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 us 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?"
MR. 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 lasting forever, I will just say that some Indians
have got to live so like the whites that they have sold their
lands and divided the money. But this only happens when the Indians
ask for it. Treaties last forever, as signed, unless the Indians
wish to make a change. I understand you all agree to the terms of
the Treaty.
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