The Key Separate from Shoal River Band

The Key band moved from Shoal River to their own reserve in 1882. They worried that the government would decide to survey a reserve for them at their old location, and many suggested that they would return to that reserve were that the case. Indian Affairs officials confirmed with them that they would not have a reserve surveyed at the old location, as there were very few people who lived there. Beardy remained behind at the old location, thinking that he could be made into a chief.