Description
In November 1824, after decades of challenging the Catholic Church’s claim to own their lands, the Huron-Wendats sent four of their leaders to England to make representations to King George IV. They discussed the situation with various politicians and with the colonial secretary, Lord Bathurst. In April 1825, they met with the King on the lawn outside the Royal Lodge at Windsor, where the royal presented them with gold medals with his likeness. Tsaouenhohoui also gave a speech about their land rights and the King responded favourably, apparently saying that he would “avail himself of every opportunity to promote their welfare.” That same month, they were also hosted by the Lord Mayor at Mansion House. While they were not successful in their immediate aims, the leaders did manage to use their political knowledge from the visit to gain a guarantee to their hunting lands in 1829.
Bibliographic sources
“Interview of the Canadian Indians with His Majesty,” Morning Advertiser, 11 April 1825, 2; “Visit of the Wyandot Indian Chiefs to Lord Mayor,” Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette, 28 April 1825, 4.