[No.] 1

[Written diagonally in upper left of page] Interessent

Lake Athabasca.

The Chipweans are the principal Nation who inhabit this part of the Country, and are much more numerous than either the Crees or Beaver Indians, whose residence is generally within the boundaries of Peace River, where plenty of animals of all sorts peculiar to the Country are to be found, and are killed by them with great dexterity. The Chipweans, on the other hand, make this place their chief resort, which, from its natural situation, bring a never failing resource at all times for living, on account of the fish that may be taken at any season of the Year; for which cause it seems to be the most eligible place for them: as they would be unable to live, were they necessitated to depend entirely on the moose or Red Deer for sustenance; the generality of them not knowing the method of killing them as is practised by the other Nations. But to compensate for this deficiency in hunting, they surpass all their neighbors in the art of fishing, at which they become very expert by their constant practice; as frequently they are compelled

[1]