MR. ROSS:  “I will just answer a few questions that have been put.  Keenooshayo has said that he cannot see how it will benefit you to take treaty.  As all the rights you now have will not be interfered with, therefore anything you get in addition must be a clear gain.  The white man is bound to come in and open up the country, and we come before him to explain the relations that must exist between you, and thus prevent any trouble.  You say you have heard what the Commissioners have said, and how you wish to live.  We believe that men who have lived without help heretofore can do it better when the country is opened up.  Any fur they catch is worth more.  That comes about from competition.  You will notice that it takes more boats to bring in goods to buy your furs than it did formerly.  We think that as the rivers and lakes of this country will be the principal highways, good boatmen, like yourselves, cannot fail to make a good living, and profit from the increase in traffic.  We are much pleased that you have some cattle.  It will be the duty of the Commissioners to recommend the Government, through the Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, to give you cattle of a better breed.  You say that you consider that you have a right to say something about the terms we offer you.  We offer you certain terms, but you are not forced to take them.  You ask if Indians are not allowed to make a bargain.  You must understand there are always two to a bargain.  We are glad you understand the treaty is forever.  If the Indians do as they are asked we shall certainly keep all our promises.  We are glad to know that you have got on without any one’s help, but you must know times are hard, and furs scarcer than they used to be.  Indians are fond of a free life, and we do not wish to interfere with it.  When reserves are offered you there is no intention to make you live on them if you do not want to, but, in years to come, you may change your minds, and want these lands to live on.  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?”