DCHP-2

Indian territory DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• 1 † 

  a region inhabited by Indians.

  See also: Indian country (def. 1)  

  • 1821  The Governor or person administering the Government of Lower Canada, is empowered to appoint any Justices of the Peace, for the Indian territories, as Commissioners for carrying into effect the processes, &c. of the above Courts.
  • 1908  You can do what you like here! There is no law in the Indian Territory!

• 2 † 

  See Indian country (def. 2) 1948 quote.

  • 1807  (1809)  The largest [canoes], however, are used by the North-West Company, for conveying goods into the Indian territory, and bringing down furs.
  • 1927  The stage on which this romantic drama was enacted covered more than half a continent, and was variously referred to in the literature of the fur-trade as le pays d'En Haut, the Indian Territory, the Interior, and by a more recent public as the North-West.

• 3 — Hist.

  See quotes.

  • 1820  (1938)  That a Constable of the District of Montreal should arrest a person in the Indian Territories of British America and detain him a Prisoner . . . is certainly an absolute mockery of all Law and Justice.
  • 1838  (1931)  The country denominated "Indian Territories," comprehended in the Royal License, is principally situated on the west side of the Rocky Mountains.
  • 1860  An act was passed last year, authorising the appointment of Justices for the Indian Territory--meaning the territory not covered by the charter of the Hudson's Bay Company.
  • 1886  The wide expanse of country lying west and north of Rupert' Land was technically known as the "Indian territories." Fur trading license, 1821-1838 renewed.
  • 1937  James Anderson, a Chief Factor and experienced officer of the Indian Territory, was appointed to the command of the party.