TREATY NUMBER SEVEN; OR THE BLACKFEET TREATY
The making of this treaty, which completed the series of treaties,
extending from Lake Superior to the slopes of the Rocky Mountains,
was entrusted, by the Privy Council, to the Hon. David Laird (who,
after the effecting of the Carlton and Fort Pitt Treaties, had, in
1876, been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West
Territories, subsequently to the erection of these territories into
a distinct Government) and Lieut.-Col. McLeod, of the Mounted
Police Force. The necessity which had arisen for making the treaty
is thus stated by the Hon. the Minister of the Interior, the Hon.
David Mills, in his Annual Report for 1877:
"The conclusion, in 1876, of the treaty with the Crees, Assiniboine
and Saulteaux Indians (being the sixth of the series of treaties up
to that time negotiated with the Indians of the North-West) left
but a small portion of the territory lying between the boundary
line and the 54th parallel of latitude unsurrendered.
"The unsurrendered portion of the territory, including about fifty
thousand square miles, lies at the south-west angle of the
territories, north of the boundary line, east of the Rocky
Mountains, south of Red River (Treaty Number Six) and west of the
Cypress Hills, or Treaty Number Four. This portion of the
North-West is occupied by the Blackfeet, Blood, and Sarcees or
Piegan Indians, some of the most warlike and intelligent but
intractable bands of the North-West. These bands have for years
past been anxiously expecting to be treated with, and have been
much disappointed at the delay of negotiations.
"In last year's report I stated that His Honor Lieut.-Gov. Morris,
very strongly recommended that no further delay should take place
in entering into negotiations with these Indians. His Honor
reported, in effect, "that there was a general consent of opinion
amongst the missionaries settled in that territory, and others who
are acquainted with these Indians, as to the desirableness of
having such a treaty made at the earliest possible date, with a
view to preserving the present friendly disposition of these
tribes, which might easily give place to feelings of an unfriendly
or hostile nature, should the treaty negotiations be much longer
delayed."
"In view of these facts, and in order to satisfy these important
tribes, and to prevent the difficulties which might hereafter arise
through the settlement of whites, who are already flocking into
Fort McLeod and other portions of this territory, Your Excellency
decided that these Indians should be treated with this year, and
the Indians were notified accordingly.
"His Honor Mr. Laird, the Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West
Territories, and Lieut.-Col. James F. McLeod, C.M.G., were selected
by Your Excellency to negotiate the treaty. The former of these
gentlemen, had assisted in 1874 in negotiating Treaty Number Four,
with the Cree and Saulteaux Indians, and the latter, during his
residence for some years past at Fort McLeod, as Commandant of the
Mounted Police Force, had acquired the entire confidence and good
will of the Indian tribes proposed to be dealt with."
Besides all this, the Chiefs of the Blackfeet, in 1876, sent to the
Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories, a letter, with
regard to a treaty, and also by a messenger, in whom they had
confidence, a message, to a similar effect. The Blackfeet Indians
are a bold and warlike race. When the Sioux war with the United
States was about being initiated, the Sioux invited them to join in
the war, but they promptly refused. They are unlikely to become
farmers, but as the country they inhabit presents unusual
facilities for that industry, they may be induced to adopt a
pastoral life. They already possess large herds of horses, and may
be taught to raise cattle also.
I requested the Rev. C. Scollen, who had for many years been a
missionary among the Plain Crees, and latterly, for several years,
among the Blackfeet, to make a report to me of the character,
habits and condition of this nation, with which request he
willingly complied. I now give place to this report, which gives a
vivid view of the character of this bold and warlike race, and
shews the benefits they had, so far back as 1876, derived from the
presence of the Mounted Police, the prohibition of liquor, and the
establishment of law and order in the North-West Territories, under
Canadian rule. I may here remark, that another great benefit has
resulted from the judicious steps taken by the Canadian Government,
and that is the cessation of warfare between the various tribes,
which was before of constant occurrence. An intelligent Ojibbeway
Indian trader told me, that the change was wonderful. "Before," he
said, "the Queen's Government came, we were never safe, and now,"
he said, "I can sleep in my tent anywhere, and have no fear. I can
go to the Blackfeet, and Cree camps, and they treat me as a
friend." The report of Mr. Scollen is as follows:
FORT PITT, September 8th, 1876.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF MANITOBA.
EXCELLENT GOVERNOR,--Having had some years of experience as a
missionary amongst the Cree and Blackfeet Indians of the North-West
Territory, I humbly undertake to submit to your consideration a few
details regarding the latter tribe of Her Majesty's Indian
subjects. I do this with all the more confidence as the successful
way in which you conducted the treaty with the Carlton Indians (a
treaty including no small difficulties), has convinced me of your
thorough knowledge of the character of this people. But, although
the general character of all the tribes may be nearly the same, yet
in their social dispositions they sometimes materially differ, and
this, I think, will be found to be the case with the Crees and
Blackfeet when compared on that point. The Crees have always looked
upon the white man as a friend, or, to use their own language, as a
brother. They have never been afraid of him, nor have they given
him any cause to be afraid of them. The Blackfeet have acted
somewhat differently; they have regarded the white man as a
demi-god, far superior to themselves in intelligence, capable of
doing them good or evil, according as he might be well or ill
disposed towards them, unscrupulous in his dealings with others,
and consequently a person to be flattered, feared and shunned, and
even injured, whenever this could be done with impunity. I am not
now describing the Blackfeet of the present day, but those of
fifteen years ago, when I first saw them. They were then a proud,
haughty, numerous people (perhaps ten thousand on the British side
of the line), having a regular politico-religious organization by
which their thirst for blood and their other barbarous passions
were constantly fired to the highest pitch of frenzy. Since that
time their number has decreased to less than one half, and their
systematic organizations have fallen into decay; in fact they have
been utterly demoralized as a people. This sudden decadence was
brought on by two causes: 1. About ten years ago the Americans
crossed the line and established themselves on Pelly River, where
they carried on to an extraordinary extent the illicit traffic in
intoxicating liquor to the Blackfeet. The fiery water flowed as
freely, if I may use the metaphor, as the streams running from the
Rocky Mountains, and hundreds of the poor Indians fell victims to
the white man's craving for money, some poisoned, some frozen to
death whilst in a state of intoxication, and many shot down by
American bullets. 2. Then in 1870 came that disease so fatal to
Indians, the small-pox which told upon the Blackfeet with terrible
effect, destroying between six hundred and eight hundred of them.
Surviving relatives went more and more for the use of alcohol; they
endeavoured to drown their grief in the poisonous beverage. They
sold their robes and their horses by the hundred for it, and now
they began killing one another, so that in a short time they were
divided into several small parties, afraid to meet. Fortunately for
them the Government were aware of the state of affairs in the
country and did not remain indifferent to it; and, as I have heard
yourself explain to the Indians, Her Gracious Majesty has at heart
the welfare of even the most obscure of her subjects. In the summer
of 1874, I was travelling amongst the Blackfeet. It was painful to
me to see the state of poverty to which they had been reduced.
Formerly they had been the most opulent Indians in the country, and
now they were clothed in rags, without horses and without guns. But
this was the year of their salvation; that very summer the Mounted
Police were struggling against the difficulties of a long journey
across the barren plains in order to bring them help. This noble
corps reached their destination that same fall, and with magic
effect put an entire stop to the abominable traffic of whiskey with
the Indians. Since that time the Blackfeet Indians are becoming
more and more prosperous. They are now well clothed and well
furnished with horses and guns. During the last two years I have
calculated that they have bought two thousand horses to replace
those they had given for whiskey. They are forced to acknowledge
that the arrival of the Red Coats has been to them the greatest
boon. But, although they are externally so friendly to the Police
and other strangers who now inhabit their country, yet underneath
this friendship remains hidden some of that dread which they have
always had of the white man's intention to cheat them; and here,
excellent Governor, I will state my reasons for believing that a
treaty should be concluded with them also at the earliest possible
date.
