Wednesday 30 July 2014

PETITION OF 1917 OVER ROBINSON TREATY RIGHTS


This petition copy was given to the Nipigon Historical Museum Archives January 26, 1974, by Mr. Willy John, Nipigon, Ontario

 

Fort William, Ontario

March 10, 1917

A PETITION

TO THE KINGS’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY

May it please Your Majesty, we, the Indians of the Ojibwa Tribe, inhabiting the northern shore of Lake Superior in the Province of Ontario in the Dominion of Canada, claim that we have a just grievance against the Government of the said Province of Ontario, and not being able to obtain redress through our Department of Indian Affairs at Ottawa, are placing our case before Your Most Gracious Majesty, feeling that we will received justice through you, and though we very much regret to make any appeal to you while your energies are so taxed by the present Great War, we feel that as our younger men have and are enlisting freely, that the older people of our Tribe should not be unfairly dealt with and deprived of their only means of livelihood, and that such is the case is evidenced by the fact that a number of our Tribe have been heavily fined for acts guaranteed us by Treaty.

 

In one case, an Indian who was imprisoned at Port Arthur, after serving a term in goal, had to make a journey of 200 miles to reach his home.  Being without food or money to purchase some, he died on the way and now a wife and family are without anyone to support them.  One aged Indian named Marten was imprisoned and fined heavily for having moose meat to feed the family of girls while his two adult sons were fighting with your army in France.  One boy was killed and the other wounded.  Two of our Indian boys have been awarded medals for bravery in action on the battlefields in France.

 

We attach a copy of the Robinson-Superior Treaty, made in the year 1850, and would call the attention of Your Most Gracious Majesty to that portion of the said Treaty underlined with red ink, wherein we are allowed to hunt and fish in the territory ceded, excepting such portions as are sold or leased and occupied.  This clause of our agreement was recognized from the date of the Treaty until the new Ontario Game and Fisheries Law of 1915 became operative, but now we are placed nearly in the same position as white men, and are told that the Honourable William Benjamin Robinson should not have agreed to the hunting and fishing clause, and again that under the British North America Act the Province of Ontario have full right to administer in everything in the Province, thus cancelling without our consent the most vital portion of our Treaty, and now while our young men are away at war, their parents and dependents who are old and cannot go far to hunt are in great distress and want and often  prosecuted and fined and would have to go to prison only for good-natured white people, who  seeing the injustice, sometimes pay the poor Indian’s fine.

 

We therefore pray that  Your Most Gracious Majesty will intercede with the Government of the Province of Ontario and have our hunting and fishing privileges restored to us, as we will ever pray…

FORT WILLIAM BAND

Paul Bouchie

Peter Bannan

Francis Williams

A Bannon

Peter Loouis

Michael Boucher

Frank LaRose

Samuel Collin

John White

Luke Boucher

Joe Charlie

Henry Scott

Joe Thomas Penassie

Xavier Burbag

Joe O’Connor

Paul Laguard

X. McLaren

NIPIGON BAND GULL BAY DIVISION

Wigwass, chief

Ambrose Bouchard

Paul Shoneyaus

Marten Wawie

Kego Wigwass

Wabik Mamagwades

Julian Micklesen

Frank Pelletier

Alex McCoy

PIC RIVER BAND

Louis Michana, chief

John Desmoulin

Louis Borron

Philip Twance

George Michano

Patrick Sbourin

John Starr

Peter Kwisia

Moses Fisher

Dan Goodchild

Michael Wissian

Jerome Onajbigan

And many others

PAYS PLAT BAND

Michael Friday, chief

James Shoes

Emile Fisher

Councillor Paul Auger

Peter Negowigisic

2nd chief Louie Musquash

RED ROCK BAND

Andrew Lixie, chief

Robert Hardy, counselor

Moise Wawiie

Nicholas Bouchard, counselor

Michel Ogimabineus

Xavier Misak

Joe Hardy

Sam Bouchard

Antwen Bouchard

Charlie Ninjwiwi

John Morriseau

Raphel Pottan

Michael Dabba

And many others

( I am spelling from the list as presented)

Tuesday 29 July 2014

THE FATE OF THE PEEWABIC




From the Fort William newspaper, 1965

SHIPPING

Written by Jack Snider

TUG PEEWABIC WAS WRECKED ON L. NIPIGON ROCKS

“March 17 we said a reader was seeking information about three sailing schooners be believed once plied Lake Nipigon called the Peewabic, Nipigon and Ombabika.  We found something out about all – especially the Peewabic and the later alone is an intriguing tale told us by one of the men who hacked her out of the ice on rocks of Shakespeare Island where she was wrecked late in 1913.”

