They are supported by voluntary contributions of
provision that their minds may not be diverted by the labour of hunting
from the peculiar duties of their profession.
The chiefs among the Chipewyans are now totally without power. The
presents of a flag and a gaudy dress still bestowed upon them by the
traders do not procure for them any respect or obedience except from the
youths of their own families. This is to be attributed mainly to their
living at peace with their neighbours and to the facility which the young
men find in getting their wants supplied independent of the
recommendation of the chiefs which was formerly required. In war
excursions boldness and intrepidity would still command respect and
procure authority; but the influence thus acquired would probably cease
with the occasion that called it forth. The traders however endeavour to
support their authority by continuing towards them the accustomed marks
of respect hoisting the flag and firing a salute of musketry on their
entering the fort.
The chief halts at a distance from the house and despatches one of his
young men to announce his approach and to bring his flag, which is
carried before him when he arrives. The messenger carries back to him
some vermilion to ornament the faces of his party, together with a
looking-glass and comb, some tobacco, and a few rounds of ammunition that
they may return the salute. These men paint round the eyes, the forehead,
and the cheekbones.
The Northern Indians evince no little vanity by assuming to themselves
the comprehensive title of The People, whilst they designate all other
nations by the name of their particular country. If men were seen at a
distance and a Chipewyan was asked who those persons were he would answer
The People if he recognised them to belong to his tribe and never
Chipewyans; but he would give them their respective names if they were
Europeans, Canadians, or Cree Indians.
As they suppose their ancestors to come originally from the east those
who happen to be born in the eastern part of their territory are
considered to be of the purest race. I have been informed that all the
Indians who trade at the different posts in the north-west parts of
America imagine that their forefathers came from the east, except the
Dog-Ribs who reside between the Copper Indian Islands and the Mackenzie's
River and who deduce their origin from the west, which is the more
remarkable as they speak a dialect of the Chipewyan language. I could
gather no information respecting their religious opinions except that
they have a tradition of the deluge.
The Chipewyans are considered to be less expert hunters than the Crees,
which probably arises from their residing much on the barren lands where
the reindeer are so numerous that little skill is requisite.
