Friday, January 23, 2015

The Sacred Buffalo Vision by Robert J. Juneau and Robert C. Juneau pg.47

Martin Magginnis requests Blackfeet deported to Canada
"The Blackfeet will be more difficult to deal with-all their blood and kindred are in the British America where they really belong themselves, and there have been most of the Indians on one side of the line; but I have the belief that if intelligently approached they would consent to a consolidation with some of the other tribes, or if they desired to be consolidated with their kindred, whom the authorities have now moved north from the boundary line, with the best results, perhaps it might be made a matter of international arrangement-this is but a suggestion, although if it would be carried out it would afford the most satisfactory solution of the matter of this tribe.  In order that appropriations might begin early in the season, so that Congress could act on them at its next session and the money is made immediately available, I respectfully request that the Department should lose no time in organizing a communication to hold these negotiations.  The natural territory of the officials, traders, and employees about the agencies which may be abolished by the consolidation of the tribes will be adverse to such action.  Their antagonism with have to be overcome by strict orders from the Department for its officials and employees to support the wishes of the Government and to support the Commissioner in the endeavor to effect such a consolidation.  This with proper commission members who understand the situation and the tendencies of the Indians, would I not doubt be able to carry out the desire of the government to settle these Indians permanently and greatly reduce the amount of the annual appropriations for their support." The Indian removals caused the Blackfeet Tribe to retreat before the onslaught of Montana settlers several times until the Indians backs were literally against the Rocky Mountains and the province of Alberta, Canada, and the whites invaded the reservation.  
-The Sacred Buffalo Vision by Robert J. Juneau and Robert C. Juneau
pg.47

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