[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. According to the notes of the commissions secretary, M.G. There are 1,577 registered members, 537 of whom live on reserve. It remained to be seen whether it was a bad omen. The two messengers, Rev. At this point, Young Sweet Grass would lead a fragment of the band to join with other Cree, who had signed Treaty 6. Treaty 6 was the biggest piece of legislation between Plains Cree Leaders and the colonial government. The overall goal that Sweet Grass wanted to achieve was an end to factionalism that had been plaguing the Plains Cree for years. 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. [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. They wanted assurance of their spiritual and physical survival (Price 20). They created an iron alliance that enabled them to expand across the northern plains. Beardy was not granted his request to have the treaty payments made at the site he had envisioned, Morris did not want to accommodate Beardy and viewed his lack of participation in the negotiations as an inconvenience to the process (, On September 5, 1876, the Treaty party arrived ten days earlier than expected at Fort Pitt, (located between Fort Carlton and Fort Edmonton) to meet the River First Nations. Treaty 6 was signed in 1876. [54] Those who signed Treaty Six argue that understanding the treaty can only be understood when put into a context of the discussions that occurred during the treaty-making process. In addition to rights and provisions similarly enshrined in Treaties 1 to 5, Morris agreed to three terms brought forward by the chiefs that are not found in previous Numbered Treaties. The signing of Treaty 6 was not the only reason for conflict between the Cree and other prominent Indigenous tribes in the region. By 1870 chief Sweet Grass would begin to become more integrated into Canadian society. Crf. Despite it being a highly valuable horse Sweetgrass traded it for an inferior one, understanding the importance of the group over the individual. One of the requests that Sweet Grass made to the government was to teach the Cree better farming techniques. Approximately 2,000 Cree, Assiniboine, and Saulteaux people were there to witness and be a part of this historic event, Chiefs Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis greeted Morris and the Treaty Commissioners on August 15, 1876. Chief Sweetgrass, a well respected leader was chosen to be the spokesman for the meeting with Christie (Christensen 148). Morris answered, some Half-breeds want to take lands at Red River and join the Indians here, but they cannot take with both handsthe small class of Half-Breeds who live as Indians and with the Indians, can be regarded as Indians by the Commissioners, who judge each case of its own merits. (Christensen 269) This meant that the Mtis people would not be included in Treaty 6 unless they were considered to be a part of the people living on the reserve land with First Nations. The pipe stem was presented to the Governor and Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. Popular. Later that year, Sweet Grass was converted to Roman Catholicism by Father Albert Lacombe and was baptized with the Christian name Abraham. [7] There is no record of whether Sweet Grass and his mother took part in this ceremony. [22] Days of fighting ensued however, both chiefs managed to survive.[23]. [24] Additionally, as the Hudson's Bay Company moved into the prairies, the fur trade offered an extremely important source of income and goods for the Cree. [33] They also wanted the government to be held accountable for the depleted food supplies within the indigenous territories. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. It covered 117 articles, including the establishment of a code of law and form of government between the five nations. [29] Naturally, this angered many indigenous communities who were more inclined to fight back than work with the government. Edmonton was founded in Treaty No 6 territory and Treaty No 6 Recognition Day recognizes Edmonton's connection with the First peoples of this land. First Nations were alarmed at the various newcomers coming onto their lands and conducting geological surveys for telegraph lines, the railway, and lands for settlement (, Honourable Alexander Morris, Lieutenent -Governor of Manitoba, North-West, On the afternoon of July 27, 1876, the Honourable Alexander Morris and his treaty party left Fort Garry (present day Winnipeg) and headed northwest along Carlton trail to the Hudsons Bay Company trading post Fort Carlton (, Many Chiefs anticipated the arrival of the Queens treaty commissioners. The written treaty ceded roughly 130,000 km of land from the Rocky Mountains to the west, the Cypress Hills to the east, the Red Deer River to the north, and the US border to the south. So they were not present during the negotiations. They disagreed with many aspects of the Treaty as they found that many of the promises did not provide the Cree with enough security for their future. [25] The lack of trapping territory, along with the decline of the buffalo left the Cree helpless. Chief Vernon Watchmaker As Europeans began to set up colonies in North America, missionaries went among the indigenous people to spread their religion. Morris addressed the crowd reassuring them that the Queen would look after them and the next two days were spent considering the words of Morris speaking on behalf of the Crown. However, