Home » Focus Materials » Letters » Mary Decoteau to the Indian Commissioner of Affairs

May 10th, 1892 - Mary Decoteau to the Indian Commissioner of Affairs
From Izola Mottershead

Decoteau's mother wrote to the provincial government of Saskatchewan for monetary and educational support for her family.

Download the original letter in PDF format here.

Contents of the Letter

Red Pheasants Reserve,
10th May, 1892.

To the, Indian Comm’r,

Regina,

Sir: -

I would most respectfully request to be re-admitted into Treaty with my Family. I was admitted into Treaty with my father, in the year 1876, and committed at Ten years Purchase in the year 1886. I was married to Peter Decoteau in the year 1878, to whom I save five children, the eldest a girl 13 years of age named Millie, the second a boy 12 years of age named Benjamin, the third a boy 9 years old named Samuel, the fourth a boy named Alexander four years of age, and the fifth a boy two years old named Alfred.

I have no means of support for myself and family, and unless I get relief from the Government I must Starve.

I would wish very much to have three of my children put in the Industrial School at Battleford.

My late husband was employed by the Indian department from nearly the time of the Treaty until his death, and was a good servant as you yourself know, having worked for you for some time, and as you are aware, was murdered at Battleford for nothing :: since which time, I have been sick, and not able to work.

Your immediate attention to my wants will much help me.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant
her
Mary + Dacoteau,
mark

Witness
(Sgd) J. H. Price,
Farmer.

[<<Back][^^Top]