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J'TTlSTZEl lO, 1870, HAMTLTOX, OXT.: l'l!lNTi:i) AT TIIK Sl'KCTATdlf OVVWV.. (Oli.NKU MAIN" AM) JAMKS STUKKTS. jgg!^Fi^g3^!sgz:2^-3:^jav;&&sz?^::2:^sg^ '*-~-- - , * ■ . i I ■-M i-yj "i, Ji It' I ; < i I'' *, THE! GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE AM) Delegates from different Bands in Western and Eastern Canada. J-JJlSrJEl lO, 1870 ( HAMILTON, ONT.: PBINTBD AT THE SPECTATOR OFEICE, CORNER MAIN AND JAMES STREETS. i 6 3 ^^^ Names of Delegates attending Council of June 10th, 1870. Rama. — J. B Nanegeskung, Rev. John Jacobs, Andrew Jacobs. St. FRAMCiS.— Chief Jean Harniss, Chief Solomon Benedik. MuNCY, OF Thames.— Charles Halfmoon, Wm. J. "Waddelove, John "VVampum. Alderville. — Rev. John Sunday, John Sunday, Jacob Storm, Peter Crow, Rev. George Blaker, Rev. n. P. Chase, Rev. A. Salt. CnippAWAS, OF Thames.— Chief John Henry, Joseph Fisher, Joseph Fox. Sarnia Reserve.— Chief Nicholas Plain, William Wawanosh, Jonas Henry, John Summer. Oneidas of Muncey Town.— Moses Brown, Augustus Cornelius, William AVhite, Rev. Abram Sickles, Henry Antone, John Sickles, Cornelius Island, William Doxsiater. Lake of Two Mountains.— Louis Kanarakuey- ate, Basil Otsik. Cauqhnawauga.- Louis Shatekintun, Joseph Taioroniotee. St. Regis.— Peter Kauearatiron, Wadyans. Saugeen.— Chief Henry Medwayosh, John Kade- kaguen, Joseph James, John Kabbage. Cape Crocker.— Peter Jones. Walpole Island.— William N. Fisher, John Nata- wash Rice Lake.— M Gr. Pundush, John Rice. Sauble. — James Johnston. Kettle Point.— Adam Shaberahuon, George Munidounce. Bay of Quinte— W. J. W. Hill, J. Glaus, Joseph Pirn, Thomas Green, James Brant. Snake Island.— Chief George Charles, James Asquod. Missisauoas of New Credit.— David Sawyer, Chief George King, Isaac B. Henry, James Chehock, John Sterling, George Henry. Moravians, of Thames.— rhilin Jacot, John Peter. Six Nations.— W. J. Simcoe Kerr, Tekarihogea, N. G. Burning, John Smoke Johnson, James Givens, G. H. M. Johnson, Isaac Hill, David Hill, Jacob Hill, Joseph Johnson, Isaac Lewis, P. Burning, David Carpenter, David Hill, John Carpenter, J. Seneca Johnson, Joseph Snow, Elijah Johnson, P. John, John Cauyuga, John General, John Wampuw, Joseph Porter, William Jacobs, Isaac Jacobs, D. J. Hill. June 10, 1870. The General Council of the Six Nations and Dele- gates from different Bands in Western and Eastern Canada, met pursuant to notice. At 11 o'clock, Fire-Keeper, George Buck, opened the Council, welcoming delegates and thanking the Groat Spirit for presorvation, &c., and adjourned at I o'clock: for dinner. Names of Dele^;ates taken down. The Council addressed by Chief Seneca Johnson, after Indian custom. Shaking ol hands with Delegates. Secretary appointed. Speech by J. Smoke Johnson, recounting visit to Ottawa on behalf of the Six nations. Adjourned till II o'clock on the 11th. Council, IItii June, 1870. At 11 o'clock Chief Seneca Johnson addressed the Council : — It is necessary to preserve order in order to carry out the old rules and customs of our fore- fiithers ; iurther, he asks patience, as he is a man of few words. What he is going to state is the voice of all the Chiefs on the Grand liiver. A couple of Chiefs I'rom Caughnawaga, he wishes to mention, they are called the 7th Nation, have come from diflerent parts, and arc all loyal, and ha^'e come to meet the Six Nations. It has ahvays been considered that the Council lire (A the Six nations was the head of other nations. He returns his sincere thanks for the presence of all including the Seventh Nation ; you have come a long way ; you have left your wives and families, some of whom may be small and young. He thanks the Great Spirit for bringing you in good spirits and health. It is quite a number of years since we met together in General Council. On behalf of the Six Nations, he hopes when busi- ness commences your minds will be quite right. The old rule is that your throat may be clear and draw your breath well and clear as your forefathers have 6 done. If you have ])een afllictod or troublocl, may your tears l>e wiped ol[ and your eyesmado clear. Going over the old ceremony is the customary rule, which may task your patience. He liopes your ears will hear well. "VVhcu your ears are cleaned out you will thoroughly understand what is going on. He hopes you will be i)j.tient, it is only a nominal ceremony, they are not prepared to go through the whole. You have travelled a long way. AVe will clean oft' all dust and mud. This tradition has ])een handed down from our forefathers, it is the old cus- tomary rule. Yet it is hard to remember all. We would like to go through all, hut have not time. If you are troubled with thorns or ])riars in your leet, we will pull them out and make you rest easy while you remain here. "We will try and make you com- fortable, so that when you go honn* you may rest quietly. Brothers, he hopes you will be glad t<> see our good neighbours the Munisa^urs, their fore- fathers had the privilege of saying this was the place of meeting for all the Indians. lie only hopes he has wiped olf your eyes, and while you remain you wull see and hear well. He hopes there will be a clear sky and the sun shining over us. He considers the Council important and hopes we may plan out some- thing for our benefit. The different bands have had different places of meeting, but he hopes this meeting will be for the benefit of our families. He hopes you will all work imanimously for the benelit of females and children. The token of friendship was taking the arm as w^ell as the hand, that it might be more firm and sincere. After shaking of hands the busi- ness of the Council will be stated. Council, June 13th. 1870. Chiefs