set a fox-trap we scatter pieces of meat

all round, but when the fox gets into the trap we knock him on the

head; we want no bait, let your Chiefs come like men and talk to

us." These Saulteaux are the mischief-makers through all this

western country, and some of them are shrewd men.

A few weeks since, a land speculator wished to take a claim at the

crossing on Battle River and asked the consent of the Indians, one

of my Saulteaux friends sprang to his feet, and pointing to the

east, said: "Do you see that great white man (the Government)

coming?" "No," said the speculator. "I do," said the Indian, "and I

hear the tramp of the multitude behind him, and when he comes you

can drop in behind him and take up all the land claims you want;

but until then I caution you to put up no stakes in our country."

It was very fortunate for me that Big Bear and his party were a

very small minority in camp. The Crees said they would have driven

them out of camp long ago, but were afraid of their medicines, as

they are noted conjurers.

The topics generally discussed at their council and which will be

brought before the Commissioner are as follows in their own

language. "Tell the Great Chief that we are glad the traders are

prohibited bringing spirits into our country; when we see it we

want to drink it, and it destroys us; when we do not see it we do

not think about it. Ask for us a strong law, prohibiting the free

use of poison (strychnine). It has almost exterminated the animals

of our country, and often makes us bad friends with our white

neighbors. We further request, that a law be made, equally

applicable to the Half-breed and Indian, punishing all parties who

set fire to our forest or plain. Not many years ago we attributed a

prairie fire to the malevolence of an enemy, now every one is

reckless in the use of fire, and every year large numbers of

valuable animals and birds perish in consequence. We would farther

ask that our chiefships be established by the Government. Of late

years almost every trader sets up his own Chief and the result is

we are broken up into little parties, and our best men are no

longer respected." I will state in connection with this, some of

the false reports I had to combat in passing through this country,

all calculated to agitate the native mind. In the neighborhood of

Carlton an interested party went to considerable trouble to inform

the Willow Indians that I had $3,000 for each band, as a present

from the Government, and nothing in my long journey gave me greater

satisfaction than the manner in which these Indians received my

explanation of the contents of my letter of instructions. At the

Buffalo Lake I found both Indians and Half-breeds greatly agitated.

A gentlemen passing through their country had told them that the

Mounted Police had received orders to prevent all parties killing

buffalo or other animals, except during three months in the year,

and these are only samples of the false statements made by parties

who would rejoice to witness a conflict of races.

That your Honor's message was most timely, these are ample proofs.

A report will have reached you before this time that parties have

been turned back by the Indians, and that a train containing

supplies for the telegraph contractors, when west of Fort Pitt,

were met by three Indians and ordered to return. Now after

carefully investigating the matter and listening to the statements

of all parties concerned, my opinion is, that an old traveller

amongst Indians would have regarded the whole affair as too trivial

to be noticed. I have not met with a Chief who would bear with the

responsibility of the act....

Personally I am indebted both to the missionaries, and the Hudson's

Bay Company's officials for their assistance at the Indian

councils.

Believing it would be satisfactory to your Honor and of service to

the Commissioners, I have kept the number of all the tents visited

and the names of the places where I met the Indians. [Footnote: The

number of Indians, as estimated by Mr. McDougall, as being visited

by him, was 3,976.]

By reckoning eight persons to each tent, we will have a very close

approximate to the number of Indians to be treated with at Carlton,

and Fort Pitt. There may have been a few tents in the forest, and I

have heard there are a few Crees at Lesser Slave Lake and Lac la

Biche, but the number cannot exceed twenty tents.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

G. McDOUGALL.

The Commissioners, in the discharge of their task, had to travel

through the prairie district in going to their destination and

returning to Winnipeg, a distance of over 1,800 miles. They

first met the Indians in the vicinity of Fort Carlton, on the

Saskatchewan, in the month of August, 1876, and eventually

succeeded on the 23rd day of that month, in effecting a treaty with

the Plain and Wood Crees, and on the 28th of the same month with

the tribe of Willow Crees. The negotiations were difficult and

protracted. The Hon. David Mills, then Minister of the Interior,

in his Annual Report thus characterizes them:--"In view of the

temper of the Indians of the Saskatchewan, during the past year,

and of the extravagant demands which they were induced to prefer

on certain points, it needed all the temper, tact, judgment and

discretion, of which the Commissioners were possessed, to bring

the negotiations to a satisfactory issue." The difficulties were

encountered chiefly at Carlton: The main body of the Crees were

honestly disposed to treat, and their head Chiefs, Mistowasis and

Ah-tuk-uh-koop, shewed sound judgment, and an earnest desire to

come to an understanding.

They were embarrassed, however, by the action of the Willow Crees,

who, under the guidance of one of their Chiefs, Beardy, interposed

every obstacle to the progress of the treaty, and refused to attend

the Council, unless it was held at the top of a hill some miles

off, where the Chief pretended it had been revealed to him in a

vision that the treaty was to be made. The Willow Crees were,

moreover, under the influence of a wandering band of Saulteaux,

the chief portion of whom resided within the limits of the other

treaties, and who were disposed to be troublesome. Before the

arrival of the Commissioners, the Saulteaux conceived the idea of

forming a combination of the French Half-breeds, the Crees, and

themselves, to prevent the crossing of the Saskatchewan by the

Lieutenant-Governor, and his entrance into the Indian territories.

They made the proposal first to the French Half-breeds, who

declined to undertake it, and then to the Crees, who listened to it

in silence. One of them at length arose, and pointing to the River

Saskatchewan, said, "Can you stop the flow of that river?" The

answer was, "No," and the rejoinder was "No more can you stop the

progress of the Queen's Chief." When the Commissioners arrived at

the Saskatchewan, a messenger from the Crees met them, proffering a

safe convoy, but it was not needed. About a hundred traders' carts

were assembled at the crossing, and Kissowayis, a native Indian

trader, had the right of passage, which he at once waived, in

favor of Messrs. Christie and Morris, the Commissioners. The other

Commissioner, Mr. McKay, met them at Duck Lake next day, having

proceeded by another route, and there they encountered Chief

Beardy, who at once asked the Lieutenant-Governor to make the

treaty at the hill, near the lake. On his guard, however, he

replied, that he would meet the Cree nation wherever they desired,

but must first go on and see them at Carlton, as he had appointed.

An escort of Mounted Police also met the Commissioners at Duck

Lake, having been sent from Carlton, in consequence of the

information given by the Crees of the threatened interference

with their progress. After several days' delay the Commissioners

were obliged to meet the Crees without the Willow Crees. But after

the conference had opened, the Beardy sent a message asking to

be informed of the terms the Commissioners intended to offer in

advance. The reply was that the messenger could sit with the other

Indians, and report to his Chief what he heard, as it was his own

fault that the Chief was not there to take part in the proceedings.

