[BURWASH] GIFT TO A NATION 21 
The tribes of our northland started from a lower level of literary if not 
of intellectual development than did our Saxon ancestors. Should we 
not allow them at least an equal period in which to develop their powers? 
That they do possess powers of imagination, of reasoning, and of ap- 
preciation of the beautiful, anyone who has been well acquainted with 
them must admit. That they have a keen sense of humour men like 
John Sunday have given proof. Their gifts of eloquence in their own 
tongue have been clearly demonstrated. And even in our English 
language some of them have had no mean command of an audience. 
And at times the insight and shrewdness of their leaders have proved 
a match for Anglo Saxon statesmen. That which makes their future 
doubtful is the fact that the development of that future must take 
place under the continuous influence of, and in vital contact with, a 
dominant race advanced in all the unfavourable as well as favorable 
phases of a civilization counting its age at fifteen hundred years. What- 
ever may be the native gifts of the race it is very difficult to predict 
the results of their development under such an environment. The 
environment is too powerful and the conflict by which perfection is to 
be gained is too unequal. The ancient Britons grew weak by contact 
with the Romans and disappeared before the Saxons except where 
they found refuge in the fastnesses of Wales or Cornwall. And it may 
be that the survivors of the native tribes of Canada may be found one 
day only where the white man is no longer tempted to follow them. 
But there is so much in their character that might give promise 
of better things that one cannot but hope for a brighter future. It is 
very true that numbers are passing through degeneration into extinc- 
tion. But others are maintaining an honourable position and asserting 
the right of their race to the respect of their fellow citizens. They are 
found among the clergy of all three denominations who for a consider- 
able time have carried on mission work among them, several of them 
wearing well earned university degrees and many others proving them- 
selves well educated and able men. The former premier of one province 
was not ashamed of his Indian blood and others as well as he have 
proved themselves able leaders of their fellow-citizens of both races. 
If there has been large loss there is at least a remnant, and from that 
remnant may there not arise some truly great men who will secure for 
their race a share in the world’s great future, and give to that future 
some thought worthy of everlasting remembrance. In such a future 
time the name of James Evans will have an honourable recognition. 