and Delegates met at 11 o'clock. T?oll call- ed, all hands represented. Rev. George Blaker elected interpreter for the O.jibways, with power to express his opinions. The Fire-keeper, George Buck, opened Council according to custom of the Six Nations, thanking the Great Spirit that delegates brought together, hopes The position ol* the Indians was the tiro- the dooi-ket'per in his properly tiled, yet the their minds would be devoted to business, and end- ed by welcome, and declaring the Council open for business. Interpreted in Chippawaby Kev. George ]ilaker, in Frencn by the delegate from Lake of Two Mountains, (Louis Kanerakentuate). Traditionary records of Six Nation Confederacy were shown to delegates (wampum). Explanation given to delej^ates sitting around table where wam- pum is placed. Chief J. Smoke Johnson. Confederacy of Six Nation keeper in his proper place, proper place, and the door ^ ^ ^ , ^ lire-keeper has noticed that a great monster has crept in; he lindshe cannot eject the monster or whip him alone ; he calls the delegates together to assist him in ejecting the imii or monster. It is said that the founders of the great Confederation of Six Nations, before the white man came, found there was noth- ing ])ut murder and butchery between the difi'erent tri])es, until the great founder, when he looked around the far West, seeing the smoke arising, he set to work and established peace. The Mohawks and the ist and 2nd Oneidas on his right hand com- bined their different tribes and put an end to the warfare While that great raid was going on, one tribe trying to exterminate the other^ it happened in one of the leading tribes that had its young men nearly destroyed, when the leader found his youn^ men and his strength gone he was melancholy and in despnir ; he went until he found the Mohawks and Oneidas, and they consulted togethijr and agreed to promote peace and quietness throughout the land. You will understand when this work was pro- gressing, as the Mohawks and Oneidas proceeded in tne good work, they came to the Onandaga tribe, the leader was almost inhuman, not only in appear- ance but in mind, ungovernable in temper and fierce to all, until he was persuaded by them. His appearance in body, a crooked sort of man, with un- even crooks. Yet the brothers persuaded him and he became one. They then prepared the home, had it swept clean and made the Onondaga the fire- keeper. He still occupies that position and keeps everything in order, and persuades his brethren to overcome any difficulty betv^een them and bring in nothing to mar the welfare of the house. The work proceeded trom one tribe to another, the founders as they proceeded found other tribes until they got live, when they agreed to establish peace and union with each other, and left a great bird's wing with the fire-keeper to sweep the floor, keep clean the house and remove any evil that might creep in; and any evil he could not remove alone, he called on the tyler to spring his bow, and if they could not together, they called on all the brcthern to assist. The five nations uniting, the tokens showed when another nation stepped in, (a bar marked in), the pohcy of their forefathers was, when they were unanimous they were stronger. The wampum was handed down to posterity to show the treaties made by their forefathers. It has done a great deal of good, kept them together and brightened their eyes. They were shown and read at all large Coun- cils, at Kiver Credit and here. This is why their wampums are read, they are the tokens of treaties made by the founders of the Six Nations Confeder- acy. The stronger they became the more treaties they made. They made leading chiefs, one head or leading chief, Tekarihogea, put a crown on his head to denote his power. There was a head leading chief, and a warrior chief by him, that everything might be done in order. The last wampum has marks of human beings, it was a token like a house with a family united, it w^as a token to be handed down to posterity to show the friendship established by their forefathers ; it was like binding the whole house together. The token of the large wampum is for all the chiefs, that they may keep their treaties good. If any chief went under or over any treaty made by their forefathers, it was like as if he went into a bush with his crown on, it would be torn off. It was I 9 further stated if t^ey broke through the rules they would come to ruin. That is why they made the fence su stroii!^ to keep them from ruin. The chieftainship was a birthri«j;ht belonging to a certain family, the explanation of them then is the bandage like a fence, if any Chief or Indian broke through any rule or })roke faith, the crown placed on his head would be torn off. "When it came olf, it was a degradation to the family, yet by birthright some of the lamily would succeed; it was always feared they would come under the rule of their white friends, they would thou be in the bush and understand nothing. The Wampum having two men standing one ateacn end, represents the lirst meeting or treaty with the British Government. It represents the kSix Nations and th(^ British Government. They stand oiTtheir own rules, which they laid down, the British Govern- ment gave a chock \Vampum to contirm what the Six Nations had done in their rules and di^elarations. Tlie marks worked on the wampiun shows th(' British and Six Nations had united by treaty. They were each to have their owm way ; net hurting their cus- toms or rules, or regulations. It the Indian had his bark canoe, let him have it, let the British have his large vcN-^sels. The British gives the wanipuin to confirm the rules and regulations of the Cojilederacy. The wampum now held out is a token