The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1924-07-24
WORK OF INDIAN
is PASSING OUT
Red Men Face Problem OF
Existence rs Whim for
Their Stuff Goes.

Cass Lake. Minn.-Dame Fashion.
who. ever since the Indians relinquished
their land, has smiled upon the red
men, making their characteristic crea-
lions popular with the white brethren.
now is frowning upon the offerings OF
the dexterous tribesmen.
DIR. w. Il. Heagerty. superintendent
Of the OJlbway sales agency. says that
the Indians contributions TO curio col
lections. such as beaded things. blank
cts. lace handkerchiefs and miniature
blreh-bark canoes. must be revolution
Tied 10 further capitalize the modern
white mans passion for novelties.
The superintendent blames fashion
alone for the complicated situation
which the agency. promoted by the
Episcopal diocese OF Duluth. now Is
attempting TO solve by teaching Its In
dian proteges that, TO continue In the
bloodless fight against the high cost OF
living, they must cater TO the fantastic
whims bestowed by custom upon their
white neighbors.
Sales Are Almost Nothing.
In years past, according 10 Doctor
Heagerty, the Indian. or rather his
squaw. found ready market for the
wastepaper baskets, work baskets.
miniature canoes and other trinkets
which they made with their own
hands. But now fashion DEGREES that
II Is no longer correct to have these
curios In sight around the house. so
sales have fallen 10 virtually nothing.
Ojibway women also make exquisite
point-lace handkerchiefs which for
merly brought fancy prices. but Gus
tom holds that they are no longer in
style. SO these one-time popular orna-
ments go a-begging. says the superin-
tendent.
Another conflicting angle" Doctor
Heagerty continues, concerns the
beadwork on bags, moccasins ana
chains done by Ojibway women. The
cost Of glass now is so high and the
quality so inferior that beadwork car
not be done at profit
And. the worst OF all. the Indian,
deprived OF his tribal customs by he
advance OF civilization. cannot under
stand all OF this. II is especially diff
fcult for them 10 turn their talents 10
other channels"
The problem was revealed 10 mission
workers during the first years opera
ton OF the OjIbway sales agency. This
agency was established 10 help the
rapidly diminishing tribesmen to bridge
the gulf between themselves and the
white mans civilization by effecting
IAN economic and moral reformation. :"
The church would abolish the old
trading posts, whereby the Indian re-
ceived In exchange for his offerings
merely food. tobacco and the necessi-
ties OF life. and would obtain cash for
their products.
Would Teach Value Of Money.
This. II is hoped. win enable them
10 learn the true value Of money. 80
that 10 years later when they. accord
ing 10 law. are no longer government
charges, they Will be able to provide
for themselves.
During the period OF transition spe-
clal attention Is being directed 10 the
large field for harvesting Wild rice and
making maple sugar. for which there
always Is a ready market.
But this work has been hampered
by cruel obstacles. for last year the
maple sap was scarce-in fact there
was not enough for the 0jibway fam
ily--but the Wild rice crop was ample
and record harvest was effected. :"
Doctor Heagerty declares.