1st. The Blackfeet are extremely jealous of what they consider
their country, and never allowed any white men, Half-breeds, or
Crees to remain in it for any length of time; the only reason that
they never drove the Americans off, apart from their love for
whiskey, was their dread of the Henri rifle.
2nd. They have an awful dread of the future. They think that the
Police are in the country not only to keep out whiskey traders, but
also to protect white people against them, and that this country
will be gradually taken from them without any ceremony. This I can
certify, for although they may not say so to others yet they do not
hide it from me.
3rd. Numbers of people are settling around Fort McLeod and Fort
Calgary in order to farm, raise stock, etc. This will probably
drive the buffalo away through time from the ordinary hunting
grounds, and if so, the Blackfeet, being the most helpless Indians
in the country, and unaccustomed to anything else but hunting
buffalo, would suffer extremely.
4th. The settlers also are anxious that a treaty be made as soon as
possible, so that they may know what portions of land they can hold
without fear of being molested.
5th. The Blackfeet themselves are expecting to have a mutual
understanding with the Government, because they have been told of
it by several persons, and namely by Gen. Smythe last year.
Such are the principal reasons which occur to my mind for making a
treaty with the Blackfeet. It remains for you, excellent Governor,
to weigh their value. Of course you would find the same prejudices
amongst the Blackfeet that you have found amongst the Crees, but
you would have no greater difficulty in dispelling them. You would
have four clans to treat with, viz.: the Blackfeet, Bloods, and
Piegans, all of the same tribe, and the Sarcees, a branch of the
Peace River Indians called Beavers. As to the place of rendezvous
there would be no difficulty whatever; the Blackfeet live in large
camps under their respective Chiefs, and could go to any point
after due notice.
It remains for me now, excellent Governor, to beg you to excuse the
many defects of this communication, and to accept the assurance of
sincere esteem and profound respect of
Your most humble servant,
CONSTANTINE SCOLLEN,
Priest, O.U.I.
P.S.--I am also aware that the Sioux Indians, now at war with the
Americans, have sent a message to the Blackfeet tribe, asking them
to make an alliance offensive and defensive against all white
people in the country.
C. SCOLLEN.
In order to effect a treaty, Lieut.-Gov. Laird, and Lieut.-Col.
James F. McLeod, met the Blackfeet, at the Blackfoot crossing, on
the Bow River on the 17th day of September, 1877, which day had
been selected for the time of meeting. Gov. Laird proceeded from
the temporary seat of the Government of the North-West Territories
at Swan River, and Col. McLeod from Fort McLeod, the head quarters
of the Mounted Police, to the appointed rendezvous.
The Commissioners met the Indians on that day, and after five days
of tedious negotiations, the treaty was satisfactorily concluded,
and signed by the Chiefs and head men present.
The total number of the Indians, represented at the making of the
treaty, and who were paid the gratuity under it, was four thousand
three hundred and ninety-two. The terms of the treaty, were
substantially the same as those contained in the North-West Angle
and Qu'Appelle treaties, except that as some of the bands were
disposed to engage in pastoral pursuits, it was arranged to give
them cattle instead of agricultural implements. The Minister of the
Interior well observes in his report "that the conclusion of this
treaty with these warlike and intractable tribes, at a time when
the Indian tribes, immediately across the border, were engaged in
open hostilities with the United States troops, is certainly a
conclusive proof of the just policy of the Government of Canada
toward the aboriginal population," and, I add, of the confidence of
the Indians in the promises and just dealing of the servants of the
British Crown, in Canada, a confidence that can only be kept up by
the strictest observance of the stipulations of the treaties.
I now append the interesting despatch of Lieut.-Gov. Laird, giving
a detailed account of the negotiation of the treaty, and a report
of the speeches of the Commissioners and Indians, extracted from a
report in the Globe newspaper, dated October 4th, 1877, which,
though not authentic, I believe, gives a general view of what
passed during the negotiations.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
BATTLEFORD, NORTH-WEST TERRITORY.
Sir,--I have the honor to inform you that on the 4th August I
received at Swan River your telegram dated on the first of that
month.
It notified me that a Commission appointing Lieut.-Col. James F.
McLeod, C.M.G., and myself, Commissioners to negotiate a treaty
with the Blackfeet and other Indians of the unsurrendered parts of
the North-West Territories adjoining the United States boundary,
had been forwarded to Fort McLeod.
I immediately made preparations for the journey. These occupied me
a week, as arrangements had to be made for the removal of furniture
and other property to Battle River, where the Government House for
the territories, in course of construction, would probably be ready
for occupation on my return from the treaty negotiations. On the
11th August I left Swan River for Fort McLeod, via Battleford,
proposing to go from the latter place by Cypress Hills to my
destination. I took the Quill Lake trail and came to the telegraph
line, about four miles from Big Stone Lake. Thence I followed
that line until I came to the trail at the elbow of the North
Saskatchewan leading to Battle River. Where the telegraph crosses
the South Saskatchewan I found an excellent ferry scow, and a
ferryman placed there by the Public Works Department. I arrived at
the ferry about noon on the 20th, and though a high wind rendered
it difficult to manage the scow, the horses, with the vehicles and
their contents, were safely ferried before sunset. On the following
evening I reached the Elbow, and the morning thereafter before
leaving camp, Inspector Walker, of Battleford, drove up, on his
way to Carlton, to arrange for the distribution of certain of the
articles intended for the Indians of Treaty Number Six, which had
not arrived when he paid the annuities at that post in the early
part of the month. Some of the Indians had not dispersed since
they received their payments, and interested parties were causing
dissatisfaction among them by reporting that the provisions
intended for them, while assembled to receive their annuities,
having now arrived, should be distributed to them, as well as the
agricultural implements and other articles promised.
I advised Inspector Walker to distribute to those Indians still
around Carlton their share of the presents, and to give them a
small quantity of provisions from the Government supplies, to
enable them to proceed without delay to their hunting grounds. I
then continued my journey to Battleford, which I reached on Monday,
the 24th, at noon. Here I was happy to meet Major Irvine, who
had come straight from Fort McLeod, across the Great Plains, to
conduct me on my journey, and to inform me that for satisfactory
reasons adduced by Crowfoot, the leading chief of the Blackfeet,
Lieut.-Col. McLeod, my associate Commissioner, had consented that
the meeting of the treaty should be held at the Blackfoot crossing
of the Bow River, instead of at Fort McLeod. Major Irvine had
reached Battleford only a few hours before me, and having a
Blackfoot Indian as guide, I abandoned my intention of going to
Fort McLeod by Cypress Hills, and resolved to take the more direct
and much shorter course by which that officer came.
On Friday I had interviews with several parties on business, among
whom were Red Pheasant, the Chief of the Battle River Crees, and
a portion of his band. He desired explanations about the articles
promised in the treaty of last year, and the reason they were so
late in being forwarded. I explained that the unusually heavy rains
in Manitoba and the eastern portion of the territories had made the
travelling so bad that the freighters had not been able to overtake
the journey in the time which they expected; that the Government
were very sorry at the disappointment, as it was their desire to
faithfully carry out all their promises. The officers here had done
their best to meet the difficulty and satisfy the Indians, though
at no little expense to the country.
The Chief appeared to be quite satisfied with the explanation, and
after some further conversation about the reserve, which he desires
to be located at Eagle Hills, he and his companions retired to
their lodges, situated for the present close to the south side of
Battle River, under the bank in front of Government House.
Inspector Walker having kindly given instructions to the
non-commissioned officer in charge of the Mounted Police in his
absence, that every assistance in his power was to be afforded to
me for continuing my journey, I was enabled to leave Battleford for
Fort McLeod with Major Irvine, on the 25th August. Besides us two,
the party consisted of four police constables, my personal servant
and the guide.
