In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. Adhesions continued into the 20th century, with the bands of Rocky Mountain House (May 1944 and 1950), Witchekan Lake (November 1950) and Cochin (August 1954 and May 1956). The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. January 2020Sweetgrass First Nation is pleased to announce our updated website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3EjLPW2uw. Aboriginal has been an umbrella term used by Canadians and Canadian institutions for convenience. Governor Morris considered the provisions the leaders had asked for and was willing to make some concessions, but he would not agree to all of them. Both organizations concluded that the Indigenous signatories believed that they were agreeing to share the land and its resources, rather than to completely surrender it to the federal government. Chief Minahikosis (Little Pine) and other Cree leaders of the Saskatchewan District were also opposed to the terms, arguing that the treaty provided little protections for their people. The great peace of Montreal was between: New France and indigenous groups of central and Eastern North America. Gov. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. We heard our lands were sold and we did not like it; we dont want to sell our lands; it is our property, and no one has the right to sell them. What Treaty 6 peoples are close to Edmonton? Commemorate the historic ties between the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the City of Edmonton. Later that year, Sweet Grass was converted to Roman Catholicism by Father Albert Lacombe and was baptized with the Christian name Abraham. One of the main questions is whether the signatories truly understood the concept of land cession. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. At this point, Young Sweet Grass would lead a fragment of the band to join with other Cree, who had signed Treaty 6. Pitikwahanapiwiyin stated: This is our land, it isnt a piece of pemmican to be cut off and given in little pieces back to us. He recounted the important points the Chiefs expressed regarding their physical and cultural survival, recounted the moving speeches of Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis, and the special provisions that they negotiated to be included. Sweetgrass First Nation Chief Lorie Whitecalf History Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed TREATY 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. From here the group made income from farming and lumber sale, supplemented with traditional methods as much as possible. [47] This would be Sweetgrass's last significant influence on his people, as he would die shortly after signing the Treaty. 1 What was chief mistawasis Role in Treaty 6? Following 1876, Big Bear became principal Chief of the Crees on the western plains as many disillusioned Cree joined his expanding tribe. Treaties were signed with First Nations in Canada between 1871 and 1921. He related that the First Nations Chiefs wanted to know if it was true that their lands were being sold. The Crees were advised by members of Yellowquills band to prevent the treaty party from crossing the river as they were unhappy about the terms of Treaty 4. They hunted in the same territory and would often hunt and camp together. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Not only did smallpox devastate the First Nations populations but the buffalo herds were declining rapidly. At the time when Sweet Grass was Chief, The Canadian government had pictured what the Indigenous communities were and never changed them. In the face of survival, the Cree started to assemble and meet with one another to discuss their approach to the government. Just before the Treaty party left Fort Pitt, Big Bear arrived and asked to speak with Morris. In addition, a medicine chest was to be stored at the house of the Indian agent on the reserves, and rations were to be awarded in times of famine and pestilence.. Different tribes of the Cree held their own stories and traditions passed down orally through the generations. Why was Treaty 6 so important? [40] Although it is not known which of the Cree Chiefs supported an unexpected attack on a Blackfoot Chief, it is known that Sweet Grass was not among them. Treaty 6 was the biggest piece of legislation between Plains Cree Leaders and the colonial government. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. 1876 - 1883: Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strike him on the back), 1920 - 1924: Harry Atcheynum (Son of Strike him on the back), 1925 - 1964: Sam Swimmer (Son of Yellow Mud) Last hereditary Chief, For a summary for our History in brief, find it on the Battleford's Agency Tribal Chief's Website at www.batc.ca/sweetgrass/, P.O. [7] The Shaman's decision would be based on a character or incident that they saw in their vision. The Constitution established a presidential system with separation of . [6], Due to the fact that Sweet Grass' Mother was captured by a Cree tribe, it is unknown if she partook in the established birthing and naming traditions. [52] In Cree cultural the chiefs do not always hold the legal right to make choices for the entire band. For example, one of the first recorded treaties between First Nations involved the Onodowohgah (Seneca), Kanien'Kehaka (Mohawk), Onundagaono (Onondaga), Onayotekaono (Oneida), and Guyohkohnyoh (Cayuga). Governor Morris addressed the crowd and asked Erasmus to interpret for him, Erasmus answered back, I act on behalf of the Chiefs; I am not employed by the government. McKay translated but was stopped when Chief Mistawasis stood up and said We are Plains Cree and demand to be spoken to in our language. Then Ballenden proceeded to translate, however, people in the back of the crowd complained they could not hear him, he tried to speak louder, choked and then sat down (Ray, Miller, and Tough 134). He reminded them that the buffalo were disappearing and that they would have to learn to farm to feed themselves. Please note that this form is not intended to provide customer service. