MacDonell, John. Description of Lake Athabasca and the Chipweans, ca. 1805 and Journal of a Voyage from Lachine to Fort River Qu'Appelle, 1793. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0005

No. 2

men and women – adults and children per lodge would make in all four hundred Souls &c.

Theology

The Chipweans have always been, and are even at this day in a state of the darkest superstition and ignorance; which is somewhat singular, considering the long and uninterrupted intercourse they have had with the Europeans; as it might reasonably be expected that they would have become more enlightened: – but so far to the contrary; that they seem to be more tenacious of their doctrines, than they are said to have entertained at a more remote period; which may arise from a twofold cause; viz. the licentious manners of the Europeans – and litterly the courtious attention which is shown to them, must no doubt flatter their pride, as they have a firm belief that they are superior in knowledge to the white people. Notwithstanding they believe that there exists a Supreme Being, whose power can bring down Death, and Famine, upon them; Yet they cannot

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L E G E N D :
 in red , modifications made by the editor(s).
 in lavender , modifications made by the assumed author(s).

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