MR. W. A. M'ARTHUR (Cornwall, Mid, St. Austell)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether his attention has been called to the difficulties with regard to the Native land question which have arisen between the Natives of Metlakaptla and the Government of British Columbia; whether he is aware that these Indians have applied to the United States Government for permission to settle in Alaska; and, whether he is in the position to recommend the adoption of any policy by which the expatriation of the highly civilized community of Indians at Metlakaptla may be averted?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)I am aware that difficulties of the nature indicated have arisen with the Indians at Metlakaptla, and the matter has formed the subject of correspondence between the Governor General of Canada and the Colonial Office. It appears to be true that the Indians, or Mr. Duncan, acting on their behalf, made some sort of overtures to the United States Government; but the Governor General has reported in a recent despatch that the Government of the Dominion has not been advised of any encouragement having been given to Mr. Duncan by the Government of the United States with regard to his project for a location for an Indian reserve for his Indian adherents within United States territory. As regards the latter part of the hon. Member's Question, the Dominion Government are entirely responsible for dealing with Indian affairs; and, as at present advised, I think that I should hardly be justified in pressing any particular line of policy with reference to this case.