of ail tribes Irom east to west. It conlirms what has been done by the 8ix Nations. All the nations where this wam- pum has been, haA^e coml)ined with the ideas ex- Eressed by the Six Nations. It is a wampum in the ands of other tribes besides the Six Nations. The one now held up is a speech from the different bands who were in friendship with one another, it confirmed all that had been done, it showed there was no disturfjance not handed down to posterity to show what they had confirmed. I hold up another wampum worked with white beads, it denotes peace. Any tribe having united, pass this to show and hand down to prosperity, to show their friend- ship ; grasping their arms it showed the strength of 10 their i'ricndsliip, even a pine tree falling could not break the i'riendship of united bands. This wampum applies to all — it combines all Indians. The work denotes a dish with a beavers tail in it — it is lull. It was when game was pliMity, no knife was allowed for fear it might cut some brother — they eat with their lingers, all was harmony and quietness, all was free to use. You will see a great many marks on the wrnipums, one has 22 marks, this came I'rom the Ottawas, they united to hhovv their appreciation of the Six Nations. It is to be kept and handed down to the smallest of the nation. It is a memory, and they hope it may continue lor ever. Another wam- pum given by the Socks Indians — they were not well served ; but wheji the Socks found the Six Nations were in trouble, they jomed and helped to defend the country ; they did what they could to protect property. Alter the war, the Socks started to go home, but left the white wampum. It is a wampum of peace which we shall always remember. The wainpum now hold is one given to the Six Nation Indians by John Drant, he was then superintendent. Altera while he wished th(^. Six Nations to become as whitemen ; then rules were shown to him, to show how he had broken the rules. He was convinced and repented. He delivered this wampum to the Six Nations, saying he had erred. His Iriend Oneida Joseph, did the same. Council udjounied till 10 o'clock, to-morrow. W. I. S. K. Geneual CoTjiXCiL, June 14, 1870. Pursuant to adjournment, the Council met at 10 o'clock, a. 111. "% Firekeeper, Chief Buck, opened the Council, w^ishin<;- well to all delegates and thanking Great Spirit for their preservation. The six Nations were glad to see them and wished them nothing but peace and happiness. Smoke Johnson. I congratulate my friends assem- bling in the Council, call upon all to thank Great 11 Spirit i'or our preservation — we all owe it— it is but right, and may he direct us in our Council and in all our doings, and may we arrive at proper decisions. Firekeeper states as far as w^e went last night, we go on and linish the reading of the wampums. He calls upon the delegates to look closely and remem- ber. He calif- attention to the explanation. Council opened. Chief \Yawanosh, arose and said, his ])and and other bands had received a letter saying there would be a (general Council ftt the Grrand liiver, on the loth June, for the discussion of Indian affairs. His people were very anxious to attend, and hurried to get away to be present. They came on the 10th of June, and were told they would be informed on Saturday what subjects would be discussed. Satur- day came and they were put olf until Tuesday. Tuesday came and they are tint informed ; a great many delegates are anxious to know when the sub- jects for discussion are coming up. He does not ob- ject to the Six Nations reading their wampum ; but give them the subjects that they may retire to dis- cuss them. Chief J. S. Johnson, has no doubt he is tired from his speech, and there are others, yet a great many of his friends wish to seii their records or wampum belts. The belts were taken to Ottawa and satisfied Mr. Howe that the Indians had certain rules, he compared them with his book and found they were correct. He asks Chief Wawanosh to have a little patience. The Six Nations well understood the in- iluence of the belts when they had an interview with the Secretary of State, the deputation raising the argument when the Six Nations had rules the Legislature should not pass an Act which would be injurious to our race. "When our forefathers planted their lofty trees, with roots extending from east to west, when any nation attacked or assaulted us, we all felt it and should combine. It is now the same, this shows we should combine to reject the Act which is distasteful to us. This is one reason why this explanation is given us that we may unite. He 12 sympathizes with Chief "VVawaiiosh and tliose who have Ici't their homes and are impatient, hut must yet bo patient, as the 8ix Nations must (^xplain ; he makes it AS short as he can. When the Conlederacy Avas orii2:inai.?d the lofty trees were planted, it si<;ni- fied that these bauds of friendship extended irom East to West; we compare th(»se records that they may be united still. The two bands on the belt lield up si<;nilies union, and some of the bands had a link, which was the motto of the brethren, if any tree should striki^ the iiiiion, but it would never break, the brothers might I'all. And that should keep us united, j'.nd strengthen us; it was the motto of our forefathers, they are swept away, yet it still stands. The lirst belt held up represents the inlluence of Lower Canada, St. llegis. Lake Jwo Mountains and Caughnawaga, the three are combined in this ])elt. You have heard tlntl the tribes l^elow call them- selves the seventh nation. This belt represents their Confederation, the long- mark is th(^ i)ath or rule of their action which governs them. The belt now h(dd with the ligures on one end rei)resents the