# The Indians — Journals character guide > The Indians in Journals by Alexander Mackenzie. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Indians, Beaver Indians, My Indians **First appearance:** 0003-to-the-frozen-ocean-in-1789 ## Snapshot The Indigenous peoples whose encampments, tracks, and withheld guidance shadow the expedition — sometimes hosts, sometimes guides, sometimes gone before the canoe arrives. ## Who they are They appear as fire rings, beaver lodges, and moose-skin shoes stitched by women who never leave the canoe, their movements read like weather by the narrator. The English Chief, once loyal to the Hudson's Bay Company, now pleads fatigue and refuses a request — the first crack of jealousy in a fragile alliance. Their absence and presence alike shape the journey's middle, as the expedition chases reindeer tracks and empty camps toward country they cannot read alone. ## Relationships ### [The English Chief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/the_english_chief) _professional_ The English Chief negotiates or mediates between the Indians and the European explorers. ### [The Chipewyans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/the_chipewyans) _rivalry_ The Chipewyans and Indians are often in conflict or competition over territory and resources. ### [M. Le Roux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/m_le_roux) _professional_ M. Le Roux engages with the Indians for trade or diplomatic purposes. ### [Mr. Mackay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/mr_mackay) _professional_ Mr. Mackay interacts with the Indians as part of the expedition's trading or exploratory activities. ### [The Red Knife Indian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/the_red_knife_indian) _social_ The Red Knife Indian is a member of a related or neighboring Indigenous group interacting with the Indians. ### [The Eskimo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/the_eskimo) _rivalry_ The Eskimo and Indians are often in hostile contact, competing for resources. ### [Sir Alexander Mackenzie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/sir_alexander_mackenzie) _professional_ Sir Alexander Mackenzie is a famous explorer whose prior interactions with the Indians are noted by the narrator. ## In the story ### [To the Frozen Ocean in 1789](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/to-the-frozen-ocean-in-1789) Various Indigenous groups encountered along the route, including the Red Knife and Hare Indians. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/i) Includes hunters and their families who provide food and assistance during the journey. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/iii) Various groups encountered, including Slave and Dogrib Indians, Hare Indians, and others; they provide food and information but also spread discouraging stories. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/iv) Guide and hunters express fear and reluctance; Deguthee Dinees encountered, preferring blue beads. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/v) Hunters who kill geese, cranes, and a white owl; later return sullen and dissatisfied; also the native tribe encountered who trade fish for beads. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/vi) Local natives who provide fish, berries, and information, but are also suspicious and resistant to the narrator's inquiries. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/vii) Young Indians receive abandoned articles; they hunt geese and reindeer, but often return unsuccessful; one accompanies the narrator on the mountain ascent. ### [To the Pacific Ocean in 1793](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/to-the-pacific-ocean-in-1793) Various Indigenous groups encountered during the journey. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/i) Beaver Indians and Knisteneaux are mentioned in the context of the peace settlement at Peace Point; also the local chief and seventy men who greet the narrator upon arrival at the winter residence. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/ii) The Indians play a game called Platter, engage in a violent dispute, and practice polygamy and harsh treatment of women. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/iii) Hunters and guides accompanying the expedition; some are Beaver Indians and Rocky Mountain Indians who provide information and assistance. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/iv) Assist in the journey, express fatigue and alarm, and participate in hunting. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/v) A group of natives encountered by the narrator; they provide information about the river and trade routes, and one agrees to guide the expedition. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/vi) Assist in scouting and carrying; one brings bark for canoe repair. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/vii) Hostile group encountered on the riverbank; initially threatening with arrows but later pacified through gifts and negotiation. ### [Chapter VIII: Encounters and Perils on the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/viii) Two Indians accompany the expedition as guides; one paddles the small canoe. Later, the narrator's Indians are involved in thefts and show fear and reluctance. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/ix) Some assist as guides and interpreters; others are dissatisfied with their loads. ### [The Village of the Salmon People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/x) The villagers who initially appear hostile but later welcome the party with embraces and gifts. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/xi) Various native groups encountered along the river, some hospitable, some demanding, and some showing signs of hostility. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/xii) The narrator's Indian crew members initially refuse to proceed by canoe due to fear, but are eventually persuaded; one is sick and weak. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/xiii) Encountered at two lodges, astonished to see the narrator; also mentioned in the context of the Friendly Village and later a hostile group. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/chapters/endnotes) Mentioned in the context of superstition and the medical cure using Turlington's balsam. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters/the_indians - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/journals_se/characters