Sixty-three elders' interviews from the Treaty 8 area were reviewed for references to land, and of these, all but fourteen contain some sort of statement about land.
Author uses various anthropological and historical sources to throw some light on the way in which the Indians of the Treaty 6 and 7 regions might have interpreted the treaty promises.
Several topics are discussed: describes the acceptance by the Peigans of Treaty #7, and its effects on their way of life; compares U.S. and Canadian treaties and criticizes Canadian education of Indians; briefly describes some aspects of traditional ceremonies; and tells story of two spirits gambling for control of lands adjacent to Rockies.
Consists of an interview where Verna Patronella Johnston speaks of uses for traditional foods and medicines. She also gives an account of Grandma Jones, a storyteller.
William Okeymaw was 12 years old at the time when he attended the Treaty #8 negotiations.He describes the negotiations and his understanding of the promises made; the role of the missionaries; talks of some of the Indian agents; and the abundance of buffalo in Lesser Slave Lake area at one time.
William Okeymaw attended the signing of Treaty 8 when he was 12 years old. He talks about: signing of treaty; treaty promises; establishment of reserves around Lesser Slave Lake; and expansion of these reserves as population grew; and the present need for further expansion.