British Grovernment, on the other end the Seventh Nation, and in the middle the Six Nation«, the line in the middle represents the rules by which they w^ere governed dilferently, when their Confederacy was in treaty. The iirst short belt represents tho en- joyment of our brethern below, in the cmitre is a mark which signilies a dish, which we hoi)o may always be full with precious mt^at to enjoy ; the l)ias marks represent strength, or like braces to a house ; the third represents in the house or Conlederacy, the lire-keeper's place there ; the last belt you see repre- sents our Lower Canada brethern, in having' -their fire-keeper placed. St. Francis, St. Kcgis and Caughiuiwaga, the Six Nations. The other belt com- bines us all, and is the last belt and combines as well the other mottoes. On the lirst belt that w^as show^n, (it is the oldest one,) when the Confederacy was completed, you see the superior chiefs are represent- ed in white, the subordinate in dark; it is to show that its warriors and chiefs are combined. The 13 variolated strings represent both combined. This is the wampum whien binds all of the Indian race, not only our own people but all of Indian blood. The notice was to sjive the explanation without going into details. The last two or three string" are used as mesf;enge'!'s, when it arrives we may rely upon the truth. You have hv^ard explanation of variegated strings, they are different numbers and sizes. I may directly explain the colored ones. There was a time when evil practices went on, mur- ders many. The largest stringexplaining that the chiefs would take that string and console or pacify the parties, that their animosity might be removed, the other strings represent anything from other tribes, or any war; when they come with colored strings or black, it gives alarm of importance. You have our foreign neighbors in open day an armed body of Fenians invaded our country, if they had suc- ceeded these would have been the beads to warn us to defend our country. I have now given you as direct a statement as I could shortly, having left out a great many details and this is the end of this long explanation. In finishing up, this represents the imaginery spirit. "We all know that misfortune has at times i'allen on our respective tribes, while the chiefs and people grieve over their sorrow, let them raise in their spirit the lofty pine tree, which will uplift its roots, and a swift current carry all ruin, mislortune, arms and w^eapons under its roots and to the unknown, after place the tree as before and all is cleared away. It is the same now, if we sin let us wipe it away by repentance, make ourselves clean once more in the eyes of our Creator, and let all be right again. If we always follow^ those pleasant things which please God, we must conie to his presence at last. His friends insist upon rendering up properly. Our forefathers foretold that if the Indians were indifferent about their interests, there would be a day when the head would have to roll westward, which would mean a removal to other lands. "We might be permitted to remain there, but be humili- u ated, we would be obliged to look for a tree to shelter us, we might lind a great elm, and shelter ourselves under its roots, we may die there and our bones bo there, sometime our enemy might come and con- temptuously kick those bones, and draw blood. If we are now inditieront to our interests humiliation might follow. But if we defend our rights we shall be respected. Now is the tinie for us to act, and remember my friends the ic resight of our forefathers have foretold many things and the prediction has come true. This ends the Indian preliminaries and customary doings. The Council adjourned for dinner at one o'clock. After dinner the speaker of the vSix Nations Indians introduced to the delegates their visiting Commis- sioner, J. T. (xilkison, Esq. The visiting superintendent thanked them for the kind manner in which they received him, he sympa- thized with them, hoped their deliberations would be conducted properly, and he should be happy to forward to the Government the result. Chief AVawanosh. Ever since we came to Grand Eiver Council we have found nothing carried out according to our views. When we left home we were under the impression that every one, warrior or chief, had a voice ; we find it different. In all public gatherings among the white people they organize their meetings by appointing a chairman and proceeding to business. AVe object to a chair- man being appointed without a vote of the whole Council. liev. George Blaker. We came here to have a General Indian Council, we did not think it neces- sary to bring our superintendents with us, nor did any of the other bands do so. We did not think it necessary to have a white man among us, or presid ing over us. Chief W. J. Simcoe Kerr, addressed the Council, regretting there should arise a discussion whether a chairman should be appointed or not. In all public assemblies for transaction of business it became 15 necessary. The business is important, let the discus- sion cense. Nicholas H. Burning, asks if the majority of the people present aro, in tlivor of the new act or not Ijelt'^ate Fish, frcm Walpole Island, says in reply, that is just the reusoii why a chairman is lequired to hnd out. St Francis delegate, tav i he wishes the new act put to one side. The Six Nations interpreter states that the Six Nations refuse to allow a chairman to be appointed m consequence of which the delegates leave but return upon Six Nations consenting to have a chair- man. G-ENERAL Indian Council, June U, 1870. Mr. W. N. Fisher, delegate from AYalpole Island, moved, seconded by F. Crow, that a. H. M. John- son, be elected president and