2-982-445 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Assiniboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition - Portaging a Canoe and Baggage, 1858. Engraving from a photograph taken during '...the expedition sent out last spring by the Canadian Government to explore and report on the valleys of the Assinniboine and Saskatchewan Rivers, in Rupert's Land. This represents the mode of portaging north canoes across a point of land in the neighbourhood of rapids or falls which oppose obstacles to continuous navigation. The figure in the centre is "Charlot," the Iroquois guide. In the rear the half-breed "Wigwam" is in the act of adjusting the fire under the kettles for the noonday meal. In front of him are two of the voyageurs, with packs of baggage, carrying their load by means of a strap passed round the forehead. The figure on the left is one of the bowsmen, Charlot's son, portaging the paddles belonging to the canoe. The scene is the Red River, and it represents the last labours of the Iroquois, as far as Mr. Hind's party is concerned'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.