The negotiations then went on quietly and deliberately, the

Commissioners giving the Indians all the time they desired. The

Indians were apprehensive of their future. They saw the food

supply, the buffalo, passing away, and they were anxious and

distressed. They knew the large terms granted to their Indians by

the United States, but they had confidence in their Great Mother,

the Queen, and her benevolence.

They desired to be fed. Small-pox had destroyed them by hundreds

a few years before, and they dreaded pestilence and famine.

Eventually the Commissioners made them an offer. They asked this

to be reduced to writing, which was done, and they asked time to

consider it, which was of course granted. When the conference

resumed, they presented a written counter-proposal. This the

Commissioners considered, and gave full and definite answers of

acceptance or refusal to each demand, which replies were carefully

interpreted, two of the Commissioners, Messrs. Christie and McKay,

being familiar with the Cree tongue, watching how the answers were

rendered, and correcting when necessary. The food question, was

disposed of by a promise, that in the event of a National famine or

pestilence such aid as the Crown saw fit would be extended to them,

and that for three years after they settled on their reserves,

provisions to the extent of $1,000 per annum would be granted them

during seed-time.

The other terms were analogous to those of the previous treaties.

The Crees accepted the revised proposals. The treaty was

interpreted to them carefully, and was then signed, and the payment

made in accordance therewith. After the conclusion of the treaty,

the Commissioners were unwilling that the Willow Crees should

remain out of the treaty, and sent a letter to them by a messenger,

Pierre Levailler, that they would meet them half way, at the

camp of the Hon. James McKay, and give them the opportunity of

accepting the terms of the treaty already concluded. The letter

was translated to the Indians by the Rev. Pere Andre, a Catholic

missionary, who, as well as M. Levailler, urged the Indians to

accede to the proposal made to them, which they agreed to do. The

Commissioners met the Indians accordingly, at the place proposed,

and received, after a full discussion, the adhesion of the three

Chiefs and head men of the Willow Crees to the treaty, and the

payments were then made to them.

The Commissioners then prepared to leave for Fort Pitt, but having

been apprised by the Rev. Mr. Scollan, a Catholic missionary, who

had been sent by Bishop Grandin, to be present at the making of the

treaty, that Sweet Grass, the principal Chief of the Plain Crees,

at Fort Pitt, was unaware of the place and time of meeting, they

despatched a messenger to apprise him of them, and request him to

be present.

The Commissioners crossed the Saskatchewan and journeyed to Fort

Pitt. Near it they were met by an escort of Mounted Police, who

convoyed them to the fort.

There they found a number of Indians assembled, and, during the

day, Sweet Grass arrived. In the evening the Chief and head men

waited upon the Commissioners. Delay was asked and granted before

meeting. Eventually the conference was opened. The ceremonies which

attended it were imposing. The national stem or pipe dance was

performed, of which a full narrative will be found hereafter. The

conference proceeded, and the Indians accepted the terms made at

Carlton with the utmost good feeling, and thus the Indian title

was extinguished in the whole of the Plain country, except a

comparatively small area, inhabited by the Black Feet, comprising

about 35,000 square miles, I regret to record, that the Chief Sweet

Grass, who took the lead in the proceedings, met with an accidental

death a few months afterwards, by the discharge of a pistol. The

Indians, in these two treaties, displayed a strong desire for

instruction in farming, and appealed for the aid of missionaries

and teachers.

The latter the Commissioners promised, and for the former they were

told they must rely on the churches, representatives of whom were

present from the Church of England, the Methodist, the Presbyterian

and the Roman Catholic Church. The Bishop (Grandin) of the latter

Church travelled from Edmonton to Fort Pitt and Battleford to see

the Commissioners and assure them of his good will. After the

conclusion of the treaty, the Commissioners commenced their long

return journey by way of Battleford, and arrived at Winnipeg on the

6th day of October, with the satisfaction of knowing that they had

accomplished a work which, with the efficient carrying out of the

treaties, had secured the good will of the Cree Nation, and laid

the foundations of law and order in the Saskatchewan Valley.

The officers of the Hudson's Bay Company, the missionaries of the

various churches, Colonel McLeod of the Mounted Police Force, his

officers and men, and the Half-breed population, all lent willing

assistance to the commissioners, and were of substantial service.

I now submit the despatch of the Lieutenant-Governor, giving an

account of the journey and of the negotiations attending the

treaty, and I include a narrative of the proceedings taken down,

day by day, by A. G. Jackes, Esq., M.D., Secretary to the

Commission, which has never before been published, and embraces an

accurate account of the speeches of the Commissioners and Indians.

It is satisfactory to be able to state, that Lieut.-Gov. Laird,

officers of the police force and Mr. Dickieson have since obtained

the adhesion to the treaty, of, I believe, all but one of the

Chiefs included in the treaty area, viz.: The Big Bear, while the

head men even of his band have ranged themselves under the

provisions of the treaty.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

FORT GARRY, MANITOBA, 4th. December, 1876.

Sir,--I beg to inform you that in compliance with the request of

the Privy Council that I should proceed to the west to negotiate

the treaties which I had last year, through the agency of the late

Rev. George McDougall, promised the Plain Crees, would be

undertaken, I left Fort Garry on the afternoon of the 27th of July

last, with the view of prosecuting my mission. I was accompanied by

one of my associates, the Hon. J. W. Christie, and by A. G. Jackes,

Esq., M.D., who was to act as secretary. I selected as my guide Mr.

Pierre Levailler. The Hon. James McKay, who had also been

associated in the commission, it was arranged, would follow me and

meet me at Fort Carlton.

On the morning of the 4th of August, I forded the Assiniboine about

five miles from Fort Ellice, having accomplished what is usually

regarded as the first stage of the journey to Fort Carlton, about

two hundred and twenty miles. After crossing the river, I was

overtaken by a party of the Sioux who have settled on the reserve

assigned to them at Bird Tail Creek, and was detained the greater

part of the day.

I am sanguine that this settlement will prove a success, as these

Sioux are displaying a laudable industry in cutting hay for their

own use and for sale, and in breaking up ground for cultivation. I

resumed my journey in the afternoon, but a storm coming on, I was

obliged to encamp at the Springs, having only travelled eight miles

in all during the day.

On the 5th I left the Springs, and after traversing much fine

country, with excellent prairie, good soil, clumps of wood,

lakelets, and hay swamps, in the Little and Great Touchwood Hills

and File Mountain region, I arrived at the South Saskatchewan, at

Dumont's crossing, twenty miles from Fort Carlton, on the afternoon

of the 14th of August.

Here I found over one hundred carts of traders and freighters,

waiting to be ferried across the river. The scow was occupied in

crossing the carts and effects of Kis-so-wais, an enterprising

Chippewa trader, belonging to the Portage la Prairie band, who at

once came forward and gave up to me his right of crossing.

I met, also, a young Cree who had been sent by the Crees to hand me

a letter of welcome in the name of their nation.

The reason of this step being taken was, that a few wandering

Saulteaux or Chippewa, from Quill Lake, in Treaty Number Four, had

come to the Crees and proposed to them to unite with them and

prevent me from crossing the river and entering the Indian country.

