Washington Territory Indian Policy Defined, 1853
After surveying the field, Stevens defined the Indian policy in Dec 1853:
- The Indians must be "paid for their lands and placed on reservations where they could be cared for."
- Divide Washington into five districts for administration purposes.
- Puget Sound region, the Yakima and Spokane country, and the St. Mary's Valley. The sub-agencies were SW WA and the Spokane country.“
- Remember WA territory extended into present day Montana at this time.
In September 1854, Stevens laid down principles of treaties:
- The aim is to prepare the Indians to become citizens of the United States.
- The Indians should be supplied with farms and farmers to instruct them in agriculture.
- Many bands should be concentrated on one reservation so that control of the government over them is easier.