For the first day we followed a trail leading southward, but
afterwards our course was across the trackless plains until we
approached near our destination. On the third day out we first
sighted buffalo, and every day subsequently that we travelled,
except the last, we saw herds of the animals. Most of the herds,
however, were small, and we remarked with regret that very few
calves of this season were to be seen. We observed portions of many
buffalo carcasses on our route, from not a few of which the
peltries had not been removed. From this circumstance, as well as
from the fact that many of the skins are made into parchments and
coverings for lodges, and are used for other purposes, I concluded
that the export of buffalo robes from the territories does not
indicate even one-half the number of those valuable animals
slaughtered annually in our country.
Antelope, though not very abundant, are widely scattered over the
plains. The numerous lakelets abound with water fowl. Some of the
pools contain alkali, but we experienced no inconvenience on the
journey from scarcity of fresh water. The grass in many places is
short and thin, but in the hollows feed for horses is easily
obtained. Altogether, though the plains are perfectly treeless, not
even a shrub being visible, a journey across them in fine weather,
such as we experienced, when the "buffalo chips" are sufficiently
dry to make a good camp fire, is not disagreeable.
On the afternoon of the 29th we reached the lowest ford of the Red
Deer River, one hundred and sixty-eight miles, by our course, from
Battleford. On the north side of the river at this ford there is
quicksand. The water too, in mid-stream, was deep enough to flow
over the side-boards of our waggons, and at one place the current
was dangerously rapid. After repeated trials by some of the men on
horseback to find the best footing, we made the attempt, and the
whole party got safely across by night-fall. On Saturday evening,
the 1st of September, we arrived at the Blackfoot crossing of the
Bow River, one hundred and eighteen miles from where we forded the
Red Deer River. The Bow River is a noble stream. The current is
pretty rapid, but at this "ridge under the water" (which is the
literal translation of the Blackfoot name for the ford) the bed of
the river is pebbly and the footing consequently good. Though we
found the water almost as deep as at the Red Deer River, yet under
the guidance of Mr. French, a small trader who lives near the ford,
we, without almost any delay, crossed bravely over and camped until
Monday morning on the south bank of the river.
At this crossing, where the Indians had latterly been notified to
assemble for the treaty, there is a beautiful river bottom on the
south side of the river. It extended about one mile back from the
river, and is some three miles in length. The river, as far as the
eye can reach, is skirted close to the water by a narrow belt of
cotton-wood and other trees.
When I surveyed the clear waters of the stream, the fuel and
shelter which the wood afforded, the excellent herbage on hill and
dale, and the Indians camped in the vicinity crossing and
re-crossing the river on the "ridge" with ease and safety, I was
not surprised that the Blackfeet were attached to the locality, and
desired that such an important event in their history as concluding
a treaty with Her Majesty's Commissioners should take place at this
spot.
On Saturday evening and Sunday several of the Indians called to
shake hands with me, among whom was the Rainy Chief of the North
Bloods. Here also I met Monsieur Jean L. Heureux, a French
Canadian, who had spent nearly twenty years of his life among the
Blackfeet. From him I obtained much valuable information respecting
the numbers and wishes of the Indians, together with an elaborate
list of the different Chiefs and minor Chiefs of the Blackfeet,
Bloods, Piegans, and Sarcees, with the principal families of
their respective tribes and clans of divisions. This list the
Commissioners found very useful in enabling them to understand the
relative influence of the several Chiefs and the strength of their
bands.
On our journey, while within the limits of Treaty Number Six, we
met scarcely any Indians, but after we crossed Red Deer River we
met a few Crees and Half-breeds, and several hunting parties of
Blackfeet. The former generally use carts in travelling, but the
Blackfeet and their associates are always on horseback.
The Crees appeared friendly, but were not so demonstrative as the
Blackfeet, who always rode up at once with a smile on their
countenances and shook hands with us. They knew the uniform of the
Mounted Police at a distance, and at once recognized and approached
them as their friends.
We resumed our journey on Monday and arrived at Fort McLeod on the
Old Man's River, on Tuesday the 4th September. The distance between
the Blackfoot crossing of the Bow River and the Fort is about
seventy-nine miles, thus making the length of our journey from
Battleford three hundred and sixty-five miles as measured by Major
Irvine's odometer.
A few miles from Fort McLeod I was met by the Commissioners of the
Mounted Police and a large party of the Force, who escorted me into
the Fort, while a salute was fired by the artillery company from
one of the hills overlooking the line of march. The men, whose
horses were in excellent condition, looked exceedingly well, and
the officers performed their duties in a most efficient manner. The
villagers presented me with an address of welcome, and altogether
my reception at Fort McLeod was such as to satisfy the most
fastidious lover of display, and more than enough to satisfy the
writer.
At Fort McLeod, on my arrival, I received your despatch of first
August, covering the Commission relating to the Treaty and a copy
of the Order in Council of 12th July, in terms of which the
commission was issued. Also your letter of 27th July informing me
that it had been thought desirable to place the services of the
Rev. Father Lacombe at the disposal of the Commissioners while
negotiating the treaty. A few days afterwards I was sorry to learn
by telegraph that the reverend gentleman had been taken by illness
on the journey and would be unable to be present at the meeting
with the Indians. Here, however I was happy to meet Rev. Father
Scollen, a Roman Catholic missionary, who has labored for some
years among the Crees and Blackfeet in the western portion of the
territories. He kindly furnished me such information as he
possessed, and afterwards went to the treaty, where his assistance
was of some value, particularly in dealing with the Crees present.
While at the fort I had interviews with several of the Blood
Chiefs, who called upon me to inquire if they could not be treated
with there instead of at Bow River. I explained that hereafter the
Government would endeavor to pay them their annuities at places
most convenient for them, but that on the occasion of making a
treaty it was desirable that the several Chiefs and their principal
head men should meet together to talk over the matter, so that all
might feel that they had been consulted as to the terms of the
agreement. They went away satisfied, said they would do as the
Great Father advised, and go to Bow River.
I cannot speak too highly of the kind manner in which the officers
and men of the Mounted Police at Fort McLeod treat their Indian
visitors. Though the red man is somewhat intrusive, I never heard a
harsh word employed in asking him to retire. The beneficial effects
of this treatment, of the exclusion of intoxicants from the
country, and of impartially administering justice to whites and
Indians alike, were apparent in all my interviews with the Indians.
They always spoke of the officers of the Police in the highest
terms, and of the Commander of the Force, Lieut.-Col. McLeod,
especially as their great benefactor. The leading Chiefs of the
Blackfeet and kindred tribes, declared publicly at the treaty that
had it not been for the Mounted Police they would have all been
dead ere this time.
Having rested a week after my tedious journey of over seven hundred
miles, I then occupied myself for a few days in viewing the
surrounding country. In the village I found some excellent stores,
supplied with almost every article of dry goods, hardware and
groceries, that any inland community requires. Notably among these
were the stores of J. G. Baker & Co. and Messrs. T. C. Power & Bro.
There is also a good blacksmith's shop in the village in which coal
is used from the Pelly River, at a place some twenty miles distant
from Fort McLeod. I was told by the proprietor of the shop that the
coal answers tolerably well for blacksmithing purposes, and in the
fort it is extensively used for fuel. It burns nearly as well in a
stove as some varieties of Pictou coal.
The land around the fort, and indeed for almost the whole distance
between the Bow and Old Man's Rivers, is well adapted for grazing;
and where cultivation has been fairly attempted this season, grain
and vegetables have been a success. In short, I have very little
doubt that this portion of the territories, before many years, will
abound in herds of cattle, and be dotted with not a few comfortable
homesteads.
Lieut.-Col. McLeod having attended to forwarding the supplies to
Bow River, which had been previously delivered at the fort, left
for the Blackfoot crossing with some eighty officers and men of
the Police Force, on Wednesday, the 12th September. I followed on
Friday, and reached Bow River on Sunday morning. The Police having
arrived on Saturday, the Commissioners were fully prepared for
business on Monday, the 17th, the day which I had from the first
appointed for the opening of the treaty negotiations.
