62 TI-mOUGH THE MACKENZIE BASIN 



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 u* 

 to get to them." 



Keenooshayo : " Have you all heard ? Do you wish to- 

 accept ? All who wish to accept, stand up !" 



Wendigo : " I have heard, and accept with a glad heart 

 all I have heard." 



Keenooshayo: "Are the terms good forever? As long 

 as the sun shines on us? Because there are orphans we 

 must consider, so that there will be nothing to be thrown up- 

 to us by our people afterwards. We want a written treaty, 

 one copy to be given to us, so we shall know what we sign- 

 for. Are you willing to give means to instruct children as- 

 long as the sun shines and water runs, so that our children- 

 will grow up ever increasing in knowledge ?" 



Mb. Laird : " The Government will choose teachers 

 according to the religion of the band. If the band are- 

 pagans the Government will appoint teachers who, if not 

 acceptable, will be replaced by others. About treaties last- 

 ing forever, I will just say that some Indians have got to 

 live so like the whites that they have sold their lands and 



