Lettre de George A. Cree à John Diefenbaker

76 St. Paul Street
Post Office Box 37
Oka, P. Que
Jan 20th 1960
Right Honourable John Diefenbaker
Prime Minister of Canada
Ottawa, Canada

[Stamp: Seen by John G. Diefenbaker]

Honourable Sir

I understand by the Throne Speech that you intend giving the Indians the right to vote I would like to know if the vote if it would take away some of our rights and Privileges, [Diefenbaker: “No”]

1st Would we have to Pay Property and Lands Taxes [“No”]

2nd Would it mean We Would have no more Medical and Hospital care [“No”]

3rd Would we still be given relief I would like to State here, these Indians are very Illiterate, I must also State here, on this Reserve there are no Industries, and the Indians do not have Sufficient Land to make a livelihood. By Voting Would We become Enfranchised, most of the Indians here have no Education if you take their Rights away the majority would Starve. We Would be foolish to vote to change our treaties We Indians are like the Late Mr. Duplessis We do not want you to change the British North American Act. I think that is why you was to pass a Bill of Rights.

Trusting you Will respect Our Rights Which We have enjoyed for so many years

Yours Very Respectfully

George A. Cree