The Commissioners were visited by Crowfoot, the principal Chief of
the Blackfeet, shortly after their arrival. He desired to know when
he and his people might meet us. We ascertained that most of the
Indians on the ground were Blackfeet and Assiniboines or Stonies,
from the upper part of Bow River. But as the 17th was the day
named, the Commissioners determined to adhere to the appointment,
and sent a messenger early in the morning to invite the Indians
camped around to meet them at the council tent at two o'clock, p.m.
Half an hour before the time appointed a gun was fired as a signal
for the Indians to assemble. The meeting was well attended. The
Chiefs came forward first and were introduced to the Commissioners,
and their followers, on being invited, sat up close to the tent.
I addressed them, stating that the Queen's Government had last year
promised that they would this year be visited by Commissioners to
invite them to make a treaty. That months ago I had named this very
day to meet them, and that in accordance with the promises made,
the Commissioners were now here to discuss the terms of a treaty.
Yet as we had learned that very few of the Bloods, Sarcees or
Piegans had arrived, we would not unduly press forward the
negotiations, but wait until Wednesday to give the others time to
arrive.
The Indians listened attentively to what was said, and several of
the Chiefs expressed their satisfaction at not being asked to meet
us on the morrow. The Commissioners then told them there were
rations provided for them by the Government, and that those who
were in need of provisions might apply to certain of the Police
officers detailed to see to their proper distribution.
The Stonies and one Blood Chief applied for flour, tea, sugar and
tobacco, but said they were not then in need of beef. Crowfoot and
some other Chiefs under his influence would not accept any rations
until they would hear what terms the Commissioners were prepared to
offer them. He appeared to be under the impression that if the
Indians were fed by the bounty of the Government they would be
committed to the proposals of the Commissioners, whatever might be
their nature. Though I feared this refusal did not augur well for
the final success of the negotiations, yet I could not help wishing
that other Indians whom I have seen, had a little of the spirit in
regard to dependence upon the Government exhibited on this occasion
by the great Chief of the Blackfeet.
Among the visitors at the treaty I was pleased to meet the Rev.
John McDougall, Wesleyan missionary at Morley Ville, and son of the
late lamented Rev. George McDougall, so well and favourably known
in connection with Indian affairs in the North-West. Mr. McDougall
was present at the first interview the Commissioners held with
the Indians, and acted as interpreter for the Stonies, who do not
understand the Blackfoot language. He, as well as the Rev. C.
Scollen, rendered the Commissioners all the assistance in their
power. Traders, with large supplies of goods, were arriving on the
ground. They desired to erect buildings of logs to protect their
property, but as some of the Indian Chiefs objected to the trees
along the river being cut down for such a purpose until after
the treaty, the Commissioners deemed it prudent, to prevent
complications, to ask the traders to erect only temporary
stanchions sufficient to support canvas coverings. They complied
with our wishes, and the Indians gave us no further trouble on the
subject.
On the evening of Monday I also received a message from Bobtail, a
Cree Chief, who, with the larger portion of the band, had come to
the treaty grounds. He represented that he had not been received
into any treaty. He, however, had not attended the meeting that
day, because he was uncertain whether the Commissioners would be
willing to receive him along with the Blackfeet. I asked him and
his band to meet the Commissioners separate from the other Indians
on the following day.
On Tuesday, at two o'clock, the Cree Chief and his band assembled
according to appointment. The Commissioners ascertained from him
that he had frequented for some time the Upper Bow River country,
and might fairly be taken into the present treaty, but he expressed
a wish to have his reserve near Pigeon Lake, within the limits of
Treaty Number Six, and from what we could learn of the feelings of
the Blackfeet toward the Crees, we considered it advisable to keep
them separate as much as possible. We therefore informed the Chief
that it would be most expedient for him to give in his adhesion to
the treaty of last year, and be paid annually, on the north of Red
Deer River, with the other Cree Chiefs. He consented. We then told
him that we could not pay him until after the Blackfeet had been
dealt with, as it might create jealousy among them, but that in the
meantime his band could receive rations. He said it was right that
he should wait until we had settled with the Blackfeet, and agreed
to come and sign his adhesion to Treaty Number Six at any time I
was prepared to receive him.
During Tuesday, several parties of Indians came in, but the
principal Blood Chiefs had not yet arrived. According to
appointment, however, the Commissioners met the Indians at two
o'clock on Wednesday. An outline was given of the terms proposed
for their acceptance. We also informed them we did not expect an
answer that day, but we hoped to hear from them to-morrow.
That day we again intimated to the Indians that rations would be
delivered to such as applied for them. We told them the provisions
were a present, and their acceptance would not be regarded as
committing the Chiefs to the terms proposed by the Commissioners.
Most of the Chiefs at once applied for flour, tea, sugar and
tobacco, and in a day or two they also asked for meat. Even
Crowfoot, at last thankfully accepted his share of the rations, and
the beef cattle began to decrease rapidly.
On Tuesday we met the Indians at the usual hour. We further
explained the terms outlined to them yesterday, dwelling especially
upon the fact that by the Canadian Law their reserves could not be
taken from them, occupied or sold, without their consent. They were
also assured that their liberty of hunting over the open prairie
would not be interfered with, so long as they did not molest
settlers and others in the country.
We then invited the Chiefs to express their opinions. One of the
minor Blood Chiefs made a long speech. He told us the Mounted
Police had been in the country for four years, and had been
destroying a quantity of wood. For this wood he asked the
Commissioners should make the Indians a present payment of fifty
dollars a head to each Chief, and thirty dollars a head to all
others. He said the Blackfeet, Bloods, Sarcees and Piegans were all
one; but he asked that the Crees and Half-breeds should be sent
back to their own country. The Queen, he remarked, had sent the
police to protect them; they had made it safe for Indians to sleep
at night, and he hoped she would not soon take these men away.
Crowfoot said he would not speak until to-morrow. Old Sun, another
influential Blackfoot Chief, said the same. Eagle Tail, the head
Chief of the Piegans, remarked that he had always followed the
advice the officers of the Mounted Police gave him. He hoped the
promise which the Commissioners made would be secured to them as
long as the sun shone and water ran. The Stony Chiefs unreservedly
expressed their willingness to accept the terms offered.
Fearing that some of the Indians might regard the demands of the
Blood Chief who had spoken, if not promptly refused, as agreed to,
I told them he had asked too much. He had admitted the great
benefit the Police had been to the Indians, and yet he was so
unreasonable as to ask that the Government should pay a large
gratuity to each Indian for the little wood their benefactors had
used. On the contrary, I said, if there should be any pay in the
matter it ought to come from the Indians to the Queen for sending
them the Police. Hereupon, Crowfoot and the other Chiefs laughed
heartily at the Blood orator of the day.
I also said the Commissioners could not agree to exclude the Crees
and Half-breeds from the Blackfoot country; that they were the
Great Mother's children as much as the Blackfeet and Bloods, and
she did not wish to see any of them starve. Of course the Crees and
Half-breeds could be prosecuted for trespassing on their reserves.
In this the Indian Act secured them. The Local Government had
passed a law to protect the buffalo. It would have a tendency to
prevent numbers from visiting their country in the close season.
But to altogether exclude any class of the Queen's subjects, as
long as they obeyed the laws, from coming into any part of the
country, was contrary to the freedom which she allowed her people,
and the Commissioners would make no promise of the kind.
On the following morning there was a rumor that the Indians in
their own Councils could not agree, that a small party was opposed
to making a treaty. The opposition, however, could not have been
very formidable. The principal Chiefs seemed fully to understand
the importance of accepting some terms. About noon, Crowfoot, with
Mr. L'Heureux, as interpreter, came to my tent and asked for
explanations on some points, which I cheerfully gave him. During
the forenoon a large party of Bloods came in, among whom was Bad
Head, an aged minor Blood Chief, of considerable influence, who
attended the meeting in the afternoon.
