Letter from R. Bruce to W.B. Robinson

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Letter from R. Bruce to W.B. Robinson


Name of document:

Letter from R. Bruce to W.B. Robinson

Type of document:

Letter

Summary of the data:

This letter, authored by R. Bruce, Superintendent General of Indian Affairs on January 11, 1850, to William Benjamin Robinson, provides instructions for the forthcoming treaty negotiations. In the letter, Bruce outlines the events at Mica Bay, also referred to as the ‘Mica Bay Incident,’ where in the fall of 1848, Alan and Angus Macdonell with Chiefs Shingwauk and Bebanaigooching, forced the closure of the Quebec Superior Mine. In December of 1848, the Macdonells, two Métis (see Bulletin Board) and Chiefs Shingwauk and Bebanaigooching were arrested as a result of the incident (Surtees). All were later released, however, this event was a catalyst for the Robinson Treaties.

In the letter, Bruce authorizes W.B. Robinson to negotiate treaties with the Native Bands in the Lake Superior (the treaty for this region was later known as the Robinson-Superior Treaty, 1850) and Lake Huron region. The treaty would provide compensation to the Aboriginal Bands in the area for the surrender of their land to the Crown. Bruce writes that Robinson should “impress the minds of the Indians that they ought not to expect excessive remuneration for the partial occupation of the territory…” (2). Finally, Bruce urges Robinson to warn the Aboriginals against taking part in any criminal activity, which would force a reduction of their remuneration payment.

Important dates mentioned in the document:

January 11, 1850: Date the letter was sent.

Important people discussed in the document:

R. Bruce
William Benjamin Robinson

Specific location(s) mentioned in the document (if applicable):

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario

Non-specific location(s) mentioned in the document (if applicable):

Lake Huron, Ontario
Lake Superior, Ontario-Minnesota-Wisconsin-Michigan

Specific event(s) identified in the document (if applicable):

N/A

Relevant citations:

Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Treaty Research Report the Robinson Treaties (1850). By Robert Surtees. 1986. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Web. 7, Oct. 2014.

Library and Archives Canada, R. Bruce, RG. 10, "Letter to W.B. Robinson," volume 266, 11 January 1950, pp. 163160-62, microfilm C-12652.

Was the information found online (yes/no)?:

Yes. Robert Surtees' Treaty Research Report found online.

Document links and URLs (if applicable):

View Robert Surtees' Treaty Research Report

Date of access:

Sunday December 7, 2014

Webmaster if identified (for online documents only):

Retrieved from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development website.