paper, ink, wax

Description of Land Sold:

In consideration of the sum of two thousand pounds of good and lawful money of Upper Canada to them in hand paid, and for the further perpetual annuity of six hundred pounds of like money, the same to be paid and delivered to the said Chiefs and their tribes at a convenient season of each year, of which due notice will be given, at such places as may be appointed for that purpose; the Chiefs and principal men of the Ojibway Indians, do hereby fully, freely, and voluntarily surrender, cede, grant, and convey unto Her Majesty, all their right, title, and interest to and in the whole of the territory described as follows: the eastern and northern shores of Lake Huron from Penetanguishene to Sault Ste. Marie, and thence to Batchewanaung Bay on the northern shore of Lake Superior, together with the islands in the said lakes opposite to the shores thereof, and inland to the height of land which separates the territory covered by the charter of the Honourable Hudson’s Bay Company, as well as all unconceded lands within the limits of Canada West to which they have any just claim. The Ojibway Indians agree not to surrender any portion of their reserves without the permission of the Governor General of Canada. As well, the said tribe of Indians has been given permission to hunt and fish on the lands ceded to the government. The Ojibway Indians agree to surrender these lands to Her Majesty, except the reservations set forth below. William Benjamin Robinson, has agreed to ensure the terms of this treaty are met by both parties mentioned.

Below is a list of all lands reserved for the express use and benefit of the Ojibway Indians:

1.) Pamequonaishcung and his band, a tract of land to commence seven miles from the mouth of the River Maganetawang and extending six miles east and west by three miles north.

2.) Wagemake and his band, a tract of land to commence at a place called Nehickshegeshing, six miles from east to west by three miles in depth.

3.) Kitcheposkissegun (by Papasainse), from Point Grondine, westward, six miles inland by two miles in front, so as to include the small Lake Nessinassung (a tract for themselves and their bands).

4.) Wabakekik, three miles front, near Shebawenaning, by five miles inland, for himself and band.

5.) Namassin and Naoquagabo and their bands, a tract of land commencing near La Cloche, at the Hudson Bay Company’s boundary; thence westerly to the mouth of the Spanish River; then four miles up the south bank of the said river and across to the place of beginning.

6.) Shawinakeshick and his band, a tract of land now occupied by them and contained between two rivers called White Fish River and Wanabitasebe, seven miles inland.

7.) Windawtegowinini and his band, the peninsula east of Serpent River and formed by it, now occupied by them.

8.) Ponekeosh and his band, the land contained between the River Mississauga and the River Penebewabecong, up to the first rapids.

9.) Dokis and his band, three miles square at Wanabeyakoknun, near Lake Nipissing, and the island near the fall of Okickendawt.

10.) Shabokishick and his band, from their present planting grounds on Lake Nipissing to the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Post, six miles in depth.

11.) Tagawinini and his band, two miles square at Wanabitibing, a place about forty miles inland, near Lake Nipissing.

12.) Keokonse and his band, four miles from Thessalon River eastward by four miles inland.

13.) Mishequanga and his band, two miles on the lake shore, east and west of Ogawaminang, by one mile inland.

14.) For Shinguacouse and his band, a tract of land extending from Maski-nonge Bay, inclusive, to Partridge Point, above Garden River, on the front, and inland ten miles throughout the whole distance, and also Squirrel Island.

15.) For Nebenaigoching and his band, a tract of land (extending from Wanabekinegunning west of Gros Cap to the boundary of the lands ceded by Chiefs of Lake Superior and inland ten miles throughout the whole distance, including Batchewanaung Bay), and also the small island at Sault Ste. Marie used by them as a fishing station.

16.) For Chief Mekis and his band, residing at Wasaquising (Sandy Island), a tract of land at a place on the main shore opposite the island, being the place now occupied by them for residence and cultivation, four miles square.

17.) For Chief Muckata Mishaquet and his band, a tract of land on the east side of the River Naishcouteong, near Point aux Barils, three miles square, and also a small tract in Washanwenega Bay, now occupied by a part of the band, three miles square.

Witnesses:

Astley P. Cooper, Capt. R. Bde.

George Ironside, S.I.A. Affairs

T.M. Balfour, 2nd Lieut. Rifle Brigade

Allan MacDonell

George Johnston, Interpreter

Louis Cadot

J.B. Assikinock

T.W. Keating

Jos. Wilson

Penetanguishene, 16th September 1850

Witnesses to the signatures of:

Muckata Mishaquet

Mekis Mishquette

Asa Waswanay and Pawiss

T.G. Anderson, S.I.A.

W.B. Hamilton

W. Simpson

Alfred A Thompson

First Nations Signatories:

Shinguakouche

Nebenaigoching

Keokonse

Mishequonga

Tagawinini

Shabokeshuk

Dokis

Ponekeosh

Windawtegowinini

Shawenakeshick

Namassin

Muckata Mishaquet

Mekis

Maisquaso

Naoquagabo

Wabokekik

Kitchipossegun by Papasainse

Wagemake

Pamequonaishoung

John Bell

Paqwatchinini

Mashekyash

Idowe-kesis

Waquacomiek

Mishoquetto

Asa Waswanay

Pawiss

W.B. Robinson

Ocheek

Metigomin

Watachewana

Mimewawapenasse

Shenaoqum

Oningegun

Panaissy

Papasainse

Ashewasega

Kagishewawetung by Baboneung

Shawonebin

Date document signed

Canada, Indian Treaties and Surrenders from 1680 to 1890, 2 vols., (Ottawa: Queen’s Printer, 1891), 1: 149-152.

9 September 1850, Robinson-Huron Treaty, Library and Archives Canada, Indian Affairs, D-10a, Series A, Volume 1844, Reel T-9938, GAD REF IT148, http://grasac.org/gks, (heritage item id no. 2999, accessed [date]).

This record was created under the direction of Heidi Bohaker as part of a larger research project funded by an Aboriginal Research Grant titled ““Braiding Knowledges: Anishinaabe Heritage in Community Perspective”from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).