"Mr. Ross:
'I will just answer a few questions that have been put.
Keenooshayo has said that he cannot see how it will benefit you to take
treaty. As all the rights you now have will not be interfered with,
therefore anything you get in addition must be a clear gain. The white man
is bound to come in and open up the country, and we come before him to
explain the relations that must exist between you, and thus prevent any
trouble. You say you have heard what the Commissioners have said, and how
you wish to live. We believe that men who have lived without help
heretofore can do it better when the country is opened up. Any fur they
catch is worth more. That comes about from competition. You will notice
that it takes more boats to bring in goods to buy your furs than it did
formerly. We think that as the rivers and lakes of this country will be
the principal highways, good boatmen, like yourselves, cannot fail to make
a good living, and profit from the increase in traffic. We are much
pleased that you have some cattle. It will be the duty of the
Commissioners to recommend the Government, through the Superintendant-
General of Indian Affairs, to give you cattle of a better breed. You say
that you consider that you have a right to say something about the terms
we offer you. We offer you certain terms, but you are not forced to take
them. You ask if Indians are not allowed to make a bargain. You must
understand there are always two to a bargain. We are glad you understand
the treaty is forever. If the Indians do as they are asked, we shall
certainly keep all our promises. We are glad to know that you have got on
without any one's help, but you must know times are hard, and furs
scarcer than they used to be. Indians are fond of a free life, and we do
not wish to interfere with it. When reserves are offered you there is no
intention to make you live on them if you do not want to, but, in years to
come, you may change your minds, and want these lands to live on. The
half-breeds of Athabasca are being more liberally dealt with than in any
other part of Canada. We hope you will discuss our offer and arrive at a
decision as soon as possible. Others are now waiting for our arrival, and
you, by deciding quickly, will assist us to get to them.'" [continue]
Reprinted from Through the Mackenzie Basin: An Account of
the Signing of Treaty No. 8 and the Scrip Commission, 1899 by Charles Mair. |