 

“Grand old-timer we visited to get this story at first hand is J. H. Cookman, now past 80 and who came to Fort William in 1906.  Our inquiring reader, LAC L. M. Unwin of the RCAF station at Armstrong has hereby got himself a dandy story.”

 

“ Mr. Cookman went into the country north of Lake Nipigon in 1910 on construction work of the transcontinental railway, now the main line of the CNR.  He continued working in construction and bush camps in Northwestern Ontario until going overseas with World War troops in 1914.”

 

“ To begin with he says, none of these vessels were sailing schooners.  All were steam-powered, the Nipigon and Peewabic being tugs while Ombabika was a decked freight and passenger boat.”

“ In the fall of 1913 he worked at Ombabika Bay for the contracting firm  of Brien, McDougall and O’Gorman who had an interest in the tug Peewabic.”

“ At that time a French-Canadian fellow named Tremblay was using it to tow rafts of cedar telegraph poles he was cutting for railway construction.  One day as winter approached he appeared, crestfallen, at the camp on Ombabika Bay to report, “ the Peewabic, she’s on the rocks.  I tink he back, she’s broke!”

“About Feb. 24-25, 1914, Mr. Cookman left Ombabika for  Fort William.  His route and method of approach was 162 miles on snowshoes to Superior Junction near Sioux Lookout, then by train into the city.  A week or so later he got word to report to Nipigon.  The firm clung to the hope the Peewabic might be refloated and repaired for further service.”

“ With that aim a small group under assistant superintendent Jim Parker met at Nipigon where they hired a dog team from a character known in those regions as Joe the Ghost and accompanied by him they headed for Shakespeare Island.”

“ On the theory that if the crippled tug was freed of ice she might refloat, they did exactly that by chopping her loose with bush axes.  But the French-Canadian , Tremblay, had been right – her back, she was broke.  The Peewabic was beyond hope while in the meantime scroungers of the bush-lands had stripped her of all worthy fixtures.”

“ Her bones were left to bleach on the rocks of Shakespeare Island where for all we know they may be yet.”

“Mr. Cookman is not aware of what fate befell the tug Nipigon and passenger vessel, Ombabika.”

“ He does know that in those days the latter was owned by the fur-trading firm of Revillon Freres, which had a post on Lake Nipigon headed by a factor named Thorpe.  ---“

Sunday 27 July 2014

TWO VIEWS OF THE " RED ROCK"

THE "RED ROCK" at the Dock, Nipigon.

THE "RED ROCK"  on dry land, Nipigon.

NIPIGON MEN IN 1942 WWII


Honor Roll

This List Complied
December 1, 1942.

With Canadian Army Overseas

Gnr. A. A. Kivisto

No, 1, C.A.R.U., R. C. A.

PTE. GEO. Chaboyer

28th Co`y, C. F. C.

CPL. E, J. Blanchette

16thn Co`y C. F. C.

PTE.  O.. W. Steen
16th Co`y C. F. C.

PTE. UNTO. Rajala

5th Co`y, C. F. C.

PTE. R. T. LaRush

16th Co`y, C. F. C., M.P.O.

PTE. David Gordon

19th Co`y , C. F. C.

PTE. AXEL Arola

20th Co`y, C. F. C.

PTE. Lawrence Obrey

4th Field Ambulance

PTE. E, McCallum

20th Co`y, C. F. C.

PTE. James Wesley

23rd Co`y, C. F. C.

LAC. W. A. Fraser

P.M, A.&B. Block, I.D.H.

SGT. C. Stickney

37th Field Battery

BDR. John DeLardonde

37th Field Battery

L/BDR, Reild, Ashley

37th Field Battery

TRPR. R. J. Simmons

No. 327, Strathcona Horse

PTE. GEO. Morriseau

28th Co’y, C.F.C.

CPL. Roxy Roche

H.Q., C.F.C.

J. P. Gerlach

R.C.A.F. Overseas

PTE. Will Backman

16th Co’y, C.F.C.

PTE. Clyde Patton

23rd Co’y, C.F.C.

PTE. N. K. Gordon

4th C.A.D., R.C.O.C

GNR. G. G. Black

70th. L.A.A. Battery

PTE. Len Faubert

27th C’oy, C.F.C

L/BDR. J.  D. Grant

1st L.A.A Battery

 

Orville Ashley ( Lost With “ Levis “ )

Nipigon Boys Serving In Canada

Gnr. C. W. John

B. Battery, M. P. O. 1001

AC1 Will Kirkpatrick

R.C.A.F., Patricia Bay

Chief P.O W. E. Simmons

 E.R.A. Naval Barracks

R. E. Williams, Sto. 1

H.M.C.S Stadacona 4

R. Clements CKs.

H.M.C.S Vencedor

TRPR. A. Co’y

James Porter, STO. 1

Newfoundland

GNR. J. G. Maxymow

56th Heavy Battery, R.C.A.