When the Commissioners intimated that they were ready to hear what
the Chiefs had to say, Crowfoot was the first to speak. His remarks
were few, but he expressed his gratitude for the Mounted Police
being sent to them, and signified his intention to accept the
treaty. The Blood Chief who made the large demands on the previous
day said he would agree with the other Chiefs. Old Sun, head Chief
of the North Blackfeet, said Crowfoot spoke well. We are not going
to disappoint the Commissioners. He was glad they were all agreed
to the same terms. They wanted cattle, guns, ammunition, tobacco,
axes and money. Bull's Head, the principal Chief of the Sarcees,
said, we are all going to take your advice. Eagle Head, the Piegan
head Chief remarked, "I give you my hand. We all agree to what
Crowfoot says." Rainy Chief, head of the North Bloods, said he
never went against the white man's advice. Some of the minor Chiefs
spoke to the same effect.
The Commissioners expressed their satisfaction at the unanimity
among the Indians, and said they would prepare the treaty and bring
it to-morrow for signature. The only difficult matter then to be
arranged was the reserves. The Commissioners thought it would take
unnecessary time to discuss this question in open meeting, and
resolved that one of them should visit the head Chiefs at their
camps, and consult them separately as to the localities they might
desire to select. Lieut.-Col. McLeod undertook this duty, while I
attended to the preparation of the draft treaty. He succeeded so
well in his mission that we were able to name the places chosen in
the treaty.
On Saturday, 22nd September, we met the Indians to conclude the
treaty. Mekasto, or Red Crow the great Chief of the South Bloods,
had arrived the previous evening, or morning, on the ground, and
being present, came forward to be introduced to the Commissioners.
The assemblage of Indians was large. All the head Chiefs of the
several tribes were now present; only two Blackfeet and two Blood
minor Chiefs were absent. The representation was all that could be
expected.
The Commissioners had previously informed the Indians that they
would accept the Chiefs whom they acknowledged, and now close in
front of the tent sat those who had been presented to the
Commissioners as the recognized Chiefs of the respective bands.
The conditions of the treaty having been interpreted to the
Indians, some of the Blood Chiefs, who bad said very little on the
previous day, owing to Red Crow's absence, now spoke, he himself in
a few kind words agreeing to accept the treaty. Crowfoot then came
forward and requested his name to be written to the treaty. The
Commissioners having first signed it, Mr. L'Heureux, being familiar
with the Blackfoot language, attached the Chiefs' names to the
document at their request and witnessed to their marks.
While the signing was being proceeded with, a salute was fired from
the field guns in honor of the successful conclusion of the
negotiations.
I may mention, in this connection, that on Saturday also I was
waited upon by a deputation of Half-breeds, who presented me with a
petition, expressing the hope that the buffalo law might not be
stringently enforced during the approaching winter, and praying
that they might receive some assistance to commence farming. With
respect to the buffalo ordinance, I told them that the notice
having been short, the law would not be very strictly enforced for
the first winter, and in regard to their prayer for assistance to
farm, I said I would make it known at Ottawa.
On Monday, the 24th, the Commissioners met the Indians at ten a.m.
Some minor Chiefs who had not remained until the close of the
proceedings on Saturday signed the treaty this morning. The Chiefs
were then asked to stand up in a body, their names were read over
and the Indians once more asked to say whether they were their
recognized Chiefs. Heavy Shield, a brother of Old Sun, at the request
of the latter, took the place of head Chief of his band. It was,
however, ascertained that this arrangement caused dissatisfaction,
and Old Sun was restored to his position, and the band adhering to
his brother, was called the "Middle Blackfoot Band."
After their names were called over, I gave the head Chiefs of the
Blackfeet, Blood, Piegans, and Sarcees their flags and uniforms,
and invested them with their medals.
While I was shaking hands with them, acknowledging their Chiefs in
the name of the Great Mother, the band played "God Save the Queen."
The payments were then immediately begun by the officers of the
Mounted Police, one party taking the Blackfeet, and another the
Bloods, while a third was detailed to pay the Assiniboines, or
Stonies, near their encampment some two miles up the river.
The Commissioners went in the afternoon with the latter party, and
before the payments were commenced, presented the Chiefs with their
medals, flags and uniforms. The Stonies received us with quite
a demonstration. They are a well-behaved body of Indians. The
influence of the Christian missionary in their midst is apparent,
polygamy being now almost wholly a thing of the past.
On Tuesday I took the adhesion of Bobtail, the Cree Chief, and his
band, to Treaty Number Six, and they were paid out of the funds
which I had brought with me from Swan River.
On the invitation of the Blackfeet, Blood, and kindred Chiefs, the
Commissioners went on Wednesday to the Council tent to receive an
address of thanks. A large number of Indians were present. Mr.
L'Heureux spoke on their behalf, and expressed their gratitude
to the Commissioners generally for the kind manner in which they
conducted the negotiations, to me personally for having come so far
to meet them, and to Lieut.-Col. McLeod for all that he and the
Mounted Police had done for them since their arrival in the
country.
To this address the Commissioners feelingly replied, and expressed
their confidence that the Indians before them would not regret
having agreed to the treaty.
The Cree Chief and his band also waited upon us in the evening at
my tent, and through Father Scollen, as interpreter, thanked us for
the manner in which we had treated them. The presents sent for the
Indians were distributed to each band, after payment. On Wednesday
also the Commissioners drove to see the coal seam about five miles
east of the Blackfoot crossing. Under the guidance of Mr. French,
they found an outcrop of the seam at a coulee some three miles
south of the river. The seam there is from three to ten feet in
thickness, and the coal, some of which was burned every day in the
officers' mess tent at the treaty, is of a very fair quality.
About noon on Friday the payments were completed, and the
Commissioners proceeded to close the accounts. They found that the
number of Indians paid, who had accepted the terms of the new
treaty was as follows:--
Head Chiefs 10 at $25 $250
Minor Chiefs and Councillors 40 at 15 600
Men, women and children 4,342 at 12 52,104
----- ------
Total 4,392 $52,954
The Crees who gave in their adhesion to Treaty Number Six were only
paid the gratuity, this year's annuity being still due them. These
were paid from the funds of Treaty Number Six as follows:--
Chief 1 at $25 $25
Councillors 2 at 15 30
Men, women and children 429 at 12 5,148
--- -----
Total 432 $5,203
The officers of the Police Force who conducted the payments,
discharged this duty in a most efficient manner. Not in regard to
the payments alone were the services of the officers most valuable.
With respect to the whole arrangements, Lieut.-Col. McLeod, my
associate Commissioner, both in that capacity and as Commander of
the Police, was indefatigable in his exertions to bring the
negotiations to a successful termination. The same laudable efforts
were put forth by Major Irvine and the other officers of the Force,
and their kindness to me, personally I shall never fail to
remember. The volunteer band of the Police at Fort McLeod deserve
more than a passing notice, as they did much to enliven the whole
proceedings.
The Commissioners at first had not a good interpreter of the
Blackfoot language, but on Wednesday they secured the services
of Mr. Bird, a brother of the late Dr. Bird, of Winnipeg. He has
been many years among the Piegans and Blackfeet and is a very
intelligent interpreter. Mr. L'Heureux also rendered good service
in this respect.
The accounts being closed and certified to by the Commissioners, I
commenced my return journey on the evening of the 28th September. I
came by a crossing of the Red Deer River some fifteen miles east of
the Hand Hills, travelled across the prairies further west than my
former route, and arrived at Battleford on the evening of Saturday
the 6th of October.
I transmit herewith the treaty as signed by the Commissioners and
Chiefs, and also the adhesion of the Cree Chief to Treaty Number
Six.
In conclusion I beg to offer a few observations on the treaty, and
subjects connected therewith.
1. With respect to the reserves, the Commissioners thought it
expedient to settle at once their location subject to the approval
of the Privy Council. By this course it is hoped that a great deal
of subsequent trouble in selecting reserves will be avoided. The
object of the ten years' reserve on the south side of Bow River is
to keep hunters from building winter shanties on the river bottom.
