Keewatin v. Minister of Natural Resources

Part 7. The 1873 Negotiations 80actually begins to farm the Government will give them hoes &c. bull & cows enough to beginfarming with, 2 hoes for every family, 1 spade, 1 plough for 10 families, 5 harrows for 20 families, ayoke of oxen for every Band, a Bull & 4 Cows for every Band, a scythe & axe for every family.Barley, Oats &c. enough to plant the land broken up. This is to encourage them and will be given ontheir commencing to cultivate the lands. Mr. Provencher has suggested, and I approve of it, that wewill be able to give you $1500 - a year in twine & ammunition. Now I will mention the last thing Ican do. I think the sum I have offered after this year and for years to come is right. I cannot make anychange in that. But we are anxious to show you that we understand you and now for this year we areprepared to pay you $12. This is the best I can do for you.I wish you to understand we did not come here to bargain but to act for the crown and hopethat you will meet me to-day and make a treaty with our Queen for ever. I have no more to say."Manitobiness" said He wished to know if all the promises made to them should commence atonce to be fulfilled?Gov. Morris said The ammunition & twine will be got this year and continued every year. Thefarming implements are not here and the waters will soon be frozen but next year these things will begot for those who are actually farming."Manitobiness" There is one thing I don't see – a cross cut saw, a grindstone and an auger.Gov. Morris We will give a box of tools to each chief.-"Manitobiness" Depending on the words, you have told us, there is one thing we demand, asuit of clothes for all our people.Gov. Morris With regard to clothing. Coats will be given to Chiefs & head men and at theclose of the Treaty a number of presents will be given. Coats to the Chiefs every 3 years."Manitobiness" Powder & shot will not go off without guns. We want guns.Gov. Morris I have made every advance I could. I have no more power."Manitobiness" My friends listen to what I am going to say. We present you now our bestcompliments. We ask you not to neglect some of our children who are scattered. We wish ourchildren back again and we want you to count them with us.Gov. Morris If their children live here they will be counted in."Manitobiness" Once more, I wish you to grant the request I make. In future I may see aperson that may be in want, can I help him? I would not like that one of my children could not eat ofthe same food with me.Gov. Morris I am dealing with British and not with American Indians. Any children of BritishIndians who come in within 2 years will be received.-"Manitobiness" We wish that our half breed children should receive the same benefits as wedo.Gov. Morris Would promise them that he would refer the matter to the Government."Manitobiness" We have understood you to say you came here as a friend to show the Indiansyour kindness. Our memories are good. There is one thing we want, if you should get into troublewith other nations I do not wish to turn out with my warriors.Gov. Morris The Indians were never called upon to go out of their country and fight. Theywill be expected to live at peace with their neighbours."Manitobiness" I ask my questions so freely that I thank you for your answer. Your roadpasses through our country, by and by carriages driven by fire will pass through and we want freepasses.Gov. Morris Cannot promise them this.Mr. Dawson Would always be happy to do what he could to help the Indians."Manitobiness" Would they have the privilege of travelling through the Country? -- Yes.[Bolding added.] -- If they should discover gold or silver would they have a right to it?Gov. Morris If minerals were found on the Reserve the mine would be administered for theirbenefit, otherwise, the Indians could not claim it."Manitobiness" It will be good while we meet here that everything should be understoodbetween us. We have all reserves which we will point out at the proper time.--2011 ONSC 4801 (CanLII)