Understanding of treaty promises; distribution of food, ammunition, etc. in earlier times; interesting accounts of home-made agricultural equipment (aswell as that supplied by Dept. of Indian Affairs).
Mr. Mustus, aged 78, is the grandson of Mustus, the first chief of the Sucker Creek Reserve. This is an unusual interview in that he displays fairly positive feelings about the treaty. Also talks of generosity of the H.B.C. storekeeper, sharing problems with white settlers, learning from them, etc. Shows little or no animosity to whitesociety.
American Indian Culture and Research Journal, vol. 19, no. 4, 1995, pp. 193-211
Description
Examines how the law meant to prevent grave robbing, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), works in Texas, where property rights remain supreme and the state fails to act on the legislation.
Nine elders in discussion at Saddle Lake Reserve. They talk about aspects of life before contact with whites, Treaty #6, the history of amalgamations and land sales, and a traditional story of a boy raised by buffalo.
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.
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.