TKEATY AT LESSEE SLAVE LAKE 63 



divided the money. But this only happens when the Indians 

 ask for it. Treaties last forever, as signed, unless the 

 Lidians wish to make a change. I understand you all agree 

 to the terms of the Treaty. Am I right ? If so, I will have 

 the Treaty drawn up, and to-morrow we will sign it. Speak, 

 all those who do not agree !" 



MoosToos : " I agree." 



Keenooshato : " My children, all who agree, stand up !" 



The Eeverend Father Lacombe then addressed the Indians 

 in substance as follows: He reminded them that he was an 

 old friend, and came amongst them seven years ago, and, 

 being now old, he came again to fulfil another duty, and to 

 assist the Commission to make a treaty. " Knowing you 

 as I do, your manners, your customs and language, I have 

 been officially attached to the Commission as adviser. To-day 

 is a great day for you, a day of long remembrance, and your 

 children hereafter will learn from your lips the events of 

 to-day. I consented to come here because I thought it was 

 a; good thing for you to take the Treaty. Were it not in 

 your interest I would not take part in it. I have been long 

 familiar with the Government's methods of making treaties 

 with the Saulteaux of Manitoba, the Crees of Saskatchewan, 

 and the Blackfeet, Bloods and Piegans of the Plains, and 

 advised these tribes to accept the offers of the Government. 

 Therefore, to-day, I urge you to accept the words of the 

 Big Chief who comes here in the name of the Queen. I 

 have known him for many years, and, I can assure you, he 

 is just and sincere in all his statements, besides being vested 

 with authority to deal with you. Your forest and river life 

 will not be changed by the Treaty, and you will have your 

 annuities, as well, year by year, as long as the sun shines 

 and the earth remains. Therefore I finish my speaking by 

 saying, Accept!" 



The chiefs and counsellors stood up, and requested all 

 the Indians to do so also as a mark of acceptance of the 

 Government's conditions. Father Lacombe was thanked by 



