“This is what they said. That the government was now taking us as his own children and he told us about this promise, that as long as the sun shines that he would think of his promise and that as long as the rivers flow his promise would be carried. For certain we know that the biggest promise he made was to have the sick go, those that are sick to go to the hospital, that the government would pay for them and take care of them. They also said that they would allow the children to attend school in the future” (Elder Rev. Eliezer Beardy, interviewed 1974 at Muskrat Dam) (ibid)

“When the representatives came to our village in Big Trout Lake to sign the Treaty with our leaders, we were promised that our traditional activities would be protected. They did not say that we would be regulated in the future. We were promised that our land and people would be protected the treaty protects our God given right in this land. We were never informed that the laws and regulations would be passed by the government to rule over us" (Elder Moses Fidler, interviewed 1974 at Muskrat Dam) (ibid)

Blind Chief Missabay addressing the assembly before the feast held after the James Bay Treaty signing ceremony, Osnaburgh House, July 12, 1905.

In 1957, Elder David Sutherland (Treaty signer) at Winisk (Peawanuck ) was interviewed about whether the treaty as he understood it meant they surrendered their land in exchange for support replied, "No we did not. We do not personally know because we were never clearly told. We were told the government would look after us, support us at all time and not deceive us. They told us this so we would readily agree. It was said that the money received from the government would never run out as long as the sun shines… and you will be given four dollars every summer” (Elder David Sutherland in Long 1995:27).

The signing of the Treaty at Winisk, Ontario. Left to right, standing: Father Martel, Indians John Bird, Xavier Patrick and David Sutherland, Dr. O'Gorman and J. Harris, H.B. Co. Post Manager. Seated: Commissioners Walter C. Cain and H. N. Awrey. July 28, 1930.

So, as you can see our Elders had a very clear idea that the Treaty meant sharing of the land and resources and not surrender as was written into the Treaty. Finally, I would like to share with you one last statement from Elder Hosea Wynne, as it is a plea to you, the young people of today:

"We regret this on behalf of our grandfathers. Many times we, the Elders, discuss this and we tell the young people of today. But they do not believe, just like the government doesn’t believe. There are too many worldly pleasures the young people are involved in. Things come from the government, even things that are not good. It allows them these things. These are the things that are distracting today's youth. They think it makes them happy. What our grandfathers said is forgotten, because of those things that come from the government. But we don’t forget.

I will not forget, for as long as I live. But I don’t know what it will be like in the future, if what our grandfathers passed on to us will be kept, or will it be lost” (Elder Hosea Wynne in Long 1993: 7)