The Crees promptly refused to entertain the proposal, and sent a

messenger, as above stated, to welcome me.

I also received from their messenger a letter from Lawrence Clarke,

Esq., Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company at Carlton, offering

the Commissioners the hospitalities of the fort.

I sent replies in advance, thanking the Crees for their action, and

accepting the kind offer of Mr. Clarke, to the extent of the use of

rooms in the fort.

It was late in the evening before our party crossed the river, so

that we encamped on the heights near it.

On the morning of the 15th we left for Fort Carlton, Mr. Christie

preceding me to announce my approaching arrival at Duck Lake. About

twelve miles from Carlton I found the Hon. James McKay awaiting me,

having travelled by way of Fort Pelly.

Here also a Chief, Beardy of the Willow Crees, came to see me.

He said that his people were encamped near the lake, and that as

there were fine meadows for their horses they wished the treaty to

be made there.

I was at once on my guard, and replied to him, that after I reached

Carlton, which was the place appointed, I would meet the Indians

wherever the great body of them desired it.

He then asked me to stop as I passed his encampment, and see his

people. This I agreed to do, as I was leaving Duck Lake I met

Captain Walker with his troop of mounted police, coming to escort

me to Carlton which they did.

When I arrived at Beardy's encampment, the men came to my carriage

and holding up their right hands to the skies, all joined in an

invocation to the deity for a blessing on the bright day which had

brought the Queen's messenger to see them, and on the messenger and

themselves; one of them shook hands with me for the others.

The scene was a very impressive and striking one, but as will be

seen hereafter, this band gave me great trouble and were very

difficult to deal with.

Leaving the Indian encampment I arrived at Fort Carlton, where Mr.

Christie, Dr. Jackes and myself were assigned most comfortable

rooms, Mr. McKay preferring to encamp about four miles from the

fort.

In the evening, Mist-ow-as-is and Ah-tuk-uk-koop, the two head

Chiefs of the Carlton Crees, called to pay their respects to me,

and welcomed me most cordially.

On the 16th the Crees sent me word that they wished the day to

confer amongst themselves.

I acceded to their request, learning that they desired to bring the

Duck Lake Indians into the negotiations.

I sent a messenger, Mr. Peter Ballenden, to Duck Lake to inform the

Indians that I would meet them at the encampment of the Carlton

Crees, about two miles from the fort.

On the 17th, on his return, he informed me that the Chief said "He

had not given me leave to meet the Indians anywhere except at Duck

Lake, and that they would only meet me there." The Carlton Indians,

however, sent me word, that they would be ready next morning at ten

o'clock.

On the 18th, as I was leaving for the Indian encampment, a

messenger came to me from the Duck Lake Indians, asking for

provisions. I replied, that Mr. Christie was in charge of the

distribution of provisions, but that I would not give any to the

Duck Lake Indians, in consequence of the unreasonableness of their

conduct, and that provisions would only be given to the large

encampment.

I then proceeded to the Indian camp, together with my fellow

Commissioners, and was escorted by Captain Walker and his troop.

On my arrival I found that the ground had been most judiciously

chosen, being elevated, with abundance of trees, hay marshes and

small lakes. The spot which the Indians had left for my council

tent overlooked the whole.

The view was very beautiful: the hills and the trees in the

distance, and in the foreground, the meadow land being dotted with

clumps of wood, with the Indian tents clustered here and there to

the number of two hundred.

On my arrival, the Union Jack was hoisted, and the Indians at once

began to assemble, beating drums, discharging fire-arms, singing

and dancing. In about half an hour they were ready to advance and

meet me. This they did in a semicircle, having men on horseback

galloping in circles, shouting, singing and discharging fire-arms.

They then performed the dance of the "pipe stem," the stem was

elevated to the north, south, west and east, a ceremonial dance was

then performed by the Chiefs and head men, the Indian men and women

shouting the while.

They then slowly advanced, the horsemen again preceding them on

their approach to my tent. I advanced to meet them, accompanied by

Messrs. Christie and McKay, when the pipe was presented to us and

stroked by our hands.

After the stroking had been completed, the Indians sat down in

front of the council tent, satisfied that in accordance with their

custom we had accepted the friendship of the Cree nation.

I then addressed the Indians in suitable terms, explaining that I

had been sent by the Queen, in compliance with their own wishes and

the written promise I had given them last year, that a messenger

would be sent to them.

I had ascertained that the Indian mind was oppressed with vague

fears; they dreaded the treaty; they had been made to believe that

they would be compelled to live on the reserves wholly, and abandon

their hunting and that in time of war, they would be placed in the

front and made to fight.

I accordingly shaped my address, so as to give them confidence in

the intentions of the Government, and to quiet their apprehensions.

I impressed strongly on them the necessity of changing their

present mode of life, and commencing to make homes and gardens for

themselves, so as to be prepared for the diminution of the buffalo

and other large animals, which is going on so rapidly.

The Indians listened with great attention to my address, and at

its close asked an adjournment that they might meet in council to

consider my words, which was of course granted.

The Rev. C. Scollen, a Roman Catholic Missionary amongst the

Blackfeet, arrived soon after from Bow River, and informed me that

on the way he had learned that Sweet Grass, the principal Chief of

the Plain Crees, was out hunting and would not be at Fort Pitt,

and that he was of opinion that his absence would be a great

obstruction to a treaty.

After consulting with my colleagues, I decided on sending a

messenger to him, requesting his presence, and succeeded in

obtaining, for the occasion, the services of Mr. John McKay, of

Prince Albert, who had accompanied the Rev. George McDougall on his

mission last year.

In the evening, Lieut.-Col. Jarvis arrived with a reinforcement of

the Mounted Police, and an excellent band, which has been

established at the private cost of one of the troops.

On the 19th, the Commissioners, escorted by the Mounted Police,

headed by the band, proceeded to the Indian encampment.

The Indians again assembled, following Mist-ow-as-is and

Ah-tuk-uk-koop, the recognised leading Chiefs.

I asked them to present their Chiefs; they then presented the two

head Chiefs, and the minor ones.

At this juncture, a messenger arrived from the Duck Lake Indians,

asking that I should tell them the terms of the Treaty. I replied

that if the Chiefs and people had joined the others they would have

heard what I had to say, and that I would not tell the terms in

advance, but that the messenger could remain and hear what I had to

say. He expressed himself satisfied and took his seat with the

others. I then fully explained to them the proposals I had to make,

that we did not wish to interfere with their present mode of

living, but would assign them reserves and assist them as was being

done elsewhere, in commencing to farm, and that what was done would

hold good for those that were away.

The Indians listened most attentively, and on the close of my

remarks Mist-ow-as-is arose, took me by the hand, and said that

"when a thing was thought of quietly, it was the best way," and

asked "this much, that we go and think of his words."

I acquiesced at once, and expressed my hope that the Chiefs would

act wisely, and thus closed the second day.