This practice has a tendency to alarm the buffalo, and keep them
from their feeding grounds on the lower part of the river. After
ten years it is feared the buffalo will have become nearly extinct,
and that further protection will be needless. At any rate by that
time the Indians hope to have herds of domestic cattle. The country
on the upper part of the Bow River is better adapted for settlement
than most of that included in the Blackfeet reserve, consequently
the Commissioners deemed it advisable to agree that a belt on the
south side of the river should be exempt from general occupation
for ten years, particularly as the Indians set great value on the
concession.
2. The articles promised in addition to the money payments may to
some appear excessive. The Stonies are the only Indians adhering to
this treaty who desired agricultural implements and seed. The
promises, therefore, respecting these things may be understood as
merely applicable to that tribe. The Blackfeet and Bloods asked for
nothing of this kind; they preferred cattle, and the Commissioners
being fully of opinion that such were likely to be much more
serviceable to them than seed and implements, encouraged them in
their request. The number of cattle promised may appear large; but
when it is considered that cows can be readily purchased at Fort
McLeod for twenty or twenty-five dollars per head, and their
delivery to the Indians will cost an inconsiderable sum, the total
expense of supplying the articles promised by this treaty will, I
am convinced, cost less than those under either Treaty number Four
or Number Six.
3. I would urge that the officers of the Mounted Police be
entrusted to make the annual payments to the Indians under this
treaty. The Chiefs themselves requested this, and I said I believed
the Government would gladly consent to the arrangement. The Indians
have confidence in the Police, and it might be some time before
they would acquire the same respect for strangers.
4. The organization of the Blackfeet bands is somewhat different
from that of the Saulteaux and Crees. They have large bands with
head and minor Chiefs, and as they preferred that this arrangement
should remain unchanged, the Commissioners gladly acceded to their
desire, as expense would be saved to the Government in clothing,
were councillors and head men not named. The Stonies, however asked
to be allowed councillors, and their request was granted to the
extent of two to each Chief.
5. Copies of the treaty printed on parchment should be forwarded to
Fort McLeod in good time to be delivered to each head and minor
Chief at next year's payment of annuities.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
DAVID LAIRD,
Lieut.-Gov., and Special Indian Commissioner.
Report from correspondence in The Globe newspaper, Toronto.
FORT McLEOD, October 4, 1877.
The treaty with the Blackfeet nation has been concluded
satisfactorily, and was signed by the Chiefs of the Blackfeet,
Blood, Piegan and Sarcee tribes, in the presence of the
Commissioners--Governor Laird and Col. McLeod, C.M.G., and of Major
Irvine, Assistant Commissioner, North-West Mounted Police, and
officers of the Police Force, at the Council House, near "Ridge
under the Water," or "The Blackfoot Crossing" the Great Bow River,
on the 22nd September last.
On the morning of the 4th of September, Col. McLeod received
information from the ubiquitous Indian that the Queen's father
(Lieut.-Gov. Laird) was at Little Bow River, thirty miles north
from McLeod, and was accompanied by the "Buffalo Bull" (Major
Irvine), and that they would arrive before the sun sank below the
western horizon. At three p.m. the Commissioner left Fort McLeod,
accompanied by a guard of honor of one hundred mounted men, to meet
and escort the representative of Vice-Royalty to the first white
settlement in the Blackfeet country. The Governor was met three
miles north of Willow Creek, and expressed his surprise and
pleasure at the splendid appearance of the well-mounted,
well-equipped, well-drilled body of men who formed the guard of
honour. When the head of the column forming the escort wound
round the bend of Willow Creek, and the extensive wooded valley on
which McLeod is built appeared in view, the guns, which had been
unlimbered and placed in position on the highest of the bluffs
which girdle the north side of Old Man's River, fired a salute of
thirteen guns. On the arrival of the cortege at the upper or south
end of the village, the police band took the lead and welcomed
the Governor with its lively music. The whole white, Half-breed
and Indian population of McLeod turned out to obtain a view of
the great man who had arrived. At the request of the leading
inhabitants of McLeod the carriage of the Governor was halted in
the centre of the village, and the following neatly worded address
was read and presented to His Honor by Mr. John C. Bell:
TO THE HONORABLE DAVID LAIRD,
Lieutenant-Governor, N.-W. T.
We, the citizens of Fort McLeod, beg to welcome you to this little
village, one of the pioneer settlements of this great North-West.
To have so distinguished a visitor in our midst is an honor we all
appreciate, as in that visit we feel an assurance of your interest
in our welfare and prosperity, which had its dawn with the advent
of the Mounted Police in the North-West, and which, through their
vigilance and care, has continued to this time.
We trust that your visit here will be as pleasant to you as it will
be long remembered by us.
CHAS. E. CONRAD,
THOMAS J. BOGY,
DANIEL SAMPLE,
LIONEL E. MANNING,
JOHN C. BELL.
To which the Governor replied--
GENTLEMEN,--I thank you for your kind address, and for the hearty
welcome you have extended to me on my first visit to this pioneer
settlement of the Canadian North-West. After roughing it for the
last twenty-four days on the broad unsettled prairies, you have
surprised me by a reception which betokens all the elements of
civilization.
It affords me unfeigned pleasure to learn that the advent of the
Mounted Police in this country has been fraught with such
advantages to you as a community.
Permit me to express the conviction that in return for that
diligence and care on the part of the Police Force which you so
highly and justly value, you will always be found conducting
yourselves as becomes worthy subjects of that illustrious Sovereign
whom I have the distinguished honour to represent in these
territories.
In conclusion, I would remark that you have taken me so
unexpectedly by your address that I feel unequal to making an
appropriate reply; but the agreeableness of the surprise will tend
to heighten the pleasure of my visit, as well as to render abiding
the interest which I undoubtedly feel in your welfare and
prosperity.
During his stay at Fort McLeod, which extended to the 14th of
the month, the Lieutenant-Governor reviewed the garrison, which
consisted of troops C and D, and two divisions of artillery. They
deployed past at a walk, trot and gallop, and His Honor expressed
his unqualified admiration of the splendid form of the men. He was
especially pleased with the artillery, whose horses and equipments
were in beautiful condition, and requested Col. McLeod to convey to
the officers and men his surprise and pleasure at finding the force
at this post so perfectly drilled and acquainted with their duties.
On the 12th the two troops and the artillery, accompanied by a
baggage train of six light waggons, left Fort McLeod en route for
the scene of the treaty. The Commissioner took command of the
detachment, and the Assistant Commissioner remained behind to
accompany the Governor on the 14th.
The force accomplished the march in three days, and pitched the
tents on ground previously laid out for the encampment by Inspector
Crozier, at the head of a magnificently wooded valley, of about a
mile in width and extending for several miles along the Big Bow. It
is a lovely spot, this "Ridge under the Water," and has always been
a favorite camping ground of the Blackfeet nation.
Monday, 17th October.
This was the day appointed for the opening of the Treaty, but as a
number of the Indian Chiefs, who had a long distance to come, were
absent, it was deferred until the following Wednesday. The
Governor, however, addressed a number of the Chiefs who were
assembled at the Council House. He said, "Last year a message was
sent to you by the Councillors of the Great Mother that they would
meet you at an early date, and as her Councillors always keep their
promises, they have appointed Col. McLeod and myself to meet you
here now. We appointed this day, and I have come a very long
distance to keep my promise, and have called you together to
discover if you all have responded to my summons, and if any Chiefs
are now absent, to learn when they shall arrive. You say that some
of the Blood Chiefs are absent, and as it is our wish to speak to
them as well as to you, and as they have a very long way to come to
reach this place, we shall give them until next Wednesday to come
in. On that day, I will deliver to you the Queen's message, but if
any of the Chiefs would desire to speak now, we will be glad to
listen to them. I would tell you now, that while you remain,
provisions will be issued for the use of those who wish to accept
them."
