Keewatin v. Minister of Natural Resources

Part 7. The 1873 Negotiations 65Apart from carrying on the works I was one of the Commissioners appointed to make a treatybetween the Indian and the whites. We made the offers as instructed by the Government in goodfaith what we were authorized to offer, we offered- they thought that too little and, in consequence,negotiations were broken off. Since then I have done all in my power to bring about what I see to-day– the Indians assembled to meet Her Majesty's representative, the Governor of these Territories.His Excellency will propose the terms he will make to them. I have travelled among them for manyyears and I now would give them the advice of a friend, one who has their interests at heart, not to letthis opportunity pass of making a treaty. When they have arranged the general matters and introducedtheir Chiefs to the Governor I will be very happy to answer any questions, in detail, which may beasked."Pow-as-san" saidI have presented you the first question. All our warriors and young men want these matters settledfirst, other subjects we will leave to another time. We are tired waiting for what you promised longago. What you call the small matter is what we wish settled. You have talked to our chiefs and madethem promises.Mr. Dawson wishes to know what promises he has made? Mr. Pither was my associate when thesethings were talked of before, would like to know what particular promises they refer to.2011 ONSC 4801 (CanLII)"Posh-knig-on" saidWe want to be recompensed for the large boats you have on the waters.--Mr. Dawson is extremely glad they have come to a point. They question the right of the Governmentto take wood for steamers. Wood and water are the common rights of all the subjects of HerMajesty and on this would refer them to His Excellency. Wood on which they bestowed labor theywere paid for.Gov. Morris, saidI understand that the nation here want separate questions. I am not here for that purpose. I tell themthat the water is the gift of the Great Spirit and the wood belongs to red and white man alike. Many ofyou have come a long distance, so have I, to make a Treaty and shake hands. You have not only tothink of yourselves but your wives and children and I have come to make a Treaty with you.I have a message from the Queen to you, but if you shut my mouth I cannot tell you. I am here totell you what the Great Mother thinks. I have authority to tell you what sum of money I can giveyou now and hereafter and what presents I can make."Posh-king-on" saidAll are of one mind. What you said with regard to trees and water we know is the Great Spirit'spower. This is the Indians' not the white man's country, we are determined to finish the first question.Gov. Morris saidIf the Indians will not address him on the subjects he will not deal with them. He will deal with themon all questions or none."Posh-King-on" saidThe warriors and headmen have talked it over and come to one mind. We would like to hear firstwhat is the offer you have to make us. We do not wish to shut his mouth. We have made a Council.After he has made his offer we will present our demands.Gov. Morris saidI told you I wanted to make a treaty with you on account of my mistress the Queen and on youraccount. That is the reason I am here. I would have been very sorry if you had shut my mouth and