PTE. E. E. Rajala

C.A. (1) T.C., C.F.C

PTE. Wilbert Maki

R.C.A.M.C

PTE. Maxwell Martin

Current River Barracks

GNR. Law. Sault

GNR. D. M. DeLaronde

29th Field Battery, 24th Regt.

CPL. Edgar Turner

A  15, C.I.T.C., M.P.O.

PTE. J.T. McCullough

Valcartier, Quebec

A C2  Douglas Ring

A C2  Sjolander, A. A.

Course 65, Flt. B

TPR. F.S. Meadows

A  9  C.A. C. (A) T.C.

Ray Clement

H.M.C.S. Givenchy

Leo Gerard LAG. (O.C.)

H.M.C.S. Royal Road

PTE. A. E. Westerland

R.C.A.M.C.

PTE.  E.E. Duffy

Fort Osborne Barracks

PTE. E. J. Montsion

Current River Barracks

L/CPL. Geo. Perrin

Camp Shilo

CPL. Frank DeFazio

16  Bde., Group Co’y, R.C.A.S.C.

PTE. J. D. Ainslie

Port Arthur

Reino Salo

Leonard Grover

Elmer Johnson

Miss Joan Martin

C. R. Skillen

 

The following have been in Service and have either, due to Active Service or Health, returned to civilian life.

Steve Gerrard

Ted Price

John Dampier

Gilbert Martin

NIPIGON BOYS IN WWII 1943


Army    

Nipigon Boys 1943

Gnr. J. G. Maxymow,

 Pte. E. E. Rajala,

Gnr. L. Sault,

 Pte. H. J. Montsion,

L./Cpl. G. Perrin,

Pte. H. E. Ruth,

Pte. J. V. Atwill,

 Pte. Joan Martin,

 Pte. John De Perry,

 Pte. Frank DeFazio,

 Pte. H. Steen,

 

Pte. E. Blanchette,

Pte. J. Chaboyer,

 Pte. P. Musquash,

 Pte. L. Beauclair,

Pte. W. Maki,

 Gnr. Allen Arola,

 Pte. T. Koski,

 Pte. R. S. Black,

Gnr. R. LaRush,

 Tpr. L. Despins,

 Sgmn. R. Larson,

Gnr. A. A. Kivisto,

Pte. Geo. Chaboyer,

Pte. O. W. Steen,

 Pte. Unto Rajala,

 Bdr. Reid. Ashley,

 Pte. Geo. Morriseau,

 Pte. Clyde Patton,

 Pte. N. K. Gordon,

Tpr. R. J. Simons,

Pte. James Wesley,

Gnt. G. G. Black,

 

 Pte. L. Faubert,

L./Bdr. J. D. Grant,

 Pte. David Gordon,

 Pte. Axel Arola,

 Gdsm. J. D. Ainslie,

 Bdr. John DeLaronde,

Pte. E. MacCallum,

Tpr. S. Simmons,

 Pte. O. P. Dumas,

 Gnr. P. DeLaronde,

Gnr. L. A. Larson,

Pte. A. J. Hardy,

 L. Cpl. R. E. Gordon,

Tpr. A. Jalkenan,

Tpr. F. S. Meadows

 

R.C.A.F

Cpl. W. Kirkpatrick,

LAC. Doug Ring,

 AC2. V. A. Niepolla,

 PO. A. A. Sjolander,

 AC2. D. H. Whent,

LAC. W. A. Fraser,

 AC2. R. V. Kaura,

 AW2. Valma Maki,

 AW2. N. C. DeLaronde,

 AC2. O. M. Inget,

LAC. B. J. S. Maley,

 LAC. J. P. Gerlack,

AC2. Evold Salo,

 Gnt. G. G. Black,

Pte. L. Faubert,

 L. Bdr. J. D. Grant,

 Pte. David Gordon,

 Pte. Axel Arola,

Gdsm. J. D. Ainslie,

Bdr. John DeLaronde, Pte. E. MacCallum,

Tpr. S. Simmons,

Pte. O. P. Dumas,

Gnr. L. A. Larson,

Pte. A. J. Hardy,

 L. Cpl. R. E. Gordon,

Tpr. A. Jalkenan,

Tpr. F. S. Meadows

Navy
CPO. W. E. Simmons,

 PO. James Porter,

 Sto. I Gerald Porter,

 Sto. I A. J. Williams,

PO. R. E. Williams,

Ross Williams,

Tel. T. H Milne,

OS. Leonard Grover,

OS. R. F. Merrifield,

OS. W. Baker.

