Peter Erasmus
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Erasmus went on to detail how first Rev John McKay attempted to
translate for the Commissioner, but had trouble with mixing in Saulteaux
words, which Mistawasis objected to in the strongest way, saying "(We)
demand to be spoken to in our own language."6 After trying again, with no
less success, they requested that Peter Ballendine translate. Erasmus,
though very angry at him for his slight in not greeting him, admitted
that Ballendine translated well, but could not be heard beyond the front
rows. There was more disorder and confusion as the men in the back
demanded he speak louder. After he attempted to raise his voice, but
choked and sat down, the Commissioner, getting tired of all the
interruptions, said "Okay, Erasmus. Let this be your chance to justify
your chiefs’ confidence in your work."From that point on, things ran more smoothly. He detailed how when the
Commissioner asked the First Nations to speak, Poundmaker, not a chief
yet, stood and objected to being given little chunks of land, like
breaking of pemmican, when the land was theirs to take what they wanted.
Erasmus continued translating both sides of the dialogue over several
days, toward the end, when a small group was still objecting to the
treaty, Mistawasis gave a speech in which he spoke of the end of the
buffalo and how the white traders, Long Knives, had made fools of the
Blackfoot confederacy. He spoke of how the Queen and the Red Coats were
attempting to save them from that end. Finally, he said,
The prairies have not been darkened by the blood of our white
brothers in our time. Let this always be so. I for one will take the
hand that is offered. For my band I have spoken.7
Erasmus told more on how what has been called "The famine clause" was
added. That clause reads:
"That in the event hereafter of the Indians comprised within this
treaty being overtaken by any pestilence, or by a general famine, the
Queen, on being satisfied and certified thereof by Her Indian Agent or
Agents, will grant to the Indians assistance of such character and to
such extent as her Chief Superintendent of Indian Affairs shall deem
necessary and sufficient to relieve the Indians of the calamity that
shall have befallen them."8
His recollection of the discussion surrounding that make a very
useful addition to Morris’ version of the event.9 Erasmus continued
working as an employee of the company or the Government of Canada until
he was 79 years old, at which time he was rewarded for his long years of
service with a government pension. He lived to be almost 98 years old
and is buried near Whitefish Lake.10
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