chairman of the Council. Rev. George Blaker, moved, seconded ]>y Jonas Henry, that Chief Nicholas 11. Burning, be elected president and chairman of the Council. Chief John Henry, moved, seconded by Chief Wil- liam Wawanosh, that Chief W. .1. Simcoe Kerr, be elected president and chairman of the Council. Upon vote being taken. Chief AV. J. Simcoe Kerr, was elected, and took the chair, Council adjourned, to meet at ten o'clock to- morrow. Moved by P. Crow, seconded by M. Fisher, that the Kev. Allan Salt, act as secretary. Carried. ^Council resumed, June 15, 10 a.m. Chief ^Y. J. Simcoe Kerr, president, in the chair. Moved by the Kev. J. Jacobs, and seconded by Key. H. P. Chase, that at each and every mornino- belore commencing the business of this Council a prayer shall be offered up to Almighty God by some 01 the ministers present. Carried. Moved by W. H. Burning, seconded by Chief M. 16 ; ! Brown, that Peter Smith act as one of the general interpreters. Carried. The Chairman addressed the Council, placing before it the position of the Indians of Western Canada, their progress in civilization, their desire to have their interests more consulted by the Govern- ment, to allow them more weight in their own atiairs, calling; upon the Council to discharge the duties de- volving upon them in such a manner as to satisfy the Government that the Indians were intelligent and should be more consulted when their interests are aflected. Moved by W. Fisher, seconded by J. "VV. Hill, that the ditl'erent Acts of Parliament concerning Indians be read over, and afterwards discussed paragraph by paragraph. Carried. Kev. John Sunday, addressed the Council, calling, to mind the necessity of consulting wisely together, and his visit to England when the authorities there received him with courtesy and kindness and granted his request, to allow the Indians to remain where they were. lie was sorry when he heard of the pre- sent Act having been passed, but called upon the Chiefs to consider it carefully, reject what is bad and keep what is good. Rev. F. P. Chase, addressed the Council, saying, it is well to take the view of Rev. Mr. Sunday with regard to considering the new Act. He called to mind the General Council tf 12 years ago, we then declared when the Indians came under the control of the Canadian Government, efforts would be made to encroach upon them and drive them away ; it is now coming to pass — the late Act shows it. Let the In- dians show the Government they have mind and are no longer children. He hopes this Council will do good and assist the general welfare of the people. .T.Henry addressed the Council, saying, their dele- gation were instructed by their people, to have the new Act entirely done away with. P. Crow, Alderville, addressed the Council, urging the rejection or amendment of Section No. 1. T. Claus, Bay of Quinte, addressed the Council^ I I N i It statinp: objections to Section No. 1, of Act having a Patent, and never surrendered their land. Moses Brown, Oneida of Thames, addressed the Council, condemning the new Act, particularly Sec- tion No. 1 . They had taken the money from the wives and children to pay their land ; they had a deed and the Government could not remove them. He objected strongly to the whole Act, as contrary to Indian welfare. The first Section ot the Act assented to 22nd June, 1869, was taken up for consideration. Having been discussed, it was moved and seconded that a commit- tee of Chippewas be appointed to consid,/ the Sec- tion. The Council adjourned for dinner. AFTERNOON SITTING. Moved by D. Sawder, seconded by the Rev. J. Jacobs, that the Eev. H. P. Chase, be an assistant interpreter. Rev. A. Salt, moved an amendment, seconded by W. Wawanosh, that Joseph Fisher, be an assistant in- terpreter. The amendment was carried. After discussion, it was moved by Geoi^s'e Blaker,^ seconded by P. Crow, that Section 1st is no+ in ac- cordance with the interests of the Indians, therefore it is rejected. Carried unanimously. Section 2nd included,, or falls w^th the 1st Section. Moved by the Rev. J. Jacobs, seconded by Mr. Sickles, that each speaker occupy only ten minutes, and speak only once on each subject. An amendment was moved by Mr. Gr. H. M. John- son, seconded by Rev. G-. Blaker, that AV. Fisher be allowed to speak twice. The original motion was carried. Section 3rd was read and interpreted. Movedlby by Gr. H. M. Johnson, seconded by Chief Gr. Kin^, that Section 3rd be allowed to remain. Carried unanimously. Section 4th was read and explained by the Chair* man, and interpreted. 18 Chief of Cavighnawnga remarked that he did not understand th(^ meaning of Section 4th. Moved by P. Crow, seconded by D. k:^awyer, thjat Section 4th be rejected. Carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. J. II. Johnson, seconded by Kev. J. Blake, that the Council do adjourn till to-morrow at 10 a. m. Carried. June 16th, 1870. Council assembled. Tioll read over and was an- swered by one from each locality. The Chairman called upon the Rev. J. Jacobs to offer prayer. After which the Chairman read Sec- tion 5th, and v\ as interpreted into tne Six Nations and Chippewa languages. The Chairman explained the working of the 5th Section. Moved by W. J. W. Hill, seconded by T. Claus, that Section No. 5 be rejected. (Bay of Quinte Councillors.) Carried. The Caught a waga delegate addressed the Council, the substance of which was, that after due examina- tion of the late Act, he iinds that the laws are not calculated for the interests of Indians. The Chairman read Section No. G, provision, and interpreted into Six Nations by Mr. Smith, and into the Chiiipewa by Kev G-. Blaker. The Caughnawaga delegate made a speech against the section. Exiolanations