Friday 25 July 2014

NIPIGON / NEPIGON RIVER - REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT 1900


THE REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO 1900

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

TORONTO

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY L. K. CAMERON,

PRINTER TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY

1901

NO. 68

PAGE 14

THE RIVER NEPIGON

The River Nepigon, which connects Lakes Nepigon and Superior some sixty  miles east of Port Arthur, and which is said to be the head waters of the St. Lawrence, is our most noted fishing river, and is admitted by those who have whipped its waters, to be the finest trout “stream” in America, if not the world.

“Stream”, however,  conveys a very erroneous and vague idea of the magnitude of the river, unless one were in the habit of so speaking of the great Niagara, for the Nepigon possesses in but a slightly lesser degree the “ whirling and tumbling water, and the eddies and currents leaping and charging from side to side in eternal confusion” of that river. 

Here is the virgin home of the speckled trout , specimens having been taken weighing five, seven and even ten pounds;  and here is the angler’s paradise.

When they are rising well, the fun is fast and furious, for the trout of this region are uneaqualled for vigor and activity.

No more delightful outing could be imagined, desired or experienced than is afforded by a fortnight spent on the glorious Nepigon.  The scenery alone would well repay a visit, not to speak of the angling. In its sinuous windings it recalls the famous Saguenay, and it is a matter of constant wonder what splendor the next turn will reveal. In some places the shores are banked with foliage to the water’s edge, while in others bold cliffs rear themselves majestically to dizzy heights, and many islands add charm to the view.

Immediately one begins the ascent, he feels that he has been transported to another world.  Dull care is left behind, the anxieties of life cease to oppress, the very atmosphere seems to be intoxicating, and he gladly yields to the fascination of his surroundings.

After leaving Lake Helen and passing the little Indian Village at the mouth of the river, the prospect is unbroken by settlement or habitation, and is one delightful expanse of nature’s most exquisite handiwork. Six miles more and the first camping place – Camp Alexander – is reached, and this initial portage has to be made.  Here tents are pitched, and preparations begun for spending the night.  Some of the guides repair to the forest, and in a few moments return heavily laden with large bundles of fragrant spruce boughs, which they adeptly convert into restful couches.  Others have meantime been preparing the evening meal;  the call to “wee-sin” is a welcome sound, and soon the camp is lulled to rest by the never ceasing song of the river.

No reliable fishing is to be obtained below Camp Alexander, though the impatient angler has occasionally been rewarded with a rise where a fly has been cast in the eddies along the way.

The river falls in its course of 20 miles between Lake Nepigon and Camp Alexander some three hundred feet;  so that for this distance falls and rapids follow in quick succession, and good fishing is to be had almost anywhere between these points.  

The guides are either Indians or half-breeds, and as a rule, are most attentive and trustworthy.  To be properly equipped, two guides are required for each canoe, unless one is himself  an adept canoe man, and has a fondness for hard work, for it requires a strong arm, a skilful hand, an unerring eye, and an active brain to safely pilot a craft through these turbulent waters into coveted haunts.  Indeed, as the struggle against the rushing waters becomes fiercer, the muscles and veins of the swarthy guides stand out like cables.  The guides are anxious that the tourist should have good fishing and the rivalry is keen as to which boat shall bring in the largest trout;  and (when )a fish is  struck their exclamations of delight are second only to the uproar (created) by the swift running waters.  In places where the current is too strong for paddling, and not angry enough to necessitate a portage, the guides pole the canoe along; and, as inch by inch headway is made, it seems a battle of the weak against the strong, wonder prevails as to which will ultimately triumph, and speculation arises as to what consequence would follow the snapping of the trusted spruce or the capsizing of the canoe.  Occasionally such a contingency arises as the snapping of a pole , but the skilful bowman has never yet proven unequal to the emergency.

Near the head of the river is Virgin Falls – a miniature Niagara.  At the foot of the falls may at any time be seen, deporting in the foam, hundreds of whitefish and speckled trout;  and the former takes the fly as to the “manner born.” A few miles above the falls is Lake Nepigon itself, a most beautiful sheet of waer, measuring some 70 miles long by 50 miles wide, with a coast line of about 600 miles.  The lake is thickly studded with islands – it is estimated some one thousand in all. 

The descent of the river is not the least enjoyable part of the trip, and is of course accomplished in a much shorter time, as most of the rapids are “run” in the downward journey. Frequently canoes of several parties may be seen descending a rapid in quick succession – a most thrilling sight.

As the Nepigon is the source of considerable revenue to the Department, and as the number of visitors to it is increasing annually, it had from time to time been suggested by parties who had visited the river that certain improvements should be made which would render a visit thereto more enjoyable and attended with less hardship and inconvenience – such, for instance, as the construction of (landing) places , the improvement of the portages, the making of trails to desirable pools now almost inaccessible, and better sanitary arrangements. 

