180 ASSINNIBOINE AND SASKATCHEWAN EXPEDITION. 



peg are low in the scale when compared with the 

 Dauphin Eiver Band, and those who hunt on Lake 

 Manitobah. These minor points arise into importance 

 in reviewing the progress made by different bands, when 

 subjected to missionary influence. 



Much misapprehension and perplexity have arisen from 

 the different application by writers of the terms " Family," 

 "Nation," " Tribe," and "Band" in describing the peculiari- 

 ties of the Indian race. A few words on this subject 

 may not be out of place. At the present day five great 

 Indian " Families," as distinguished by languages of a 

 radically distinct character, occupy the northern portion 

 of the North American continent east of the Eocky Moun- 

 tains. 



They are as follows :— 



I. Esquimaux. 

 II. Chipewyans. 



III. Algonquins. 



IV. Dakotahs. 

 V. Iroquois. 



The Esquimaux occupy the Arctic coast, and are 

 essentially a maritime people. 



The Chipewyans, the region south of the country of 

 the Esquimaux, and live in the woods north of the 55th 

 parallel. 



The Algonquins are in possession of the valley of the 

 St. Lawrence, and of the country north of a line drawn 

 from the head waters of the Mississippi, to the north 

 branch of the Saskatchewan ; they are part prairie and 

 part wood Indians. 



The Dakotahs occupy the valley of the Missouri, and a 

 considerable portion of the upper Mississippi. They also 

 extend their hunting expeditions to the North Branch of 



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