The 20th being Sunday, the Rev. Mr. John McKay, of the Church of

England, conducted divine service at the fort, which was largely

attended; the Rev. Mr. Scollen also conducted service.

At noon a messenger came from the Indian camp, asking that there

should be a service held at their camp, which Mr. McKay agreed to

do; this service was attended by about two hundred adult Crees.

On Monday, 21st, the head Chiefs sent word that, as the previous

day was Sunday, they had not met in council, and wished to have the

day for consultation, and if ready would meet me on Tuesday

morning. I cheerfully granted the delay from the reasonableness of

the request; but I was also aware that the head Chiefs were in a

position of great difficulty.

The attitude of the Duck Lake Indians and of the few discontented

Saulteaux embarrassed them, while a section of their own people

were either averse to make a treaty or desirous of making

extravagant demands. The head Chiefs were men of intelligence, and

anxious that the people should act unitedly and reasonably.

We, therefore, decided to give them all the time they might ask, a

policy which they fully appreciated.

On the 22nd the Commissioners met the Indians, when I told them

that we had not hurried them, but wished now to hear their Chiefs.

A spokesman, The Pond Maker, then addressed me, and asked

assistance when they settled on the land, and further help as they

advanced in civilization.

I replied that they had their own means of living, and that we

could not feed the Indians, but only assist them to settle down.

The Badger, Soh-ah-moos, and several other Indians all asked help

when they settled, and also in case of troubles unforeseen in the

future. I explained that we could not assume the charge of their

every-day life, but in a time of a great national calamity they

could trust to the generosity of the Queen.

The Honourable James McKay also addressed them, saying that their

demands would be understood by a white man as asking for daily

food, and could not be granted, and explained our objects, speaking

with effect in the Cree tongue.

At length the Indians informed me that they did not wish to be fed

every day, but to be helped when they commenced to settle, because

of their ignorance how to commence, and also in case of general

famine; Ah-tuk-uk-koop winding up the debate by stating that

they wanted food in the spring when they commenced to farm, and

proportionate help as they advanced in civilization, and then

asking for a further adjournment to consider our offers.

The Commissioners granted this, but I warned them not to be

unreasonable, and to be ready next day with their decision, while

we on our part would consider what they had said.

The whole day was occupied with this discussion on the food

question, and it was the turning point with regard to the treaty.

The Indians were, as they had been for some time past, full of

uneasiness.

They saw the buffalo, the only means of their support, passing

away. They were anxious to learn to support themselves by

agriculture, but felt too ignorant to do so, and they dreaded that

during the transition period they would be swept off by disease or

famine--already they have suffered terribly from the ravages of

measles, scarlet fever and small-pox.

It was impossible to listen to them without interest, they were not

exacting, but they were very apprehensive of their future, and

thankful, as one of them put it, "a new life was dawning upon

them."

On the 23rd the conference was resumed, an Indian addressed the

people, telling them to listen and the interpreter, Peter Erasmus,

would read what changes they desired in the terms of our offer.

They asked for an ox and a cow each family; an increase in the

agricultural implements; provisions for the poor, unfortunate,

blind and lame; to be provided with missionaries and school

teachers; the exclusion of fire water in the whole Saskatchewan; a

further increase in agricultural implements as the band advanced in

civilization; freedom to cut timber on Crown lands; liberty to

change the site of the reserves before the survey; free passages

over Government bridges or scows; other animals, a horse, harness

and waggon, and cooking stove for each chief; a free supply of

medicines; a hand mill to each band; and lastly, that in case of

war they should not be liable to serve.

Two spokesmen then addressed us in support of these modifications

of the terms of the Treaty.

I replied to them that they had asked many things some of which had

been promised, and that the Commissioners would consult together

about what they had asked that day and the day before, and would

reply, but before doing so wished to know if that was the voice of

the whole people, to which the Indians all assented.

After an interval we again met them, and I replied, going over

their demands and reiterating my statements as to our inability to

grant food, and again explaining that only in a national famine did

the Crown ever intervene, and agreeing to make some additions to

the number of cattle and implements, as we felt it would be

desirable to encourage their desire to settle.

I closed by stating that, after they settled on the reserves, we

would give them provisions to aid them while cultivating, to the

extent of one thousand dollars per annum, but for three years only,

as after that time they should be able to support themselves.

I told them that we could not give them missionaries, though I was

pleased with their request, but that they must look to the

churches, and that they saw Catholic and Protestant missionaries

present at the conference. We told them that they must help their

own poor, and that if they prospered they could do so. With regard

to war, they would not be asked to fight unless they desired to do

so, but if the Queen did call on them to protect their wives and

children I believed they would not be backward.

I then asked if they were willing to accept our modified proposals.

Ah-tuk-uk-koop then addressed me, and concluded by calling on the

people, if they were in favour of our offers, to say so. This they

all did by shouting assent and holding up their hands.

The Pond Maker then rose and said he did not differ from his

people, but he did not see how they could feed and clothe their

children with what was promised. He expected to have received that;

he did not know how to build a house nor to cultivate the ground.

Joseph Toma, a Saulteaux, said he spoke for the Red Pheasant, Chief

of the Battle River Crees, and made demands as follows: Men to

build houses for them, increased salaries to the Chiefs and head

men, etc. He said what was offered was too little; he wanted enough

to cover the skin of the people, guns, and also ten miles of land

round the reserves in a belt.

I asked the Red Pheasant how it was that he was party to the

requests of his people and how, when I asked if that was their

unanimous voice he had assented, and yet had now put forward new

and large demands.

I said it was not good faith, and that I would not accede to the

requests now made; that what was offered was a gift as they had

still their old mode of living.

The principal Chiefs then rose and said that they accepted our

offers, and the Red Pheasant repudiated the demands and remarks of

Toma, and stated that he had not authorized him to speak for him.

Mist-ow-as-is then asked to speak for the Half-breeds, who wish to

live on the reserves.

I explained the distinction between the Half-breed people and the

Indian Half-breeds who lived amongst the Indians as Indians, and

said the Commissioners would consider the case of each of these

last on its merits.

The treaty was then signed by myself, Messrs. Christie and McKay,

Mist-ow-as-is and Ah-tuk-uk-koop, the head Chiefs, and by the other

Chiefs and Councillors, those signing, though many Indians were

absent, yet representing all the bands of any importance in the

Carlton regions, except the Willow Indians.

On the 24th the Commissioners again met the Indians, when I

presented the Head Chiefs with their medals, uniforms and flags,

and informed them that Mr. Christie would give the other Chiefs and

Councillors the same in the evening.

Some half a dozen of Saulteaux then came forward, of whom I found

one was from Qu'Appelle, and had been paid there, and the others

did not belong to the Carlton region. I told them that I had heard

that they had endeavoured to prevent me crossing the river and to

prevent a treaty being made, but that they were not wiser than the

whole of their nation, who had already been treated with.

