The Indian agents were some of the worst of the bunch. Crooked and corrupt. When most nations signed a treaty, they negotiated for a certain amount supplies to be delivered to the reserve, so that those who were forcibly moved onto reserves, had enough to avoid starvation. Since they weren’t allowed to leave without permission, and were not allowed to hunt, they were at the mercy of these agents.

The agents would take the supplies intended for Indians and sell them to settlers and only give them what was leftover. Rancid flour, spoiled meat, etc.