Summary
To facilitate the Home Farm Program, the position of Indian Commissioner of the Northwest Territories was created. Sir Edgar Dewdney was appointed as the first commissioner in May, 1879. Dewdney’s duties as commissioner included overseeing the Home Farm program, the distribution of relief, encouraging Aboriginal people to settle on reserves, and convincing Sitting Bull’s Lakota to return to the United States.
Implications
The creation of this position allowed the federal government another means by which to exercise control over Aboriginal people. The Indian Commissioner was given significant influence and oversight in the Northwest Territories.
Sources
Letter from Dennis to Dewdney, May 30, 1879. [NA, RG 10, vol. 3635, file 6567]
Date
1879-00-00
Theme(s)