They did not deny the charge, and their spokesman becoming

insolent, I declined to hear them further, and they retired, some

stating that they would go to Fort Pitt, which I warned them not to

do.

Besides these Saulteaux, there were others present who disapproved

of their proceedings, amongst them being Kis-so-way-is, already

mentioned, and Pecheeto, who was the chief spokesman at Qu'Appelle,

but is now a Councillor of the Fort Ellice Band.

I may mention here that the larger part of the Band to whom these

other Saulteaux belonged, with the Chief Yellow Quill, gave in

their adhesion to Treaty Number Four, at Fort Pelly about the time

that their comrades were troubling me at Fort Carlton.

Mr. Christie then commenced the payments, assisted by Mr. McKay, of

Prince Albert, and was engaged in so doing during the 24th and

25th. Amongst those paid were the few resident Saulteaux, who were

accepted by the Cree Chiefs as part of their bands.

The next morning, the 26th, the whole band, headed by their Chiefs

and Councillors, dressed in their uniforms, came to Carlton House

to pay their farewell visit to me.

The Chiefs came forward in order, each addressing me a few remarks,

and I replied briefly.

They then gave three cheers for the Queen, the Governor, one for

the Mounted Police, and for Mr. Lawrence Clarke, of Carlton House,

and then departed, firing guns as they went.

Considering it undesirable that so many Indians should be excluded

from the treaty, as would be the case if I left the Duck Lake

Indians to their own devices, I determined on sending a letter to

them. I, therefore, prepared a message, inviting them to meet me at

the Hon. Mr. McKay's encampment about three miles from the large

Indian encampment about half way to Duck Lake, on Monday, the 28th,

if they were prepared then to accept the terms of the treaty I had

made with the Carlton Indians. My letter was entrusted to Mr.

Levailler, who proceeded to Duck Lake.

On entering the Indian Council room, he found they had a letter

written to me by the Rev. Mr. Andre, offering to accept the terms

of the treaty, if I came to Duck Lake.

The Indians sent for Mr. Andre to read my letter to them, which was

received with satisfaction; both he and Mr. Levailler urged them to

accept my proposal, which they agreed to do, and requested Mr.

Levailler to inform me that they would go to the appointed place.

Accordingly, on the 28th, the Commissioners met the Willow Indians.

After the usual handshaking, and short speeches from two of the

Chiefs, I addressed them, telling them I was sorry for the course

they had pursued, and that I did not go away without giving them

this opportunity to be included in the treaty.

Kah-mee-yes-too-waegs, the Beardy, spoke for the people. He said

some things were too little. He was anxious about the buffalo.

Say-sway-kees wished to tell our mother, the Queen, that they were

alarmed about the buffalo. It appeared as if there was only one

left.

The Beardy again addressed me and said,--"You have told me what you

have done with the others you will do with us. I accept the terms;

no doubt it will run further, according to our numbers; when I am

utterly unable to help myself I want to receive assistance."

I replied to them, explaining, with regard to assistance that we

could not support or feed the Indians, and all that we would do

would be to help them to cultivate the soil.

If a general famine came upon the Indians the charity of the

Government would come into exercise. I admitted the importance of

steps being taken to preserve the buffalo, and assured them that it

would be considered by the Governor-General and Council of the

North-West Territories, to see if a wise law could be framed such

as could be carried out and obeyed.

The three Chiefs and their head men then signed the treaty, and the

medals and flags were distributed, when Mr. Christie intimated that

he was ready to make the payments.

They then asked that this should be done at Duck Lake, but Mr.

Christie informed them that, as we had to leave for Fort Pitt, this

was impossible; and that, moreover their share of the unexpended

provisions and the clothing and presents were at the fort, where

they would require to go for them.

They then agreed to accept the payment, which was at once proceeded

with.

The persistency with which these Indians clung to their endeavor to

compel the Commissioners to proceed to Duck Lake was in part owing

to superstition, the Chief Beardy having announced that he had a

vision, in which it was made known to him that the treaty would be

made there.

It was partly, also, owing to hostility to the treaty, as they

endeavored to induce the Carlton Indians to make no treaty, and

urge them not to sell the land, but to lend it for four years.

The good sense and intelligence of the head Chiefs led them to

reject their proposals, and the Willow Indians eventually, as I

have reported, accepted the treaty.

The 29th was occupied by Mr. Christie in settling accounts, taking

stock of the clothing, and preparing for our departure.

An application was made to me by Toma, the Saulteaux, who took part

in the proceedings on the 23rd, to sign the treaty as Chief of the

Saulteaux band.

As I could not ascertain that there were sufficient families of

these Indians resident in the region to be recognized as a distinct

band, and as I had no evidence that they desired him to be their

Chief, I declined to allow him to sign the treaty, but informed him

that next year, if the Saulteaux were numerous enough, and

expressed the wish that he should be Chief, he would be recognized.

He was satisfied with this, and said that next year they would come

to the payments.

His daughter, a widow, with her family, was paid, but he preferred

to remain until next year, as he did not wish to be paid except as

a Chief.

On the morning of the 31st, the previous day having been wet, Mr.

Christie and I left for Fort Pitt, Mr. McKay having preceded us by

the other road--that by way of Battle River.

We arrived on the 5th September, the day appointed, having rested,

as was our custom throughout the whole journey, on Sunday, the 3rd.

About six miles from the fort we were met by Col. Jarvis and the

police, with their band, as an escort, and also by Mr. McKay, the

Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, who informed us that he had

rooms ready for our occupation.

We found over one hundred lodges of Indians already there, and

received a message from them, that as their friends were constantly

arriving, they wished delay until the 7th.

On the morning of the 6th, Sweet Grass, who had come in, in

consequence of my message, accompanied by about thirty of the

principal men, called to see me and express their gratification at

my arrival.

Their greeting was cordial, but novel in my experience, as they

embraced me in their arms, and kissed me on both cheeks, a

reception which they extended also to Mr. Christie and Dr. Jackes.

The Hon. James McKay arrived from Battle River in the evening, and

reported that he had met there a number of Indians, principally

Saulteaux, who had been camped there for some time. There had been

about seventy lodges in all, but as the buffalo had come near, the

poorer Indians had gone after them.

They expressed good feeling, and said they would like to have

waited until the 15th, the day named for my arrival there, to see

me and accept the treaty, but that the buffalo hunt was of so much

consequence to them that they could not wait so long.

This band is a mixed one, composed of Crees and Saulteaux from Jack

Fish Lake, their Chief being the Yellow Sky.

On the 7th the Commissioners proceeded to the council tent, which

was pitched on the high plateau above the fort, commanding a very

fine view, and facing the Indian encampment.

They were accompanied by the escort of the police, with their band.

The Indians approached with much pomp and ceremony, following the

lead of Sweet Grass.

The stem dance was performed as at Fort Carlton, but with much more

ceremony, there being four pipes instead of one, and the number of

riders, singers and dancers being more numerous. After the pipes

were stroked by the Commissioners, they were presented to each of

them to be smoked, and then laid upon the table to be covered with

calico and cloth, and returned to their bearers.

