INDIAN OFFICE

At Fort McMurray, Alberta

December 6th,1927

J. D. McLean, Esq.

Asst. Deputy and Secretary

Ottawa.

Sir: -

Replying to your letter of November 17th, No.420-2; asking for information as to the number of hunters in each of the special hunting reserves for Indians in Northern Alberta, I beg to submit the following.

Group No.5. Reserve 50 miles square off 21st base line,

between the Athabaska River and the 4th meridian.

Hunters as follows. Janvier Band. 8

Heart Lake. 10

McMurray 62

Saddle Lake. 75

Total. 227

Group.No.3. Reserve North and South of

Jack Fish Lake, as indicated on map, in former report.

Hunters. Chipewyans. 31

Crees, during rat years, 50

Total 81

The above estimate is only approximate. As one cannot forecaste the number of transient hunters who might avail themselves of the special privileges granted.

On behalf of the Chipewyan Indians, under Chief Jonas Laviolette, Jack Fish Lake, Ft. Chipewyan, I would call the attention of the Department to the wishes of the band, expressed at the last annuity payment, to have, independently of these special reserves, the survey in the coming spring of the reserve, for the band, guaranteed by the Treaty, June 21st.1899. I might add that they are very urgent on this matter, as there is a prospect of rats coming back and they wish to protect the marsh grounds surrounding their homes. The last good rat season white trappers came in without restriction and rapidly depleted supply.

Your obedient servant,

G. Card

Agent.