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We want you to be aware of the benefits, credits and requirements that apply to you. They wanted assurance of their spiritual and physical survival (Price 20). John A. Macdonald did not want to go to war with the First Nations as the Americans were in the south to attain lands. (Stonechild and Waiser 26) Living Sky School Division 509 Pioneer Avenue North Battleford, SK S9A 4A5 Canada [email protected] The significance of the ceremony was an invitation to the Creator to witness the proceedings and provide guidance; it also signified that it committed the participants into telling the truth. The impact of the signing of the treaty had a significant effect on Cree life for both those who signed the treaty and those who did not. Morris reassured the terms of the treaty, I want the Indians to understand that all that has been offered is a gift, and they still have the same mode of living as before (, Mistawasis had one last request and wanted to know how the Half-Breeds w, That afternoon, Treaty Six was signed by the Treaty Commissioners, the Lieutenant Governor, followed by Chiefs Mistawasis, Ahtahkakoop, and 11 other Chiefs, and 44 Headmen. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? [15] This figure held no real identity and did not appear to anyone in visions or contact. Sweetgrass First Nation -- Web Design by M.R. Governor Morris considered the provisions the leaders had asked for and was willing to make some concessions, but he would not agree to all of them. In 1860, a member of the Plains Cree had killed a Blackfoot chief, which had sparked a war against them. [56] The tactic of withholding food from reserves will be used by the Canadian government to force cooperation. Treaties are the law of the land in the relationship between First Nations and the rest of Canada. Harold Cardinal and Walter Hildebrand, Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan: Our Dream is that Our Peoples Will One Day Be Clearly Recognized As Nations (2000). 11 Where was the Treaty 6 of 1876 signed? In 1862, Sweet Grass accompanied Broken Arm, who was known for his ability to broker peace, along with fifty escorts to finally make peace with the Blackfoot. [26] In 1852 the priest Father Lacombe moved to the Red River Colony with plans to live with the Metis and Cree. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). [24] In 1870, there were hundreds of thousands, which provided an immense amount of resources for the Cree to a point where they were able to only take the choice parts of the Buffalo. The treaty contained, with some variations, the standard written clauses of the earlier numbered treaties signed with First Nations: surrender of Indian land rights; provision of assistance in the transition to an agricultural economy; provision of reserves (in Treaty 6 the equivalent of one square mile per family of . (Dedicated this 16thday of July 1993 by the Cree Nation)". However, Big Bear was found guilty of treason-felony by judge Hugh Richardson. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. In 150 we had entered into the Robinson Huron Treaty to protect. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Erasmus and the other two translators translated to the people the terms of the treaty one more time. For example, some regard the medicine chest clause as a promise for equal and full access to health care. [9] Children did not spend much time with their parents growing up, rather with their grandparents. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? Sadly, in the face of starvation and the inevitable settlement of their lands, Little Pine eventually signed an adhesion to Treaty 6 on July 2, 1879. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Indian Association of Alberta and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations conducted reports that outlined elders views on the treaty and on the concept of land cession. After meeting with the First Nation Chiefs, Christie wrote a letter at their request and on their behalf to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald to state what the leaders were asking for and their concerns. It remained to be seen whether it was a bad omen. An example of this would be when Sweet Grass and Big Bear assembled 18 Cree warriors that attempted to raid Blackfoot hunting territory. John A. Macdonald envisioned the west as a grain producing region full of European immigrants (Dodson 17). [55] Young Sweet Grass would eventually become chief and would name the new group the Sweetgrass First Nation in honour of his father. All nations kept the rights to use the land for hunting. Some, but not all, locals met them. Treaty 6 included terms that had not been incorporated into Treaties 1 to 5, including a medicine chest at the house of the Indian agent on the reserve, protection from famine and pestilence, more agricultural implements, and on-reserve education. Is Edmonton on Treaty 6 land? Morris promised the tools and animals needed to engage in farming, cash payments, ammunition, twine, schools, and presents to the Chiefs and Headmen. To cede land (the act of cession) is to give up or surrender the authority to control and own that land. 1282 101 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z8. