“In the early stages of their conference with the Commissioners the Indians under their natural restraint, or childish reserve in the presence of white men, displayed some hesitancy but gradually on realizing that the Commissioners were present as friend to give that which they asked they took on an air of responsiveness and freely talked. A frank expression of ideas and opinion were exchanged, and the Indians who showed an understanding of Treaty No. 9 were satisfied with the points presented and retired for final instructions from the other members, who gave the lead general direction to accept Adhesion. The official document was signed by the Commissioners and the leaders and witnessed by all the members of the Treaty party and George Third, H. F. Bland, and Henry J. Mann.”
“Seventy – five were then enrolled, these comprising 15 men, 15 women, 22 boys and 23 girls. Each was paid $4.00 gratuity and $4.00 annuity. At the elections, following payments, George Bluecoat was elected Chief and Munzie Albany Councillor, and to each was given a medal. The Union Jack was unfurled and accepted by the Chief as a symbol of law, order, peace and protection.”
“Their reserve, containing 15.2 square miles, was with the approval of the Commissioners, after due consideration, selected at the mouth of the Beaverstone river, where it joins the Severn River, and is to have a frontage of 1.5 miles on each side of the Beaverstone and a depth of 5 miles more or less from its mouth, the river being shown on map No. 20 a, issued in 1926 by the Province of Ontario, as Beaverstone, although it is called “Castorum” by the Hudson’s Bay Company and “We-ke-mow” by the Indians.”
“The accustomed feast was provided and their “table” display was more palatable in appearance than that observed in certain other bands.”
Treaty Commissioners Report on the making of the Adhesions to Treaty No. 9, 1930, INAC file 1/1-11-12
See here for more information about Fort Severn First Nation
See here for additional information about Fort Severn First Nation