L'ENIG] 



THE ASSINIBOIN 



431 



" Red Root." These are a branch from the Gens des Canots and 

 odds and ends of other bands and consist of 30 lodges. 



Recapitulation 



Average, four and one hail persons per lodge. Total, 2,340 souls. 



These 520 lodges form the nation, with the exception of those 

 residing in the north, whom they never visit. The bands named 

 are distinct and usually encamped in different sections of country, 

 though they mingle for a short time when circumstances require it, 

 such as scarcity of buffalo in some part of their lands or on an 

 approach of a numerous enemy. When these causes for combina- 

 tion cease they separate and occupy their customary grounds sev- 

 erally, within three or four days' travel of each other. The chief of 

 the whole nation is Crazy Bear, made so by the commissioner of the 

 United States at the Laramie treaty in 1851, not having as yet, 

 however, that popular rule which will follow in due time if the 

 treaty stipulations on both sides are complied with. 



Chiefs. — In each and all the bands mentioned there are several 

 men bearing the character, rank, and name of chiefs. But he only 

 is considered as chief of the band who heads and leads it. Yet this 

 power does not give him a right to tyrannize over any of the other 

 chiefs, or dictate to them any course they would not willingly follow; 

 neither does it detract from their dignity and standing to acknowl- 

 edge him as the head. Some one must be the nominal leader, and 

 as this place involves some trouble and action and is not repaid with 

 any extra honors or gifts it is not in general much envied. More- 

 over, this leader is mostty, if not always, supported by numerous 

 connections who second his views and hence his authority. In fact, 

 these bands are nothing more than large families, the chiefs resem- 

 bling the old patriarchs, being intermarried and connected in such 

 a way as to preclude the probability of clashing of interests or 

 separation. These are the elements of the bands. The chief is little 

 more than the nominal father of all and addresses them as his 

 children in a body. 



Now, although some of these children may be as brave as he. and 

 have accomplished greater feats in war and the chase, yet they do not 

 feel disposed to dispute his acknowledged authority, neither would 



