Arrangements were completed on the morning of May 29 for departure, but a violent wind-storm prevented our starting. Through the kindness of Mr. McCaig, foreman for Mr. R. H. Klock, we were able to leave at one o'clock in the afternoon by "alligator" boat Trudel, for The Barrier, 10 miles distant, the first portage north of our starting point. Here we were obliged to camp, as the river was blocked for a considerable distance by a "drive" of logs.

At half-past nine on the morning of the 30th the "drive" was all through and we were able to leave for the post, which was reached at three in the afternoon of June 4.

A majority of the Indians had arrived, but there were a number reported to be on the way who were expected within a day or two. It was thought advisable to wait for them, the interval being utilized by the commissioners in preparing the pay-lists, and by the doctor in giving medical advice to those requiring it.

On June 7, the looked for indians having arrived, a meeting was called for the afternoon of that day. Some difficulty was anticipated in negotiating the Treaty at Abitibi owing to the peculiar position of the Indians who trade at that post. The post is situated a few miles within the province of Quebec, and the majority of the Indians who trade there belong to that province. It was natural for the Indians to conclude that, as it was the Dominion government and not the provincial government that was negotiating the treaty, no distinction would be made between those hunting in Ontario and those hunting in Quebec. The commissioners had, however, to state that they had no authority to treat with the Quebec Indians, and that the conference in regard to the Treaty could only be held with those whose hunting grounds are in the province of Ontario. The Quebec Indians were, however, given to understand that a conference would be held with them later, and that upon their signifying where they desired to have a reserve set apart for them, the government would undertake to secure, if possible, the land required by them at the place designated.

The policy of the province of Ontario has differed very widely from that of Quebec in the matter of the lands occupied by the Indians.

In Ontario, formerly Upper Canada, the rule laid down by the British government from the earliest occupancy of the country has been followed, which recognizes the title of the Indians to the lands occupied by them as their hunting grounds, and their right to compensation for such portions as have from time to time been surrendered by them. In addition to an annual payment in perpetuity, care has also been taken to set apart reservations for the exclusive use of the Indians, of sufficient extent to meet their present and future requirements.

Quebec, formerly Lower Canada, on the other hand, has followed the French policy, which did not admit the claims of the Indians to the lands in the province, but they were held to be the property of the Crown by right of discovery and conquest. Surrenders have not, therefore, been taken from the Indians by the Crown of the lands occupied by them.

The reserves occupied by the Indians within the province of Quebec are those granted by private individuals, or lands granted to religious corporations in trust for certain bands. In addition, land to the extent of 230,000 acres was set apart and appropriated in different parts of Lower Canada under 14 and 15 Vic., chap. 106, for the benefit of different tribes.

Several reserves have also been purchased by the Federal government for certain bands desiring to locate in the districts where the purchases were made.

The conference with the Ontario Indians proved to be highly satisfactory. When the terms of the treaty were fully explained to them through Mr. George Drever, who has a mastery of several Indian dialects, Louis McDougall, Jr., one of the principal men of the band, stated that they were satisfied with the conditions offered and were willing to faithfully carry out the provisions of the treaty. They would also rely upon the government keeping its promises to them. The band hoped that the reserve to be set apart for them would include as great an extent of lake frontage as possible. The other Indians being asked whether they were all of like mind with the spokesman in regard to the treaty, replied that they were, and that they were willing that representatives of the band should sign for them at once. The treaty was accordingly signed by the commissioners and representative Indians, as well as by several witnesses who were present at the conference.

In the forenoon of June 8, payments of annuities were made with great care, in order that only those Indians whose hunting grounds are in Ontario should have their names placed on the list. The commissioners are satisfied that in the performance of this duty they were successful.

In the afternoon an election of a chief and councillors was held, which resulted in Louis McDougall, Jr., being chosen as chief and Michel Penatouche and Andrew McDougall as councillors.

A conference was also held with representative Indians regarding the reserves desired by the band. The conclusion arrived at will be seen by reference to the schedule of reserves attached. After due deliberation the Quebec Indians decided upon the location of their reserve.

The usual feast was held, at which the presentation of a flag and a copy of the treaty took place.

The commissioners and the medical officer having concluded their duties, we left on the morning of June 9 for Quinze lake, which place was reached on the evening of the 12th.