Fort Fitzgerald, Feb. 17th 1931

Dear Sir

Re. The entry in warden D’Arcy Arden’s diary for Dec. 23rd which reads-

Left the Coupe this A. M. and went to see if I could see any Buffalo.

Saw twenty, fifteen large one with five calves.

These buffalo have just crossed over from the Peace they are not nearly so fat as the ones at Egg Lake.

Returned to the Rocky Point discouraged after seeing so much destitution.

The treaty with the Indians is simply another SCRAP OF PAPER.

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I beg to report that during December warden Arden reported to me by phone of the destitution among the Indians in his district. He was advised that the department of Indian affairs had representatives at Fort Chipewyan who would know how to deal with the existing conditions.

The Indians referred to were the Pamatchakwews and Wakwuns.

There are several families of them and they are known to be a very shiftless and improvident lot, who are always in a state of near starvation even in times of plenty.

I made a trip through that district in December and also at the beginning of February. The Indians mentioned above when questioned admitted that they were receiving destitute rations, and added that the rations were not sufficient to carry them through the month.

Rabbits are plentiful, and Moose are also plentifull.

There are fish lakes within easy distance of their home but they seem to have made up their minds that they will not be only wards of the government but one hundred percent pensioners also.

There are several halfbreed families living in the same locality who are managing to keep their families well fed by their own efforts and without the aid of rations.

I have the honor to remain Sir

Your obedient servant

M. J. Dempsey

Park Warden

Mr John A McDougal

District Agent

Fort Smith

N.W.T.