THE 



CANADIAN NATURALIST 



AND 



^uavtcrly f ouvnat of Science. 



SKETCHES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT 

 CONDITION OF THE INDIANS OF CANADA. 



By GeorCxE M. Dawson, D.S., Assoc. R.S.M., F.G.S. 



It is computed that the Indian population of the Dominion at 

 the present day numbers nearly 100,000, distributed as follows — 

 the figures being those of the last report of the Department of 

 the Interior: — Ontario, 15,66(3; Quebec, 10,917; Nova Scotia, 

 2,H6 ; New Brunswick, 1,425; Manitoba and N. W. Territories, 

 27,308; Athabasca District, 2,398; Rupert's Land, 4,370; 

 British Columbia, 35,154; Prince Edward Island, 296. 



Constituting thus nearly a fortieth part of the entire popula- 

 tion of Canada, the Indians would even numerically be a not 

 unimportant factor in questions of interior policy. As the 

 original possessors of the land, however, though possessing it in 

 a manner incompatible with the requirements of modern civiliza- 

 tion, and as having been at times ready to assert that ownership, 

 even in a forcible manner, they acquire quite a special interest ; 

 even without that afterglow of romance which follows the memory 

 of the red man in those regions from which he has already passed 

 away. 



Though in the ante-Columbian period of American history 

 nearly all the Indian tribes and nations appear to have been 

 either drifting or gradually extending, by force of arms, in one 

 direction or another, as indicated by their history or traditions, 

 their movements were neither so rapid nor erratic as those which 

 have occurred since the old organization and balance of power 

 began to crumble before the advance of irresistible force from 



Vol. IX. I No. 3- 