CROWFOOT--"I am glad to see the Queen's Chief and Stamixotokon (Col
McLeod), who is a great Chief and our friend. I will wait and hold
a council with my own children (the Blackfeet), and be ready on
Wednesday to hear the Great Mother's message."
PIEGAN CHIEF--"My children (the North Piegans) have looked long for
the arrival of the Great Mother's Chief; one day, we did not look
for him, and he passed us; we have travelled after him for fourteen
nights, and now are glad to see and shake hands with the Great
Chief."
BEAR'S PAW (Stony Chief)--"We have been watching for you for many
moons now, and a long time has gone by since I and my children
first heard of your coming. Our hearts are now glad to see the
Chief of the Great Mother, and to receive flour and meat and
anything you may give us. We are all of one mind, and will say what
we think on Wednesday."
On Wednesday the Commissioners met the Chiefs at the great Council
House. A guard of honor of fifty mounted men accompanied them,
commanded by Major Irvine. The Police band received them, and at
one o'clock the guns fired a salute as the Governor and Col. McLeod
took their seats. There were present at the opening of the treaty,
a number of ladies and gentlemen who had come long distances to
witness this novel spectacle. Mrs. McLeod, Mrs. Winder, Mrs.
Shurtleff, and a number of other ladies from Morleyville and
Edmonton, also the Rev. Messrs. Scollen and McDougall, Mr. De
L'Hereux, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Bogy, and the whole white population of
Fort McLeod. Nearly all of the Chiefs and minor Chiefs of the
Blackfeet, Blood, Piegan, Stony, and Sarcee tribes were seated
directly in front of the Council House; and forming a semicircle of
about one-third of a mile beyond the Chiefs, about four thousand
men, women, and children were squatted on the grass, watching with
keen interest the commencement of the proceedings. Lieut.-Gov.
Laird delivered the following speech:
"The Great Spirit has made all things--the sun, the moon, and the
stars, the earth, the forests, and the swift running rivers. It is
by the Great Spirit that the Queen rules over this great country
and other great countries. The Great Spirit has made the white man
and the red man brothers, and we should take each other by the
hand. The Great Mother loves all her children, white man and red
man alike; she wishes to do them all good. The bad white man and
the bad Indian she alone does not love, and them she punishes for
their wickedness. The good Indian has nothing to fear from the
Queen or her officers. You Indians know this to be true. When bad
white men brought you whiskey, robbed you, and made you poor, and,
through whiskey, quarrel amongst yourselves, she sent the Police to
put an end to it. You know how they stopped this and punished the
offenders, and how much good this has done. I have to tell you how
much pleased the Queen is that you have taken the Police by the
hands and helped them, and obeyed her laws since the arrival of the
Police. She hopes that you will continue to do so, and you will
always find the Police on your side if you keep the Queen's laws.
The Great Mother heard that the buffalo were being killed very
fast, and to prevent them from being destroyed her Councillors have
made a law to protect them. This law is for your good. It says that
the calves are not to be killed, so that they may grow up and
increase; that the cows are not to be killed in winter or spring,
excepting by the Indians when they are in need of them as food.
This will save the buffalo, and provide you with food for many
years yet, and it shews you that the Queen and her Councillors wish
you well.
"Many years ago our Great Mother made a treaty with the Indians far
away by the great waters in the east. A few years ago she made a
treaty with those beyond the Touchwood Hills and the Woody
Mountains. Last year a treaty was made with the Crees along the
Saskatchewan, and now the Queen has sent Col. McLeod and myself to
ask you to make a treaty. But in a very few years the buffalo will
probably be all destroyed, and for this reason the Queen wishes to
help you to live in the future in some other way. She wishes you to
allow her white children to come and live on your land and raise
cattle, and should you agree to this she will assist you to raise
cattle and grain, and thus give you the means of living when the
buffalo are no more. She will also pay you and your children money
every year, which you can spend as you please. By being paid in
money you cannot be cheated, as with it you can buy what you may
think proper.
"The Queen wishes us to offer you the same as was accepted by the
Crees. I do not mean exactly the same terms, but equivalent terms,
that will cost the Queen the same amount of money. Some of the
other Indians wanted farming implements, but these you do not
require, as your lands are more adapted to raising cattle, and
cattle, perhaps, would be better for you. The Commissioners will
give you your choice, whether cattle or farming implements. I have
already said we will give you money, I will now tell you how much.
If you sign the treaty every man, woman and child will get twelve
dollars each; the money will be paid to the head of each family for
himself, women and children; every year, for ever, you, your women
and your children will get five dollars each. This year Chiefs and
Councillors will be paid a larger sum than this; Chiefs will get a
suit of clothes, a silver medal, and flag, and every third year
will get another suit. A reserve of land will be set apart for
yourselves and your cattle, upon which none others will be
permitted to encroach; for every five persons one square mile will
be allotted on this reserve, on which they can cut the trees and
brush for firewood and other purposes. The Queen's officers will
permit no white man or Half-breed to build or cut the timber on
your reserves. If required roads will be cut through them. Cattle
will be given to you, and potatoes, the same as are grown at Fort
McLeod. The Commissioners would strongly advise the Indians to take
cattle, as you understand cattle better than you will farming for
some time, at least as long as you continue to move about in
lodges.
"Ammunition will be issued to you each year, and as soon as you
sign the treaty one thousand five hundred dollars' worth will be
distributed amongst the tribes, and as soon as you settle, teachers
will be sent to you to instruct your children to read books like
this one (the Governor referred to a Bible), which is impossible so
long as you continue to move from place to place. I have now
spoken. I have made you acquainted with the principal terms
contained in the treaty which you are asked to sign.
"You may wish time to talk it over in your council lodges; you may
not know what to do before you speak your thoughts in council. Go,
therefore, to your councils, and I hope that you may be able to
give me an answer to-morrow. Before you leave I will hear your
questions and explain any matter that may not appear clear to you."
A few questions by the Chiefs were answered, and the council was
closed for the day.
Thursday, October 19th.
The Governor, on arriving at the Council House, where all the
Chiefs were awaiting him, said that he was glad to see them all
there, and that he had only a few words to say to them. He said, "I
expect to listen to what you have to say to-day, but, first, I
would explain that it is your privilege to hunt all over the
prairies, and that should you desire to sell any portion of your
land, or any coal or timber from off your reserves, the Government
will see that you receive just and fair prices, and that you can
rely on all the Queen's promises being fulfilled. Your payments
will be punctually made. You all know the Police; you know that no
promise of theirs to you has ever been broken; they speak and act
straight. You have perfect confidence in them, and by the past
conduct of the Police towards you, you can judge of the future. I
think I have now said all, and will listen to you and explain
anything you wish to know; we wish to keep nothing back."
BUTTON CHIEF--"The Great Spirit sent the white man across the great
waters to carry out His (the Great Spirit's) ends. The Great
Spirit, and not the Great Mother, gave us this land, The Great
Mother sent Stamixotokon (Col. McLeod) and the Police to put an end
to the traffic in fire-water. I can sleep now safely. Before the
arrival of the Police, when I laid my head down at night, every
sound frightened me; my sleep was broken; now I can sleep sound and
am not afraid. The Great Mother sent you to this country, and we
hope she will be good to us for many years. I hope and expect to
get plenty; we think we will not get so much as the Indians receive
from the Americans on the other side; they get large presents of
flour, sugar, tea, and blankets. The Americans gave at first large
bags of flour, sugar, and many blankets; the next year it was only
half the quantity, and the following years it grew less and less,
and now they give only a handful of flour. We want to get fifty
dollars for the Chiefs and thirty dollars each for all the others,
men, women, and children, and we want the same every year for the
future. We want to be paid for all the timber that the Police and
whites have used since they first came to our country. If it
continues to be used as it is, there will soon be no firewood left
for the Indians. I hope, Great Father, that you will give us all
this that we ask."
CROWFOOT--"Great Father, what do you think now, what do you say to
that? What I have to say will be spoken to-morrow. My brother
Chiefs will speak now."
