The coat is mentioned in the Independent Order of Foresters exhibition catalogue: "Indian Chiefs' Uniforms. These red coats with brass buttons and bullion braid are such as were given to Chiefs of Indian tribes in 1812 and early Canadian days as uniforms denoting their rank. One of these was the property of Oshawana, the other of George King, a Chippewa warrior of the Carodoc reservation. Under the Treaties made by the Canadian Government with the Indians in the North-West after Confederation, and the settlement with the Hudson's Bay Co., each of the Indian Chiefs was given in addition a special red coat as well as his annual bounty".