were made about the sec- tion to the Chippewas. One was that if Section 6th falls, we would fnll on Vic. Chap. 42, Sec. 15, 18G8. Moved by II. Burning, seconded by P. Crow, that Section Gth be rejected. Carried unanimously. The Chairman read Section 7th, which was inter- preted as usual. After some remarks :t was moved by W. J. W. Hill, seconded by Peter Crow, that Sec- tion 7th be rejected. Carried. The Chairman read Section 8th, which was inter- preted as usual. Chief W. Jacol)s moved, seconded by Chief H. Clinch, that Section 8th be rejected. Rev. A. Salt moved an amendment, seconded by 19 Mr. "VV. Wiiwanosh, that Section 8tli be retained. The original motion was carried. The Chairman read Section 9th, was interpreted as usvial. It was doubly moved by N. H. Burning, seconded by Peter Crow. Moved by Gr. H. Johnson, seconded by D. Sawyer, that Section 9th be rejected. Carried imanimously. The Chairman read Section 10th and interpreted. Moved by Peter Crow, seconded by W. N. Fisher, that Section 10th be'rejected. Carried unanimously. Section 11th was read by the Chairman and inter- preted. Moved by W. H. Burning, seconded by liey. Gr. Bhiker, that Section 11th be rejected. Car- ried. Moved by P. Crow% seconded by AVm. N. Fisher, that the Council do now form itseltinto a Committee ol'the whole to report to-morrow morning at 10 a.m. Carried. The Council adjourned. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. June IGth, 1870. The Committee on the whole proceeded this after- noon. Kev. H. P. Chase, Missisaga tribe, in the chair. The reason for objecting to Section 1st, Vic. Chap. 6, assented to 22nd June, 18G9, was given by AVilliam Fisher, of Walpole Island. Saying, that they had never surrendered their land to the (roverinnent, which they are now occupying. P. Crow, Missisaga tribe, said that his reason for objecting 1o Section 1st was, that it was contrary to the Royal Proclamation of 1703. N. H. Burning, of the Six Nations, objects to the late Act, Section 1st, because they have Deed or G-rantof Land, dated the 30th March, 1795, (which is registered in the Indian Department,) signed by Creneral Frederick llaldimand, which may be seen in Lib. A., Vol. viii. 20 Joseph Sky, of Canghnawaga, objects to Section 1st, because they have a Title dated 1750. W .J. W. Hill, of Bay of Quinte, gave his reason tor objecting to Section 1st, and said that they had bought their land with a more precious thing than money, which was with their own blood, by assist- ing the British ; and we have Letters Patent for the land in our possession. Oneidas, of Muncy, bought theirs. Moved by W. F. Fisher, seconded by P. Crow, that certain resclations embodying the above be made. Carried. Moved and seconded to adjourn till to-morrow, at eleven a.m. June 17, 1870. Chief W. J. Simcoe Kerr, in the chair. The roll was read and answered. The Chairman called upon the Rev. H. P. Chase to oiier prayer. ' The Chairman called for the report of the Commit- tee on the whole. The chairman of the Committee requested the secretary to read the report, w^hich was done. Moved by G. H. M. Johnson, seconded by N. H Burning, that the Committee of the whole have leave to sit again. Carried. The Chairman of the Committee, in the chair The Council adjourned till after dinner. AFTEENOON SITTING. Moved by N. H. Burning, seconded by D. Saw- y^^: that the Rev. H. P. Chase, in the absence of rlyt ^' ?i"^^?,?^^^' ^o take the chair. Carried. 1 he -Kev. H. P. Chase gave a few remarks express- ing thanks to the Chiefs and Delegates for the honor given him to take the Chair. June 17th, 1870. Council resumed. Chief W. J. Simcoe Kerr in the chair. 21 k Moved by Wm. N. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Wm. Wawanosh, that the Report of the Committee ot the Whole be adopted. Carried. Moved by W. N. Fisher, seconded by "Wm. "Wa- wanosh, that a demand be made upon the Govern- ment that when interest money, annuity or rents are paid, the Indians to have the right of full investiga- tion and information concerning the investments and expenditure of Indian funds. Carried. Moved by Rev. J, Jacobs, seconded by "W. Fisher, that as our interpreter has been working so hard for the past week, that he be allowed to rest half a day, and that Chief Wawanosh take his place. Carried. Moved by N. H. Burning, seconded by James Grivins, that for the Six Nations and other tribes or bands who wish it, justice may be granted to them by their own appointed Justice within their own Reservations, except in cases of theft, rape, murder and forgery. Carried- Moved by Chief Jacobs, seconded by Chief Porter, that chiefs or bands have the nominating of their own Commissioner. Carried. Moved bj Chief Johnson, seconded by W. N. Fisher, that no land reserved for Indians be sold, unless surrendered by consent of all male indians, of bands or tribes, of 21 years. Carried. Moved by Rev. George Blaker, seconded by John Henry, that Indians be exempt from penalties of Game and Fishery Laws. Carried. Moved by Rev. A. Salt, seconded by Mr. Wm. Wawanosh, that it is desirable for the satisfaction of the different tribes in the Dominion of Canada, that a liberal provision be made by the Dominion Govern- ment to allow four natives in the House of Commons, in Ottawa, to represent the different tribes. Carried. Moved by N. H. Burning, seconded by Rev. J. Jacobs, that a General Council of the Indians of Canada shall be held every three years, for the pur- pose of discussing, reviewing and amending any resolution that may be passed m the present Council. Carried. Moved by David Hill, (Farmer), seconded by 22 Peter Biiriiin- thnl the (/hiels o{ the diilereiit bands ^ tlirouo-hont Canada shall have powor to ovact rules and reo-ulatioiis