A question had also arisen as to whether certain privileges applied for to the Crown Lands Department would or would not militate to the detriment of these world-renowned fishing grounds.  That the Department might be in possession of the special personal knowledge necessary to deal with these matters, and with others as they may arise, a visit of inspection was made by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner during the month of July.

As an additional outcome of the visit, the undersigned would most strongly urge the desirability of reserving a strip of land on each side of the river, in addition to the one chain (66 feet) already reserved, that the scenery may be properly protected and preserved for all time in its pristine beauty.

 

Overseer Wm. McKirdy, Nepigon, reports:

“That this year 1900 just closed, from a revenue point of view, has been the most successful in its history, and although this increase of revenue has been secured by riaising the price of fishing permits, visitors are well pleased with the results.”

“The river has been patrolled by Charles de Laronde, overseer, and the provisions of the law maintained, particular attention being given to the sanitary conditions of the camping grounds, on which the pleasure of the trip depends in a great measure.”

“I estimate the amount spent by the tourists at Nepigon at $9,000; this does not include railway, steamboat or hotel expenses.”

Saturday 19 July 2014

ORIENT BAY, ONTARIO circa 1919

NIPIGON LODGE, ORIENT BAY

from old post cards circa 1919

Nipigon Lodge Orient Bay circa 1919




Nipigon Lodge

Somebody climbed a long way up for this view.  CN Rail skirting the Bay.
Orient Bay
Cliff edge showing Orient Bay.

Monday 14 July 2014

LAKE SUPERIOR TREATY, SEPTEMBER 7TH , 1850

from:
STATUTES, DOCUMENTS AND PAPERS
BEARING ON THE
DISCUSSION
RESPECTING THE
NORTHERN AND WESTERN BOUNDARIES
OF THE
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
 
 
 
INCLUDING THE PRINCIPAL EVIDENCE SUPPOSED TO BE EITHER FOR OR AGAINST THE CLAIMS OF THE PROVINCE.
 
Compiled by Direction of the Government of Ontario;
 
With EXPLANATORY NOTES.
 
Toronto:
printed by Hunter, Rose & Co., 25 Wellington St. West,
1878
 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR TREATY, SEPTEMBER 7TH, 1850
 
 
COPY OF A REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF THE HONOURABLE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, APPROVED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL IN COUNCIL, ON THE 11TH JANUARY, 1850.
 
The Committee of the Executive Council have had under consideration, on your Excellency's reference, a memorandum presented to the Honourable Colonel Bruce, Superintendent Indian Department, from the Hon. W. B. Robinson, on behalf of certain Indian Chiefs lately arrested at Sault Ste. Marie, on a charge of having been implicated in the attack on the property of the Quebec Mining Company, and who are represented to be now in Toronto, anxious to obtain assistance to return to their houses, as well as an assurance that the Government will speedily take measures to adjust the claims of the Indians for compensation, on their renouncing all claims to the occupation of the lands in the vicinity of Lakes Huron and Superior, and portions of which have been occupied for Mining purposes.
 
The Committee of Council having reference to proceedings already taken with a view of adjusting the claims of the Indians, and also to a late report on the subject from the Commissioner of Crown Lands, which will form the subject of a separate minute, are respectfully of opinion, that a sum not exceeding 100 pounds be advanced to the Indians to enable them to return;  and the Committee are further of  opinion  that Mr. Robinson be authorized on the part of the Government to negotiate with several tribes for the adjustment of their claims to the land in the vicinity  of Lakes Superior and Huron, or of such portions of them as may be required for mining purposes.
 
The Committee of Council are further of the opinion that Mr. Robinson should be instructed to communicate to the Indians the fact of his appointment, and that it is his intention to proceed to Lake Superior at such time as may be found most convenient for meeting with the Chiefs;  and that he be likewise instructed to impress on the minds of the Indians, that they ought not to expect excessive remuneration for the partial occupation of the territory heretofore used as hunting grounds, by persons who have been engaged in developing sources of wealth, which they themselves entirely neglected.
 
The Committee of Council are further of opinion, that Mr. Robinson should warn the Indians against listening to the counsels of any one who may advise them to resort to criminal proceedings, which will not only render the parties participating in them amenable to the laws of the Province, but likewise entail expenses which will necessarily diminish the fund from which alone the means of affording compensation can be obtained.  The Commissioner of Crown Lands will advance to Mr. Robinson the sum required, which must form a charge against any moneys received on account of the mining locations.
 
