Treaty No. 9 – 1906 – Mattagami

“In the afternoon a meeting was held with the principal men of the band, when the terms of the treaty were fully explained to them and an opportunity given to ask any questions or to make any remarks with reference to the propositions made of them. The Indians held a conversation among themselves and then announced through Joseph Shemeket, one of their number, that they were fully satisfied with the terms of the treaty, and were prepared to have it signed by representatives of the band. The treaty was therefore at once signed and witnessed. Payments were begun and concluded in the afternoon, and preparations made for the feast.”

“8th. Services were held by Rev. A.M.C. Banting, who had arrived at the post on the 6th. The Indians contributed out of their gratuity a very liberal collection toward the erection of a Church at Biscotasing. During the evening the feast was held and was apparently much enjoyed by old and young. It was announced that Andrew Luke had been elected Chief, and at the feast a twelve foot Union Jack and a printed copy of the treaty were presented to him. A decision was also come to as to the location of the reserve, and thus concluded our business at this place.”

Samuel Stewart  LAC RG 10 Vol. 11399, file 2