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [39] The unpreparedness or perhaps unwillingness of the Canadian government to deal with the problems of indigenous peoples continued long after the signing of Treaty 6 but it was Sweet Grass firm belief that this was the best way to ensure that indigenous culture survived.[36]. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. These agents were assigned to Indian reserves and bands and attempted to act as a liaison between the Government and First Nation communities. Sweet Grass (also Sweetgrass or Wikaskokiseyin or Wihaskokiseyin) (c.1815 on or shortly before January 11, 1877) was a chief of the Cree in the 1860s and 1870s in western Canada. When the Metis under Louis Riel started the Northwest-Rebellion in 1885, Wandering Spirit would lead a group of Cree to raid the Frog Lake Settlement. Newcomers would receive a peaceful co-existence with First Nations people, access to lands for settlement, farming, railways, and future industrial development. They created an iron alliance that enabled them to expand across the northern plains. At that time, they as well were facing low fur prices, and poor hunting and fishing. Treaty 6 included terms that had not been incorporated into Treaties 1 to 5, including a medicine chest at the house of the Indian agent on the reserve, protection from famine and pestilence, more agricultural implements, and on-reserve education. We Send these words by our Master Mr.Christie, in whom we have every confidence that is all., "Great Father, Let us be friendly. The government wanted tribes to become more democratic in its governing of the reserves and rely less on the chiefs who traditionally were the leaders of the community. The peak of the conflict came in 1861 when the Blackfoot had threatened to kill any Cree, Metis, or white man whom they stumbled upon. In 1882, Young Sweet Grass and seventeen followers joined Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strikes him on the back), who had signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton on August 28, 1876. [32] Sweet Grass along with three other Chiefs attempted to get ahead of government control by meeting with the representative of the Canadian government in the west Lieutenant Governor Archibald to petition the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) sale of land to the government. Treaty 6, between the Queen and bands of Cree and Stoney First Nations, was negotiated and signed at Fort Carlton and Duck Lake in August, and at Fort Pitt in September, 1876. Mistawasis had one last request and wanted to know how the Half-Breeds would be taken care of, as some had lived amongst them. Are catch-up contributions subject to ADP testing. He worked with other chiefs and bands to participate in raids with enemy tribes. Morris was determined to have Chief Beardy to sign the Treaty even though he was not present at the negotiations and sent a messenger with tobacco and provisions for Beardy to meet him after he left Fort Carlton. In the years of 1872 to 1875 there was pressure on the Canadian government from the First Nations in the prairies to address treaties. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (, Gov. They were unaware of the negotiations at Fort Carlton and thought they would not be coming for another month or so. to the signing of a treaty had strong cultural and spiritual significance. Also, he did not want his people to be under the rule of the Crown, and said to the people, I heard the Governor was coming and I said I shall see him; when I see him I will make a request that he will save me from what I most dread that is: the rope to be about my neck. Big Bear, a proud Cree, was using a metaphor to describe that he did not want to be treated like a horse, to be broken to a halter and rope (Ray, Miller and Tough 142). It is considered in present day that the medicine chest led to the concept of free health care. We had a great starvation the past winter, and the smallpox took away many of our people, the old, young, and children. Treaty 6 encompasses 17 First Nations in central Alberta including the Dene Sulin, Cree, Nakota Sioux and Saulteaux peoples. There were many subsequent adhesions to the treaty by . [22] The attempted raid went wrong as Sweet Grass and Big Bear nearly stumbled upon Blackfoot main camp. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. The meaning of land and the surrender of it was not entirely understood by those who were signing the agreement. However, over-trapping forced tribes to move west to find suitable forest areas. Indigenous people were forced to choose between living on reserves, receiving a fixed amount of money every year for the rest of their lives and trying to assimilate and lose their status. The bearer of the sacred stem Wah-wee-kah-nich-ka-oh-tah-mah-hote (the man you strike on the back) carried the decorated pipe stem, and walked slowly along the semi circle of people to the front. The City of Edmonton acknowledges the traditional land on which we reside, is in Treaty Six Territory. [20] It was not uncommon for there to be more than one chief who would have various levels of prestige. By this time, the only known buffalo herds left were located in the Cypress Hills. Morris reassured the First Nations that their way of life and survival would not be disturbed and guaranteed well into the future. By the early 1870s, the plains First Nations were suffering. Even more important, the Chiefs felt that the Treaties would impose European values on the Cree. