Assiniboine (Nakoda)
A plains people, several of whose bands Anthony Henday met inland in 1754.
A Visit to the Great Camp on the Plains
Anthony Henday, journal of his journey inland from York Fort, October 13–16, 1754 · October 13–16, 1754 (journal kept 1754–1755; this copy made later at York Fort)
16. Wednesday. Women employed as yesterday. With the Leader's permission, I rode a hunting with twenty of his young men. They killed 8 Buffalo, excellent sport. They are so expert that with one, or two, arrows they will drop a Buffalo. As for me I had sufficient employ to manage my horse. When I came home I was invited to the Leader's tent again where were all the Asinepoet Leaders, etc., I thought it very curious as there were four different languages among us. The Leader gave orders to pitch away from him, and that we would see him again in the Spring, when they came down after the Buffalo. He gave one of the Leaders two young slaves as a present and 40 Buffalo tongues; they were both girls.
16. Wednesday. The women were busy as yesterday. With the leader's permission, I rode hunting with twenty of his young men. They killed 8 buffalo; excellent sport. They are so skilled that with one or two arrows they will bring down a buffalo. As for me, I had enough to do to manage my horse. When I came home, I was invited to the leader's tent again, where all the Asinepoet leaders were. I thought it very curious, as there were four different languages among us. The leader gave orders for us to move camp away from him, and said that we would see him again in the spring, when they came down after the buffalo. He gave one of the leaders two young slaves as a present, and 40 buffalo tongues. They were both girls.