After the conclusion of these proceedings I addressed them, telling

them we had come at their own request, and that there was now a

trail leading from Lake Superior to Red River, that I saw it

stretching on thence to Fort Ellice, and there branching off, the

one track going to Qu'Appelle and Cypress Hills, and the other by

Fort Pelly to Carlton, and thence I expected to see it extended, by

way of Fort Pitt to the Rocky Mountains; on that road I saw all the

Chippewas and Crees walking, and I saw along it gardens being

planted and houses built.

I invited them to join their brother Indians and walk with the

white men on this road. I told them what we had done at Carlton,

and offered them the same terms, which I would explain fully if

they wished it.

On closing Sweet Grass rose, and taking me by the hand, asked me to

explain the terms of the treaty, after which they would all shake

hands with me and then go to meet in council.

I complied with this request, and stated the terms fully to them,

both addresses having occupied me for three hours. On concluding

they expressed satisfaction, and retired to their council.

On the 8th the Indians asked for more time to deliberate, which was

granted, as we learned that some of them desired to make exorbitant

demands, and we wished to let them understand through the avenues

by which we had access to them that these would be fruitless.

On the 9th, the Commissioners proceeded to the council tent, but

the Indians were slow of gathering, being still in council,

endeavoring to agree amongst themselves.

At length they approached and seated themselves in front of the

tent, I then asked them to speak to me. The Eagle addressed the

Indians, telling them not to be afraid, and that I was to them as a

brother, and what the Queen wished to establish was for their good.

After some time had passed, I again called on them to tell me their

minds and not to be afraid. Sweet Grass then rose and addressed me

in a very sensible manner. He thanked the Queen for sending me; he

was glad to have a brother and a friend who would help to lift them

up above their present condition. He thanked me for the offer and

saw nothing to be afraid of. He therefore accepted gladly, and took

my hand to his heart. He said God was looking down on us that day,

and had opened a new world to them. Sweet Grass further said, he

pitied those who had to live by the buffalo, but that if spared

until this time next year, he wanted, this my brother (i.e. the

Governor), to commence to act for him in protecting the buffalo;

for himself he would commence at once to prepare a small piece of

land, and his kinsmen would do the same.

Placing one hand over my heart, and the other over his own, he

said: "May the white man's blood never be spilt on this earth. I am

thankful that the white man and red man can stand together. When I

hold your hand and touch your heart, let us be as one; use your

utmost to help me and help my children so that they may prosper."

The Chief's speech, of which the foregoing gives a brief outline in

his own words, was assented to by the people with a peculiar

guttural sound which takes with them the place of the British

cheer.

I replied, expressing my satisfaction that they had so unanimously

approved of the arrangement I had made with the nation at Carlton,

and promised that I would send them next year, as I had said to the

Crees of Carlton, copies of the treaty printed on parchment.

I said that I knew that some of the Chiefs were absent, but next

year they would receive the present of money as they had done.

The Commissioners then signed the treaty, as did Sweet Grass, eight

other Chiefs and those of their Councillors who were present, the

Chiefs addressing me before signing. James Senum, Chief of the

Crees at White Fish Lake, said that he commenced to cultivate the

soil some years ago.

Mr. Christie, then chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, gave

him a plough, but it was now broken. He had no cattle when he

commenced, but he and his people drew the plough themselves, and

made hoes of roots of trees. Mr. Christie also gave him a pit-saw

and a grind-stone, and he was still using them. His heart was sore

in spring when his children wanted to plough and had no implements.

He asked for these as soon as possible, and referring to the

Wesleyan mission at that place, he said by following what I have

been taught it helps me a great deal.

The Little Hunter, a leading Chief of the Plain Crees, said he was

glad from his very heart; he felt in taking the Governor's hand as

if it was the Queen's. When I hear her words that she is going to

put this country to rights, it is the help of God that put it into

her heart. He wished an everlasting grasp of her hand; he was

thankful for the children who would prosper. All the children who

were settling there, hoped that the Great Spirit would look down

upon us as one. Other Chiefs expressed themselves similarly.

Ken-oo-say-oo, or The Fish, was a Chippewayan or mountaineer, a

small band of whom are in this region.

They had no Chief, but at my request they had selected a Chief and

presented the Fish to me. He said, speaking in Cree, that he

thanked the Queen, and shook hands with me, he was glad for what

had been done, and if he could have used his own tongue he would

have said more.

I then presented Sweet Grass his medal, uniform, and flag, the band

playing "God Save the Queen" and all the Indians rising to their

feet.

The rest of the medals, flags, and uniforms, were distributed, as

soon as possible, and Mr. Christie commenced to make the payments.

On Sunday, the 10th, the Rev. Mr. McKay conducted the service for

the police and others, who might attend, and in the afternoon the

Rev. Mr. McDougall had a service in Cree; Bishop Grandin and the

Rev. Mr. Scollen also had services for the Crees and Chippewayans.

On Monday, the 11th, Mr. Christie completed the payments and

distribution of provisions. The police commenced crossing the

Saskatchewan, with a view to leaving on Tuesday, the 12th, for

Battle River. We therefore sent our horses and carts across the

river, and had our tents pitched with the view of commencing our

return journey, early in the morning. Just as we were about to

leave Port Pitt, however, the Great Bear, one of the three Cree

Chiefs who were absent, arrived at the fort and asked to see me.

The Commissioners met him, when he told me that he had been out on

the plains hunting the buffalo, and had not heard the time of the

meeting; that on hearing of it he had been sent in by the Crees and

by the Stonies or Assiniboines to speak for them. I explained to

him what had been done at Carlton and Pitt, he expressed regret

that I was going away as he wished to talk to me. I then said we

would not remove until the next day, which gratified him much.

On the 13th, Sweet Grass and all the other Chiefs and Councillors

came down to the fort with the Great Bear to bid me farewell.

Sweet Grass told me the object of their visit. The Bear said the

Indians on the plains had sent him to speak for them, and those who

were away were as a barrier before what he would have to say.

Sweet Grass said, addressing him, "You see the representative of

the Queen here. I think the Great Spirit put it into their hearts

to come to our help. Let there be no barrier, as it is with great

difficulty that this was brought about. Say yes and take his hand."

The White Fish spoke similarly.

The Bear said, "Stop, my friends. I never saw the Governor before;

when I heard he was to come, I said I will request him to save me

from what I most dread--hanging; it was not given to us to have the

rope about our necks." I replied, that God had given it to us to

punish murder by death, and explained the protection the police

force afforded the Indians.

Big Bear still demanded that there should be no hanging, and I

informed him that his request would not be granted. He then wished

that the buffalo might be protected, and asked why the other Chiefs

did not speak.

The Fish, the Chippewayan replied, "We do not because Sweet Grass

has spoken, and what he says we all say."