lor the ciUtiiio- and sale of timber in their respective bands. Carried Moved by G. H. M. Johnson, seconded ])v Solo- mon Benedict, of St. Francis, that a committee be 4 lormedol all the Indians, whoshould sondone or more de e-ates to_ watch the Indian J]ill when it comes before the riouse, and press lor justice. ( 'arried Moved by Mr. W. ^Vawanosh, seconded l,v Kev A. halt that the sale of the lands of the Indians of l^ake Jwo ivlountams to the Tricst be sti-ictly in- cjuired into and reported upon. Carried uiiani- mously. Moved by N. 11. Euridno- seconded l)y D. Sawyer, that the Councd ad.iourn until Monday mornin<.' to enable di'leo-ates from a distance to visit their friends 111 this settlement. A 4^\f^;'^^Jiii'^^iit was moved, seconded bv the Rev A. halt that we meet to-morrow and liiu"sh the busi- ness whih; we are at it. The amendment was carried unanimously. It was moved and second(^d, that the ^^ouncil adjourn till to-morrow at 10 a.m., sharp. Carried. CI-ENERAL Council, June 18th 1870. Chief AT. J. Simcoe Kerr in the chair. Roll ivad Itev. John Sunday oilered prayer in the Chin- pa wa. ^ Chief Simcoe Kerr read a book containino- advice to a 1 Indians in Canada, giyen by good men in I^^ng- land to Rev. J. Sunday. * Moved by Wm. N. Fisher, seconded by Joseph bisher that the minutes and the Bill of Rio-hts be printed in a pamphlet form, and that the PrSident, Chiet binicoe Kerr, be thus instructed, and to forward copies to each band. Carried Moved by Vf. J. W Hill, and seconded by Peter Crow, to recall all subjects passed yesterday p.m to be reconsidered, and for further investigation for the weltare of all Indians in the Dominion of Canada 23 All amoiiiit was moved l)v the Rov A fi-M rru • ^''L^ii<'i"iii Council. I he iiivst umoiidment lost, A second amendment was moved by ^V lusher irAS,h^n.^f^^"v'^^f ^^^ Counill^conS i-te\ . A .Salts mo ion ol yestel•da3^ concernino- Native Moved by Rev. II. P. Chase, seconded bv Air T Denny that IhlsGeneral Indipi cZ^dl^il^^S^om: bled, do a-ree to eiicourao-e their respective Ch ell to the education ol' their children and otne rale ih/ ation ill iheir r(^six>ctive settlements. Carried Ihe Council adjourned till alter dinner. AFTERNOON SITTINd tb???i ''^'^^•^• '"^i- ^^; ^,^^^""^^^-^ "Seconded by T. Johnson thatthe chair be taken ])v Rev. il P Chase ' Amendment moved by Cauo-hnawaho-; rbmf secondcHL by Josej^h Potter, th^fw l1v IlS^lf Bay ol Qm:.re, do take the chair ' ^ 1 he amendment was lost 5-^^- H^'- Chase in the chair. • ^^T'^^^^^^^^^'• A- ^^^^Jt, seconded bv N II Ihirn ^ Append^ R Nof ^' '"^"^^^^- ^-•-^^• ni • fT.^ T ^^^"^^^^^^^ Council, June 20th 1870. To I }}- ' 1 ^"^i^ncoe Kerr in the Chair Rev T .J acobs oliered prayer " ' ' 8=i'K]ll.'^'^^ie'!}« ^^'■^•^^°" «'-'• ^^--^ Moved by 1>, Crow, seconded by H. P Chase tlmt a special delesatiou of two membc.s be appih.ted by Carted i'^celleuey the Governor General. 84 Moved by Gr. H. M. Johnson, seconded by W. N. Fisher, that this Council concurs in the address to be presented to Prince Arthur by the Six Nations. Carried. Moved by W. J. W. Hill, seconded by W. N. Fisher, that W. J. Simcoe Kerr as President, and Chairman, and the Rev. Allen Salt as Secretary, con- tinue to discharge their duties until the next General Council. Carried. Moved by N. H. Burning, seconded by James Givens, that this Council ask the Government to en- quire into the claims to lands and rents due to the Abanakee Indians of St. Francis. Carried. Moved by N. H. Burning, seconded by W. Jacobs, that when the General Council be held in future our Wampum belt and other strings be placed on the table. Carried. Moved by "W". J. W. Hill, seconded by Peter Crow, that all unfinished busin^jss lay over until the next General Council, ani minutes be read and signed this afternoon. Carried. Moved by Isaac B. Henry, Sen., seconded by John Sterling, that whenever a majority of the warriors of any band or tribes of Indians, of the full age of 21 years, shall require Elective Chiefs, it shall be granted on application to the Dominion Government. Lost, 30 yeas and 37 nays. AFTERNOON SITTING. Chief Simcoe Kerr in the chair. The mmutes were read and interpreted. Moved by the Rev. J. Jacobs, seconded by Mr. John Cabbage, that Chief Simcoe Kerr, President, and the Rev. H. P. Chase,bethe delegates to go to His Excellency the Governor General, to present to him the business of this Council, and in case any of the above are not able to go. Chief G. Johnson be ap- pointed a substitute. Carried. A vote of thanks was then recorded in favor of the President and Secretary, for the manner in which they had discharged their duties. The Council closed with shaking of Delegates' hands. * J 25 Addresses to the Six Nations were presented by the Sarnia and Walpole Island Bands, for kindness shown them during the Council. Discussing {Section 2nd, Chief Simcoe Kerr said that it was connected with Section 1st. Chief Simcoe Kerr gave his reason for retaining Section 3rd ' viz. : It would be conducive to the w^elfare of the Indian ; and desired that the penalty ^ might be increased, and moved, seconded by Chief Gr. H. M. Johnson, that the penalty be doubly in- creased. Carried. Section 4th is rejected because it is uncertain in its wording, and inconsistent with Act 31st, Yic. Chap. 42. Carried. Moved by W. F. N. Fisher, seconded by Joseph Fisher, that Section 5th is rejected, because it is in- consistent with the justice given to criminals. Carried. Moved by Chief Simcoe Kerr, seconded by Chief D. Sawyer, that Section 6th is rejected, because it is unjust in depriving woman of her birthright, has a very immoral tendency for the Indian women, is in- consistent with the Act of 1868, and breaks through an ancient and