LAKE SUPERIOR TREATY, 1850
 
 
This agreement made and entered into on the seventh day of September, in the year of our Lord, 1850, at Sault Ste. Marie, in the Province of Canada, between the Honourable William Benjamin Robinson, of the one part, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, and Joseph Peaudechat, John Ininway, Mishemuckqua, Totomenai, Chiefs, and Jacob Wassoba, Ahmutchwagabou,  Michel Shebageshick, Manitoshainse and Chigenaus, principal men of the Ogibbeway Indains inhabititng the northern shore of Lake Superior, in the sid Provnce of Canada, from Batchewanaung Bay to Pigeon River, at the western extremity of said Lake, and inland throughout that extent to the height of land which separates the territory covered by the Charter of the Honourable the Hudson's Bay Company from the said tract, and also the islands in the said lake within the boundaries of the British possessions therein, of the other part;
 
Witnesseth, for and in consideration of the sum of 2,000 pounds of good and lawful money of Upper Canada, to them in hand paid, and for the further perpetual annuity of 500 pounds, the same to be paid and delivered to the said Chiefs and their tribes at a convenient season of each summer, not later than the first day of August, at the Honourable the Hudson's Bay Company's posts of Michipicoten and Fort William, they, the said Chiefs and principal men, do freely, fully and voluntarily surrender, cede, grant and convey unto Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, for ever, all their right, title and interest in the whole of the territory above described, save and except the reservations set forth in the schedule hereunto annexed, which reservations shall be held and occupied by the said Chiefs and their tribes in common for the purposes of residence and cultivation.  And should the said Chiefs and their respective tribes at any time desire to dispose of any mineral or other valuable productions upon said reservations, the same will be, at their request, sold by order of the Superintendent-General of the Indian Department for the time being, for their sole use and benefit and to the best advantage.
 
And said William Benjamin Robinson, of the first part, on behalf of Her Majesty and the Government of this Province, hereby promises and agrees to make the payments as before mentioned, and further, to allow the said Chiefs and their tribes the full and free privileges to hunt over the territory now ceded by them, and to fish in the waters thereof, as they have heretofore been in the habit of doing, saving and excepting only such portions of the said territory as may from time to time be sold or leased to individuals, or companies  of individuals, and occupied by them with the consent of the Provincial Government.
 
The parties of the second part further promise and agree that they will not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any portion of their reservations without the consent of the Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs being first had and obtained;  nor will they at any time hinder or prevent persons from exploring or searching for minerals or other valuable productions in any part of the territory hereby ceded to Her Majesty, as before mentioned.  The parties of the second part also agree, that in case the Government of this Province should, before the date of this agreement, have sold or bargained to sell any mining locations or other property, on the portions of the territory hereby reserved for their use and benefit, then , and in that case, such sale or promise of salel shall be perfected, if the parties interested desire it, by the Government, and the amount accruing therefrom shall be paid to whom the reservation belongs.
 
The said William Benjamin Robinson, on behalf of Her Majesty, who desires to deal liberally and justly with all her subjects, further promises and agrees that in the case the territory hereby ceded by the parties of the second part shall at any future period produce an amount which will enable the Government of this Province, without incurring loss, to increase the annuity hereby secured to them, then and in that case the same shall be augmented from time to time; provided, that the amount paid each individual shall not exceed the sum of one pound, Provincial currency,  in any one year, or such further sum as Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to order;  and provided, that  the number of Indians entitled to the benefit of this Treaty, shall amount to two-thirds of their present number ( which is 1,240) to entitle them to claim the full benefit thereof;  and should the numbers at any future period not amount to two-thirds of 1,240, the annuity shall be diminished in proportion to their numbers.
 
Schedules of Reservations made by the above-named and subscribing Chiefs and Principal Men.
 
FIRST -  joseph Peaudechat and his tribe;  the reserve to commence about two miles from Fort William (inland), on the right bank of the River Kimimtiquia ; thence westerly six miles parallel to the shores of the lake;  thence northerly five miles;  thence easterly to the right bank of said river, so as not to interfere with any acquired rights of the Honourable the Hudson's Bay Company.
 
SECOND -  Four miles square at Gros Cap, being a valley near the Honourable the Hudson's Bay Company's Post of Michipicoten, for Totomenai and tribe.
 
THIRD -  Four miles square on Gull River, near Lake Nipigon, on both sides of said river, for the Chief Mishemuckqua and tribe.
 
Signed , Sealed and delivered at Sault Ste. Marie, the day and year first above written, in presence of -
GEO. IRONSIDE, S.I. AFFAIRS,
ARTHUR P. COOPER, CAP. COM. RIFLE BRIGADE,
H. N. BALFOUR, 2ND LIUT., RIFLE BRIGADE,
JOHN SWANSTON, C.F. HONBLE. HUDSON'S BAY CO.,
GEO. JOHNSTON, INTERPRETER,
J. W. KEATING,
W. B. ROBINSON,
JOSEPH PEAUDECHAT,
JOHN ININWAY,
MISHEMUCKQUA,
TOTOMENAI,
JACOB WASSABA,
AH MUTCHWAGABON,
MICHEL SHEBAGESHICK,
MANITON SHAINSE,
CHIGENAUS.