I then asked the Bear to tell the other two absent Chiefs Short

Tail and Sagamat, what had been done; that I had written him and

them a letter, and sent it by Sweet Grass, and that next year they

could join the treaty; with regard to the buffalo, the North-West

Council were considering the question, and I again explained that

we would not interfere with the Indian's daily life except to

assist them in farming.

I then said I never expected to see them again. The land was so

large that another Governor was to be sent, whom I hoped they would

receive as they had done me, and give him the same confidence they

had extended to me. The Chiefs and Councillors, commencing with

Sweet Grass, then shook hands with Mr. Christie and myself, each

addressing me words of parting.

The Bear remained sitting until all had shaken hands, he then took

mine and holding it, said, "If he had known he would have met me

with all his people. I am not an undutiful child, I do not throw

back your hand, but as my people are not here I do not sign. I will

tell them what I have heard, and next year I will come." The

Indians then left, but shortly afterwards the Bear came to see me

again, fearing I had not fully understood him, and assured me that

he accepted the treaty as if he had signed it, and would come next

year with all his people and accept it.

We crossed the river, and left for Battle River in the afternoon,

where we arrived on the afternoon of the 15th. We found no Indians

there except Red Pheasant and his band, whom we had already met at

Carlton.

On the 16th, the Red Pheasant saw the Commissioners. He said he was

a Battle River Indian; his fathers had lived there before him, but

he was glad to see the Government coming there, as it would improve

his means of living. He wished the claims of the Half-breeds who

had settled there before the Government came to be respected, as

for himself he would go away and seek another home, and though it

was hard to leave the home of his people, yet he would make way for

the white man, and surely, he said, "if the poor Indian acts thus,

the Queen, when she hears of this, will help him." He asked, that a

little land should be given him to plant potatoes in next spring,

and they would remove after digging them, to their reserve, which

he thought he would wish to have at the Eagle Hills.

I expressed my satisfaction with their conduct and excellent

spirit, and obtained the cheerful consent of Mr. Fuller, of the

Pacific telegraph line, who is in occupation of a large cultivated

field, that the band should use three acres within the fenced

enclosure, and which, moreover, Mr. Fuller kindly promised to

plough for them gratuitously.

The 17th being Sunday we remained at our camp, and on Monday

morning, the 18th, we commenced our long return journey, with the

incidents of which I will not trouble you further than to state

that, on arriving on the 4th of October at an encampment about

thirty miles from Portage la Prairie, we found it necessary to

leave our tents and carts to follow us leisurely (many of the

horses having become completely exhausted with the long journey of

sixteen hundred miles) and push on to the Portage; on the 5th we

reached the Portage, where Mr. Christie and Dr. Jackes remained,

their horses being unable to go farther, and I went on to Poplar

Point, forty-five miles from Fort Garry, where I found accommodation

for the night from Mr. Chisholm, of the Hudson's Bay Company's Post

there.

I arrived at Fort Garry on the afternoon of the 6th of October

having been absent for over two months and a half. Mr. McKay,

having taken another road, had arrived before me; Mr. Christie

and Dr. Jackes reached here subsequently. Having thus closed the

narrative of our proceedings, I proceed to deal with the results of

our mission, and to submit for your consideration some reflections

and to make some practical suggestions.

1st. The Indians inhabiting the ceded territory are chiefly Crees,

but there are a few Assiniboines on the plains and also at the

slope of the mountains. There are also a small number of Saulteaux

and one band of Chippewayans.

2nd. I was agreeably surprised to find so great a willingness on

the part of the Crees to commence to cultivate the soil, and so

great a desire to have their children instructed. I requested Mr.

Christie to confer with the Chief while the payments were going on,

as to the localities where they would desire to have reserves

assigned to them, and with few exceptions they indicated the

places, in fact most of them have already commenced to settle.

It is, therefore important that the cattle and agricultural

implements should be given them without delay.

I would, therefore, recommend that provision should be made for

forwarding these as soon as the spring opens. I think it probable

that cattle and some implements could be purchased at Prince Albert

and thus avoid transportation.

3rd. I would further represent that, though I did not grant the

request, I thought the desire of the Indians, to be instructed in

farming and building, most reasonable, and I would therefore

recommend that measures be adopted to provide such instruction for

them. Their present mode of living is passing away; the Indians are

tractable, docile and willing to learn. I think that advantage

should be taken of this disposition to teach them to become

self-supporting, which can best be accomplished with the aid of a

few practical farmers and carpenters to instruct them in farming

and house building.

The universal demand for teachers, and by some of the Indians for

missionaries, is also encouraging. The former, the Government can

supply; for the latter they must rely on the churches, and I trust

that these will continue and extend their operations amongst them.

The field is wide enough for all, and the cry of the Indian for

help is a clamant one.

4th. In connection with the aiding of the Indians to settle, I have

to call attention to the necessity of regulations being made for

the preservation of the buffalo. These animals are fast decreasing

in numbers, but I am satisfied that a few simple regulations would

preserve the herds for many years. The subject was constantly

pressed on my attention by the Indians, and I promised that the

matter would be considered by the North-West Council. The council

that has governed the territories for the last four years was

engaged in maturing a law for this purpose, and had our regime

continued we would have passed a statute for their preservation. I

commend the matter to the attention of our successors as one of

urgent importance.

5th. There is another class of the population in the North-West

whose position I desire to bring under the notice of the Privy

Council. I refer to the wandering Half-breeds of the plains, who

are chiefly of French descent and live the life of the Indians.

There are a few who are identified with the Indians, but there is a

large class of Metis who live by the hunt of the buffalo, and have

no settled homes. I think that a census of the numbers of these

should be procured, and while I would not be disposed to recommend

their being brought under the treaties, I would suggest that land

should be assigned to them, and that on their settling down, if

after an examination into their circumstances, it should be found

necessary and expedient, some assistance should be given them to

enable them to enter upon agricultural operations.

If the measures suggested by me are adopted, viz., effective

regulations with regard to the buffalo, the Indians taught to

cultivate the soil, and the erratic Half-breeds encouraged to

settle down, I believe that the solution of all social questions of

any present importance in the North-West Territories will have been

arrived at.

In conclusion, I have to call your attention to the report made to

me by the Hon. Mr. Christie, which I forward herewith; that

gentleman took the entire charge of the payments and administration

of matters connected with the treaty, and I have to speak in the

highest terms of the value of his services.

Accompanying his report will be found the pay sheets, statements of

distribution of provisions and clothing, memoranda as to the

localities of the reserves, suggestions as to the times and places

of payment next year, and a general balance sheet.

A credit of $60,000 was given to me, and I have placed as a refund

to the credit of the Receiver-General, $12,730.55. This arises from

the fact that owing to the proximity of the buffalo, many of the

Indians did not come into the treaty.

I have to acknowledge the benefit I derived from the services of

the Hon. James McKay, camping as he did near the Indian encampment.

