Diary Excerpt
Camp No 4. Struck camp at 6.50 am passing thro a creek we crossed narrow and winding- coming out into such a large and beautiful sheet of water at 7.45 am. The boats were lined up with the canoes abreast and with flags flying proceeded up the lake at 7:45 am against a heavy wind and swell, arriving at the H.B. Post at 8.00 am where we were welcomed by Mr. McKenzie and staff and were called upon by Chief Kewazie.
The Dom Comrs having learned that a dog dance was taking place at the reservation across the lake, after having dinner at the Factors residence we left for Indian Reservation at 11:50 am accompanied by Chief Kewazie, Police, Dr. Meindl, Mr. Rae & Mr. McKenzie as interpreter and arrived at reservation 5 miles distant at 1:00 pm.
Mr. Scott had the Indians called together numbering about [blank] and impressed upon them the necessity of giving up Dog Dances and other ceremonies contrary to the Treaty laws- his handling of this delicate matter thro’ Mr. McKenzie as interpreter, who has a thorough command of the language and rendered valuable assistance is deserving of the highest praise.
Nestanaquib Medicine man replied in a very cunning way at last in promising conditionally that if the Dom Comrs would consult Powassan – Chief Medicine man and make him advise them that he approved of their giving up the dances that he and the band present would give up the barbarous practice.