Sunday 13 July 2014

ROBINSON TREATY 1850, THE RESERVATIONS

SCHEDULE OF RESERVATIONS MADE BY THE ABOVE-NAMED (previous post) SUBSCRIBING CHIEFS AND PRINCIPAL MEN.

FIRST - Pamequonaisheung and his Band, a tract of land to commence seven miles, from the mouth of the River Maganetawang, and extending six miles east and west by three miles north.

SECOND - Wagemake and his Band, a tract of land to commence at a place called Nekickshegeshing, six miles from east to west, by three miles in depth.

THIRD - Kitcheposkissegan ( by Papasainse), from Point Grondine westward, six miles inland, by two miles in front, so as to include the small Lake Nessinassung - a tract for themselves and their Bands.

FOURTH - Wabakekik, three miles front, near Shebawenaning, by five miles inland, for himself and Band.

FIFTH - Namassin and Naoquagabo and their Bands, a tract of land commencing near Qacloche, at the Hudson Bay Company's Boundary; thence westerly to the mouth of Spanish River;  then four miles up the south bank of said river, and across to the place of beginning.

SIXTH - Shawenakishick and his Band, a tract of land new occupied by them, and contained between two rivers, called Whitefish River , and Wanabitaseke, seven miles inland.

SEVENTH - Windawtegawinini and his Band, the Peninsula east of Serpent River, and formed by it, now occupied by them.

EIGHTH - Ponekeosh and his Band, the land contained between the River Mississaga and the River Penebewabecong, up to the first rapids.

NINTH - Dokis and his Band, three miles square at Wanabeyakokaun, near Lake Nipissing and the island near the Fall of Okickandawt.

TENTH - Shabokishick and his Band, from their present planting grounds on Lake Nipissing to the Hudson Bay Company's post, six miles in depth.

ELEVENTH - Tagawinini and his Band, two miles square at Wanabitibing, a place about forty miles inland, near Lake Nipissing.

TWELFTH - Keohouse and his Band, four miles front from Thessalon River eastward, by four miles inland.

THIRTEENTH - Mishequanga and his Band, two miles on the lake shore east and west  of Ogawaminang, by one mile inland.

FOURTEENTH - For Shinguacouse and his Band, a tract of land extending from Maskinonge Bay, inclusive, to Partridge Point, above Garden River on the front, and inland ten miles, throughout the whole distance; and also Squirrel Island.

FIFTEENTH - For Nebenaigoching and his Band, a tract of land extending from Wanabekineyunnung west of Gros Cap to the boundary of the lands ceded by the Chiefs of Lake Superior, and inland ten miles throughout the whole distance, including Batchewanaung Bay; and also the small island at Sault Ste. Marie used by them as a fishing station.

SIXTEENTH - For Chief Mekis and his Band, residing at Wasaquesing (Sandy Island), a tract of land at a place on the main shore opposite the Island; being the place now occupied by them for residence and cultivation, four miles square.

SEVENTEENTH - For Chief Muckatamishaquet and his Band, a tract of land on the east side of  the River Naishconteong, near Pointe aux Barils, three miles square;  and also a small tract in Washauwenega Bay - now occupied by a part of the Band - three miles square.

Signed, sealed, and delivered at Sault Ste. Marie,
 the day and year first above written, in the presence of -

THE ROBINSON TREATY 1850

This is the first of two documents going up.
1. The Robinson Treaty of 1850
and
2. Statutes, Documents and Papers bearing on the Discussion Respecting the Northern and Western Boundaries of the Province of Ontario, 1878

COPY OF THE ROBINSON TREATY MADE IN THE YEAR 1850 WITH THE OJIBEWA INDIANS OF LAKE HURON, CONVEYING CERTAIN LANS TO THE CROWN

This copy came to the Nipigon Historical Museum Archives
 courtesy of C. W. John January 25, 1974

Reprinted from the edition of 1939 by Roger Duhamel, F.R.S.C.
Queen's Printer and Controller of Stationery
Ottawa, 1964