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Even though Big Bear publicly and consistently spoke against sighing treaties, by 1882 starving, he would sign Treaty 6. The First Nations interpreted the loss of the buffalo to be the general famine covered under the famine clause of Treaty 6, and many observers in the North-West agreed. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). Although there was much dissension from a number of First Nations, it was Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis whoasked the representatives of the Crown what they could offer the people if they did not agree to Treaty. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [3] They bonded over sharing the characteristic of being small, but mighty warriors. Treaty 6, between the Queen and bands of Cree and Stoney First Nations, was negotiated and signed at Fort Carlton and Duck Lake in August, and at Fort Pitt in September, 1876. Trending. The talks then adjourned, and the Indigenous leaders spoke in council for the next two days. Families had the ability to break away from their current band and join another elsewhere. Claiming lands for the sake of the tribe b. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [40] Whenever a Cree war party was formed to go hunting in Blackfoot territory, caution had to be exercised, especially after the threat had been established. Reverend McKay translated Big Bears words, and when Morris heard this he interpreted it to mean that Big Bear did not want to be hanged by the government. Morris said little to ease the concerns of Beardy and promised that they too would receive the same as the other bands including agricultural assistance for a new way of life. The next day, well armed Peigans entered the battle and defeated the Cree, approximately 200-400 Crees died in the battle. Morris said little to ease the concerns of Beardy and promised that they too would receive the same as the other bands including agricultural assistance for a new way of life. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Dominion of Canada bought Ruperts Land for the sum of 300,000 pounds from the Hudsons Bay Company on March 8, 1869 and at the same time the Crown transferred North West territories to Canada. During discussions, Gov. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The ceremony ended with dancing, drums, and singing of the men and women in the background (Christensen 235). Children typically lived a carefree and adventurous childhood. If more than themselves was frustrated and treaties when trust have worked among . The Treaty party left Fort Pitt and made their way back to Fort Garry. [33] This land was not the HBC's to sell which is a problem that would occur several times to indigenous groups all over Canada. (Dodson 14). The two messengers, Rev. a. Website Design by M.R. Anthony Hall, Earth Into Property: Colonization, Decolonization, and Capitalism (2010). If you cant come yourself, send someone in your place. The Sweet Grass Reserve west of Battleford, Saskatchewan was named in his honor and is still functioning today. He suggested to Morris that the government needed to preserve what buffalo herds were left, so that they could all share equally. I for one will take the hand that is offered. Ahtahkakoop supporting his fellow Chief and said, Let us not think of ourselves but our childrens children, let us show our wisdom by choosing the right path while we yet have a choice (Stonechild and Waiser 17). (Christensen 234), Once everyone was assembled at the Council tent, the pipe stem ceremony began with all the Chiefs, headmen, singers, and drummers. Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. Treaty 6, between the Queen and bands of Cree and Stoney First Nations, was negotiated and signed at Fort Carlton and Duck Lake in August, and at Fort Pitt in September, 1876. When they arrived at the council tent they hoisted the union jack - the flag of Britain. He died January 17, 1888 and is buried in the Poundmaker cemetery. In 1871, a delegation of Chiefs went to Fort Edmonton to meet with Chief Factor W.J. Wandering Spirit stayed in power for the duration of the uprising while Big Bear counselled for peace and protecting the white prisoners. What was the European perspective of treaty 6. The buffalo was the plains First Nations livelihood: their source of food, shelter, clothing, and trading goods. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Treaty 45 and Treaty 72 The SON are signatories to various. Eventually the Cree and Blackfoot negotiated peace and access to the Cypress hills." There was much debate and discussions that took place with the First Nations participants, but the Queens representatives were eager to conclude the deal with the First Nations. Big Bear stands tall in the memory of the Cree Nation as a proud and truly visionary leader who fought against the forces of Canadian colonialism and ultimately suffered for his Nation. Alexander Morris spoke to those present, promising to offer the same terms as at Fort Carlton. However, Morris told the Cree that they would find themselves crowded by settlers unless they settled on reserves.

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