acknowledged custom of the Indians. Carried. Moved by Chief Simcoe Kerr, seconded by Gr. Blaker, that Sections 7th and 8th are rejected because they take away from Chiefs and Bands power to look to their own destitute, and to deal with their own money. Carried. Moved by Chief Simcoe Kerr, seconded by Rev. J. Jacobs, that Section 9th is rejected because it takes away from the Indian a right which he now enjoys, deprives the widow of her husband's property and land without reason, and deprives the Indian of the right to transfer or lease his land. Carried. Moved by Chief Simcoe Kerr, seconded by Gr. Blaker, that Section 10th is rejected because it gives too imperative a power to the Governor. Amended by lea^^ng optional with Chiefs or Bands. Carried. Moved by Chief Simcoe Kerr, seconded by John Carpenter, that Section; 11th is rejected because it 26 gives leave to G(jy(Miiiiieut to exiH'iul Iiulitin money without consent ol" Indians. 1 nclians pci lorm .statute labor satisliictorily. Carrii'd. Moved by Chief Geopje Johnson, seconded by Peter Crow, that the IJev. II. W Chase do now vacate the chair, and thnt Chiet Sinicoe Kerr, president, do take the chair. Carried. Moved by the IJev. J. Jacobs, seconded by Chiet* Georp,-e Johnson, that the best thanks Ix'^^ivento the Rev. II. V. Cliase, Ibr haviiv^* presided over this meeting-. Carried. The C^omrnittee ol'the whole proceeded, ride No. 2 June ISth, 1870.— Ai'ternoon. The following motion was reconsidered, viz : Moved by liov. A. Salt, seconded by Mr. Wm. Wawanosh, that it is desirable ibr the satislaction ol' the diihnent Tribes in the Dominion ol" Canada, that a liberal jn'ovision ])e made ])y the Dominion Gov- ernm(>nt to ahow lour natives in the House ol' Com- mons, in Ottawa, to represent the dillerent Tril)es. The Chairman of the Committee said that it was now before thinn for reconsideration. Of the Six Nations, Chief .rncol^s made remarks a'^ainsttlu^ jnotion, and Chief N. 11. IhuMiinu-, Chief Brown, (Oneida, Muncy Thames,) ; AV. J. AV. Hill, Councillor, Bay of Quinte; Chief G.Johnson and Chief Jacob Creneral. spoke in hworof it. . Chief John Sunday. (Missisa<5a,) spoke of the mo- tion as being- premature Chief David Sawyer, ( Missisaga,) spoke in favor of it. At this stage of the Committee's deliberations. Rev. A. Salt, (Missisaga, ) gave a few remarks, and with the consent of his seconder, Mr. W. AYawanosh, (Chippewa,) withdrew hi^^ motion. Chief Jacobs expressed his thanks and shook hands with Hev. A. Salt and Mr. W. "Wawanosh. The Rev. J. Jacobs, (Missisaga,) said that though being out of order, yet wished to express his favora- ble opinion for the motion. The Chairman, Rev H. P. Chase, (Missisaga,) said 27 that Ihn motion \\;in laidasidc, and thatthoy pivIVrpd to 1)0 l)lind. It was movod and seconded to adjourn to Monday, June 20th.— Passed. To Ilts Krrf/Irncf/, SIR JOHN YOUNG, Bart., P. C, G. C. B., G. C. 31., G. Govcrmn' General ofCana/a, Your Excellency, AYe have the honor to state mat the annexed papers marked '* A"' and "B" show the result of a Groneral Council of the Indian people of the Provinces of Ontario end Quebec, represented in Council by their prrperly chosen delegates. The Council is strongly under the impression that the present and increasing position of the hu^ian people of AVestern Canada, and the large amount of money in the hands of the Trustees for Indians, desire at your hands, as the Iwepresentative of our Grracious Queen, diflerent legislation from that shown inthe last act of Parliament alfecting Indian interests. The Council demands that proper consultation with the Indian people should be had, when any Act of Parliament is proposed which may affect them, and not left to subordinates who have no true know- ledge of Indian advancements or requirements. The Council, although suffering from a deep sense of injustice, has not entered upon the discus- sion of the late Acts with anger or any hostile spirit ; biit with earnestness and reason, as the objections raised to the several pharagraphs will plainly show to your Excellency. Trusting in your Excellency to remove all dissatis- ■"---*- 28 faction from the minds of Her Majesty's most loyal allies. We have the honor to be, W. J. SIMCOE KERR, TpHvARIHOGEAj President Sc Chairman. CouNriTi House, Tuscarora, | June 18th, 1870. ) J. B. Nan^oHlvung, Ilov. John JacobM,^ Andrew Jacobs, Chief Jean IIjii-nisH, Chief Solomon Benedieif, Churlos Halfmoon, Wm. J. Waddelove, John Wam[»iim, Kcv. John Sunday, John Siinda}', Jacob Storm, Peter Crow, Rev. Gcoru;e Blaker, Rev. 11. P. Cha.so, Rev. A. Salt, Chief Jolin Henry, Josepli Fisher, Josoph Fox, Chief Nichohis Phiin, William Wawanosli, Jonas Henry, Joiin Summer, Moses Brown, Augustus Cornelius, William White, Rev. Abram Sickles, Henry Antone, Jolin Sickles, Cornelius Island, William Doxstater, Louis Kanarakuey- ate, Basil Otsik, Louis Shatekintun, Joseph Taioroniotee, Peter Kauoaratiron, Wadyans, Chief Henry Medwayosh, John Kadekaguon, Joseph James, John Kabbage, Peter Jones, William K Fisher, John Natawash, M. G. Pun- dush, John Rice, James Johnston, Adam Shaborahuon, Goori^e Munidounce, W. J. W. Hill, J. Claus, Joseph Pirn, Thomas Green, James Brant. Chief George Charles, James Hsquod, David Sawyer, Chief George King, Isaac B. Henry, James Chehock, John Sterling, George Henry, Philip Jacot, John Peter, W. J. Simcoo Kerr, Tokari- hogea, N. G. Burning, John Smoke Johnson, James Giv- cns, G. H. M. Johnson, Isaac Hill, David Hill, Jacob Hill Joseph Johnson, Isaac Lewis, P. Burning, David Carpen- ter, David Hill, John Carpenter, J. Seneca Johnson, Jos. Snow, Elijah Johnson, P. John, John Cayuga, John General, John Warapum, Joseph Porter, William Jacobs, Isaac Jacobs , D. J. Hill t, n n