Cat. No. Ci 72-1264

THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty, at Sault Ste. Marie, in the Province of Canada between the Honorable WILLIAM BENJAMIN ROBINSON, of the one part, on behalf of  HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN,  and SHINGUACOUSE NEBENAIGOCHING, KEOKOUSE, MISHEQUONGA, TAGAWININI, SHABOKISHICK, DOKIS, PONEKEOSH, WINDAWTEGOWININI, SHAWENAKESHICK, NAMASSIN, NAOQUAGABO, WABAKEKIK, KITCHEPOSSIGUN by PAPASAINSE,  WAGEMAKI, PAMEQUONAISHEUNG,  Chiefs; and JOHN BELL, PAQWATCHININI, MASHEKYASH, IDOWEKESIS, WAQUACOMICK, OCHEEK, METIGOMIN, WATACHEWANA, MINWAWAPENASSE, SHENAOQUOM,  ONINGEGUN,  PANAISSY,  PAPASAINSE, ASHEWASEGA, KAGESHEWAWETUNG, SHAWONEBIN;  and also Chief MAISQUASO  (also Chiefs MUCKATA, MISHOQUET,  and MEKIS ), and MISHOQUETTO  and ASA WASWANAY and PAWISS,  principal men of the Ojibewa Indians,  inhabiting and claiming the Eastern and Northern Shores of Lake Huron, from Penetanguishine to Sault Ste. Marie, and thence to Batchewanaung Bay, on the Northern Shore of Lake Superior; together with the Islands in the said Lakes, opposite to the shores thereof, and inland to the Height of land which separates the Territory covered by the charter of the Honorable Hudson's Bay Company from Canada; as well as all unceded lands within the limits of Canada West to which they have any just claim, of the other part, witnesseth:

THAT for, and in consideration of the sum of two thousand pounds of good and lawful money of Upper Canada, to them in hand paid, and for the further perpetual annuity of six hundred pounds of like money, the same to be paid and delivered to the said Chiefs and their Tribes at a convenient season of each year, of which due notice will be given, at such places as may be appointed for that purpose, they the said Chiefs and Principal men, on behalf of their respective Tribes or Bands, do hereby fully, freely, and voluntarily surrender, cede, grant, and convey unto Her Majesty, her heirs, and successors for ever, all their right, title, and interest to, and in the whole of, the territory above described, save and except the reservations set forth in the schedule hereunto annexed;  which reservations shall be held and occupied by the said Chiefs and their Tribes in common, for their own use and benefit.

And should the said Chiefs and their respective Tribes at any time desire to dispose of any part of such reservations, or of any mineral or other valuable productions thereon, the same will be sold or leased at their request by the Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs for the time being, or other officer having authority so to do, for their sole benefit, and to the best advantage.

And the said William Benjamin Robinson of the first part, on behalf of Her Majesty and the Government of this Province, hereby promises and agrees to make, or cause to be made, the payments as before mentioned;  and further to allow the said Chiefs and their Tribes the full and free privilege to hunt over the Territory now ceded by them, and to fish in the waters thereof, as they have heretofore been in the habit of doing;  saving and excepting such portions of the said Territory as may from time to time be sold or leased to individuals or companies of individuals, and occupied by them with the consent of the Provincial Government.

The Parties of the second part further promise and agree that they will not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any portion of their Reservations without the consent of the Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, or other officer of like authority, being first had and obtained.  Nor will they at any time hinder or prevent persons from exploring or searching for minerals, or other valuable productions, in any part of the Territory hereby ceded to Her Majesty, as before mentioned.  The parties of the second part also agree, that in case the Government of this Province should before the date of this agreement have sold, or bargained to sell, any mining locations, or other property, on the portions of the Territory hereby reserved for their use;  then and in that case such sale, or promise of sale, shall be perfected by the Government, if the parties claiming it shall have fulfilled all the conditions upon which such locations were made, and the amount accruing therefrom shall be paid to the Tribe to whom the Reservation belongs.

The said William Benjamin Robinson, on behalf of Her Majesty, who desires to deal liberally and justly with all her subjects, further promises and agrees, that should the Territory hereby ceded by the parties of the second part at any future period produce such an amount as will enable the Government of this Province, without incurring loss, to increase the annuity hereby secured to them, then and in that case the same shall be augmented from time to time , provided that the amount paid to each individual shall not exceed the sum of one pound Provincial Currency in any one year, or such further sum as Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to order;  and provided further that the number of Indians entitled to the benefit of this treaty shall amount to two-thirds of their present number, which is fourteen hundred and twenty-two, to entitle them to claim the full benefit thereof.  And should they not at any future period amount to two-thirds of fourteen hundred and twenty-two, then the said annuity shall be diminished in proportion to their actual numbers.

The said William Benjamin Robinson of the first part further agrees, on the part of Her Majesty and the Government of this Province, that in consequence of the Indians inhabiting French River and Lake Nipissing having become parties of this treaty, the further sum of one hundred and sixty pounds Provincial Currency shall be paid in addition to the two thousand pounds above mentioned.

(The schedule of 17 reservations will be posted later. It is part of this document, I'm just taking a break.)