He had the opportunity of meeting them constantly, and learning

their views which his familarity with the Indian dialects enabled

him to do. Dr. Jackes took a warm interest in the progress of our

work, and kept a record of the negotiations, a copy of which I

enclose and which I think ought to be published, as it will be of

great value to those who will be called on to administer the

treaty, showing as it does what was said by the negotiators and by

the Indians, and preventing misrepresentations in the future. The

Commissioners are under obligations to Lieut.-Colonel McLeod, and

the other officers and men of the police force for their escort.

The conduct of the men was excellent, and the presence of the force

as an emblem and evidence of the establishment of authority in the

North-West was of great value.

I have to record my appreciation of the kindness of Messrs. Clarke,

of Fort Carlton, and McKay of Fort Pitt, and of the other officials

of the Hudson's Bay Company, and of the hearty assistance they

extended towards the accomplishment of our mission. I have also to

mention the interest taken in the negotiations by His Lordship

Bishop Grandin, and by the various missionaries, Protestant and

Catholic.

On this occasion, as on others, I found the Half-breed population

whether French or English generally using the influence of their

relationship to the Indians in support of our efforts to come to a

satisfactory arrangement with them.

We also had the advantage of good interpreters, having secured the

services of Messrs. Peter Ballendine and John McKay, while the

Indians had engaged Mr. Peter Erasmus to discharge the same duty.

The latter acted as chief interpreter, being assisted by the

others, and is a most efficient interpreter.

I transmit herewith a copy of the treaty, and have only in

conclusion to express my hope that this further step in the

progress of the work of the Dominion amongst the Indian tribes will

prove beneficial to them, and of advantage to the realm.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

ALEXANDER MORRIS,

Lieut.-Governor.

Narrative of the proceedings connected with the effecting of the

treaties at Forts Carlton and Pitt, in the year 1876, together with

a report of the speeches of the Indians and Commissioners, by A. G.

Jackes, Esq., M.D., Secretary to the Commission.

The expedition for the proposed Treaty Number Six, reached the

South Saskatchewan on the afternoon of August 14th, where they were

met by a messenger from the Cree Indians expressing welcome, also a

messenger from Mr. L. Clarke, of Carlton House, offering to the

Governor and party the hospitality of the Fort.

The next morning, when about ten miles from Carlton, the

Commissioners were met by a detachment of Mounted Police under

Major Walker, who escorted them to the Fort; on the way the

Commissioners passed an encampment of Crees whose Chief had

previously seen the Governor at Duck Lake and asked him to make the

treaty there; he replied that he could not promise, that he would

meet the Indians where the greater number wished. These Crees

joined in an invocation to the deity for a blessing on the

Governor, and deputed one of their number to welcome him by shaking

hands.

Near the Fort were encamped about two hundred and fifty lodges of

Crees, to whom the Commissioners at once served out two days'

allowance of provisions.

On the 16th the Crees reported that they wanted another day to

confer amongst themselves, this was granted and the Governor

requested them to meet him and the Commissioners on the 18th at 10

a.m., to commence the business of the treaty.

FIRST DAY

August 18th.

At half-past ten His Honor Lieut.-Gov. Morris, the Hon. W. J.

Christie and Hon. Jas. McKay, accompanied by an escort of

North-West Mounted Police, left the Fort for the camp of the Cree

Indians, who had selected a site about a mile and a half from the

Hudson's Bay Fort. There were about two hundred and fifty lodges,

containing over two thousand souls. The Governor's tent was pitched

on a piece of rising ground about four hundred yards from the

Indian camp, and immediately facing it.

As soon as the Governor and party arrived, the Indians who were to

take part in the treaty, commenced to assemble near the Chief's

tents, to the sound of beating drums and the discharge of small

arms, singing, dancing and loud speaking, going on at the same

time.

In about half an hour they were ready to advance and meet the

Governor; this they did in a large semi-circle; in their front

were about twenty braves on horseback, galloping about in

circles, shouting, singing and going through various picturesque

performances. The semi-circle steadily advanced until within fifty

yards of the Governor's tent, when a halt was made and further

peculiar ceremonies commenced, the most remarkable of which was the

"dance of the stem." This was commenced by the Chiefs, medicine

men, councillors, singers and drum-beaters, coming a little to the

front and seating themselves on blankets and robes spread for them.

The bearer of the stem, Wah-wee-kah-nich-kah-oh-tah-mah-hote (the

man you strike on the back), carrying in his hand a large and

gorgeously adorned pipe stem, walked slowly along the semi-circle,

and advancing to the front, raised the stem to the heavens, then

slowly turned to the north, south, east and west, presenting the

stem at each point; returning to the seated group he handed the

stem to one of the young men, who commenced a low chant, at the

same time performing a ceremonial dance accompanied by the drums

and singing of the men and women in the background.

This was all repeated by another of the young men, after which the

horsemen again commenced galloping in circles, the whole body

slowly advancing. As they approached his tent, the Governor,

accompanied by the Hon. W. J. Christie and Hon. Jas. McKay,

Commissioners, went forward to meet them and to receive the stem

carried by its bearer. It was presented first to the Governor, who

in accordance with their customs, stroked it several times, then

passed it to the Commissioners who repeated the ceremony.

The significance of this ceremony is that the Governor and

Commissioners accepted the friendship of the tribe.

The interpreter then introduced the Chiefs and principal men; the

Indians slowly seating themselves in regular order in front of the

tent. In a few minutes there was perfect quiet and order, when His

Honor the Lieutenant-Governor addressed them as follows:

"My Indian brothers, Indians of the plains, I have shaken hands

with a few of you, I shake hands with all of you in my heart. God

has given us a good day, I trust his eye is upon us, and that what

we do will be for the benefit of his children.

"What I say and what you say, and what we do, is done openly before

the whole people. You are, like me and my friends who are with me,

children of the Queen. We are of the same blood, the same God made

us and the same Queen rules over us.

"I am a Queen's Councillor, I am her Governor of all these

territories, and I am here to speak from her to you. I am here now

because for many days the Cree nation have been sending word that

they wished to see a Queen's messenger face to face. I told the

Queen's Councillors your wishes. I sent you word last year by a

man who has gone where we will all go by and by, that a Queen's

messenger would meet you this year. I named Forts Carlton and Pitt

as the places of meeting, I sent a letter to you saying so, and my

heart grew warm when I heard how well you received it.

"As the Queen's chief servant here, I always keep my promises; the

winter came and went but I did not forget my word, and I sent a

messenger to tell you that I would meet you at Carlton on the 15th

of August, and at Fort Pitt on the 5th of September.

"During the winter I went to Ottawa to consult with the other

Queen's Councillors about you amongst other matters, and they said

to me, 'you promised a Queen's messenger to the Crees, you have

been so much with the Indians, that we wish you to go yourself;'

I said 'the journey is long and I am not a strong man, but when a

duty is laid upon me I will do it, but,' I said, 'you must give

with me two friends and councillors whom I can trust, to help me in

the duty;' and now I have with me two friends whom you and I have

known long; one of them is of your own blood, the other has been

many years amongst you.