The Chiefs' address seems to invoke the principle of reciprocity. They begin by explaining how they extended their hands to and freely gave their "White Brothers" all the land they said he needed when they first arrived. In exchange, their White Brothers gave them presents and firewater (noted by the notetaker as rum). The firewater introduced death and poverty to the Chippeway peoples. Now, they extend their hands to their Great Father and their brothers in England asking for relief from their poverty. A significant passage which demonstrates the Chiefs' perspective at the time is "We wish always to be good friends with you and your children, and to walk together in one path. Fathers and Brothers, We shake hands with you in our hearts." These notions of reciprocity, mutualism, and unity speak to the Anishinaabe understanding of their relationship with the British colonial authority at this time.

In Document: Chippeway Indian Nation; Aizance Tribe