EAGLE TAIL--"Great Father, from our Great Mother, Stamixotokon and
officers of the Police, the advice and help I received from the
Police I shall never forget as long as the moon brightens the
night, as long as water runs and the grass grows in spring, and I
expect to get the same from our Great Mother. I hope she will
supply us with flour, tea, tobacco and cattle, seed and farming
implements. I have done at present."
OLD SUN--"Father and sons, I shall speak to-morrow."
GOVERNOR--"I fear Button Chief is asking too much. He has told us
of the great good the Police have done for him and his tribe and
throughout the country by driving away the whiskey traders, and now
he wants us to pay the Chiefs fifty dollars and others thirty
dollars per head, and to pay him for the timber that has been used.
Why, you Indians ought to pay us rather, for sending these traders
in fire-water away and giving you security and peace, rather than
we pay you for the timber used. (Here the Indians indulged in a
general hearty laugh at this proposition.) We cannot do you good
and pay you too for our protection. Button Chief wants us to
prevent the Crees and Half-breeds from coming in and killing the
buffalo. They too are the Queen's children, as well as the
Blackfeet and Crees. We have done all we can do in preventing the
slaying of the young buffalo, and this law will preserve the
buffalo for many years. Button Chief wishes to get the same every
year as this year; this we cannot promise. We cannot make a treaty
with you every year. We will give you something to eat each year,
but not so much as you will receive now. He says the Americans at
first gave the Indians many large sacks of flour, and now they only
receive a handful. From us you receive money to purchase what you
may see fit; and as your children increase yearly, you will get the
more money in the future, as you are paid so much per head.
"(To the Stony Chiefs)--When your reserves will be allotted to you
no wood can be cut or be permitted to be taken away from them
without your own consent. The reserve will be given to you without
depriving you of the privilege to hunt over the plains until the
land be taken up."
Bear's Paw said that he was pleased with the treaty, the Police,
and the prospect of getting provisions and money, and hoped that
the Commissioners would give his tribe (the Stonies) as much as
possible, and that as speedily as possible. This Chief appeared by
his speech to be of a mercenary bent of mind.
Friday, October 20th.
On this day the Indians accepted the terms of the treaty, and
several of the Chiefs made speeches. The first speaker was
Crowfoot.
CROWFOOT--"While I speak, be kind and patient. I have to speak for
my people, who are numerous, and who rely upon me to follow that
course which in the future will tend to their good. The plains are
large and wide. We are the children of the plains, it is our home,
and the buffalo has been our food always. I hope you look upon the
Blackfeet, Blood, and Sarcees as your children now, and that you
will be indulgent and charitable to them. They all expect me to
speak now for them, and I trust the Great Spirit will put into
their breasts to be a good people--into the minds of the men, women
and children, and their future generations. The advice given me and
my people has proved to be very good. If the Police had not come to
the, country, where would we be all now? Bad men and whiskey were
killing us so fast that very few, indeed, of us would have been
left to-day. The Police have protected us as the feathers of the
bird protect it from the frosts of winter. I wish them all good,
and trust that all our hearts will increase in goodness from this
time forward. I am satisfied. I will sign the treaty."
BUTTON CHIEF--"I must say what all the people say, and I agree with
what they say. I cannot make new laws. I will sign."
RED CROW--"Three years ago, when the Police first came to the
country, I met and shook hands with Stamixotokon (Col. McLeod) at
Pelly River. Since that time he made me many promises. He kept them
all--not one of them was ever broken. Everything that the police
have done has been good. I entirely trust Stamixotokon, and will
leave everything to him. I will sign with Crowfoot."
FATHER OF MANY CHILDREN--"I have come a long way, and far behind
the rest of the bands. I have travelled with these traveaux that
you now see outside there with my women and children. I cannot
speak much now, but I agree with Crowfoot, and will sign."
OLD SUN--"Crowfoot speaks well. We were summoned to meet the Great
Mother's Chiefs here, and we would not disappoint them; we have
come, and will sign the treaty. During the past Crowfoot has been
called by us our Great Father. The Great Mother's Chief (Governor
Laird) will now be our Great Father. Everything you say appears to
me to be very good, and I hope that you will give us all we
ask--cattle, money, tobacco, guns, and axes, and that you will not
let the white man use poison on the prairies. It kills horses and
buffalo as well as wolves, and it may kill men. We can ourselves
kill the wolves, and set traps for them. We all agree with
Crowfoot."
The remainder of the day was consumed by about a dozen other chiefs
speaking in favour of the treaty. On the following day all the
chiefs and counsellors signed their names under the signatures of
the Commissioners, and a salute of thirteen guns announced the
final conclusion of the last treaty with the Indians of the
North-West.
On Sunday afternoon the Indians fought a sham battle on horseback.
They only wore the breech-cloths. They fired off their rifles in
all directions, and sent the bullets whistling past the spectators
in such close proximity as to create most unpleasant feelings. I
was heartily glad when they defiled past singly on the way back to
their lodges, and the last of their unearthly yells had died away
in the distance.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were occupied in paying off the
different tribes. They were paid by Inspector Winder, Sub-Inspector
Denny, and Sub-Inspector Antrobus, each assisted by a constable of
the Force. It was hard work to find out the correct number of each
family. Many after receiving their money would return to say that
they had made a wrong count; one would discover that he had another
wife, another two more children, and others that they had blind
mothers and lame sisters. In some cases they wanted to be paid for
the babies that were expected to come soon.
On Wednesday the Chiefs presented an address to the Commissioners,
expressing the entire satisfaction of the whole nation with the
treaty, and to the way in which the terms had been carried out.
They tendered their well wishes to the Queen, the Governor, Col.
McLeod, and the Police Force. They spoke in the most flattering and
enthusiastic manner of the Commissioner, Assistant-Commissioner,
officers, and the Force in general, and said that it was their firm
determination to adhere to the terms of the treaty, and abide by
the laws of the Great Mother. Potts, the interpreter at Fort
McLeod, said he never heard Indians speak out their minds so freely
in his life before.
In reply, the Lieutenant-Governor said he was much pleased to
receive this address from the Chiefs of the great Blackfeet nation,
which in fact was to the Great Mother, as the Commissioners were
merely acting for her, and carrying out her wishes. He was certain
she would be gratified to learn of the approval of the Chiefs and
their acceptance of her offers. In return the Great Mother only
required of them to abide by her laws.
Lieut.-Col. McLeod said in reply:--"The Chiefs all here know what I
said to them three years ago, when the Police first came to the
country--that nothing would be taken away from them without their
own consent. You all see to-day that what I told you then was true.
I also told you that the Mounted Police were your friends, and
would not wrong you or see you wronged in any way. This also you
see is true. The Police will continue to be your friends, and be
always glad to see you. On your part you must keep the Queen's
laws, and give every information to them in order that they may see
the laws obeyed and offenders punished. You may still look to me as
your friend, and at any time when I can do anything for your
welfare, I shall only be too happy to do so. You say that I have
always kept my promises. As surely as my past promises have been
kept, so surely shall those made by the Commissioners be carried
out in the future. If they were broken I would be ashamed to meet
you or look you in the face; but every promise will be solemnly
fulfilled as certainly as the sun now shines down upon us from the
heavens. I shall always remember the kind manner in which you have
to-day spoken of me."
After this there was a great shaking of hands, and the Great
Council ended.
On Thursday afternoon the Lieutenant-Governor departed for
Battleford. On leaving the grounds the usual honors were paid to
him. The Commissioner left the following day for Fort Walsh to
attend the Commission that was to meet the Sitting Bull.
The traders were notified that they were to cease trading and move
off the reservation not later than the following Tuesday, at ten
p.m. By this hour they had all departed, and at noon on the same
day the Force commenced its return journey to McLeod, which was
accomplished in two days and a half. All were glad to get back to
headquarters, as the weather had been for some days intensely cold
and the prairies covered with snow.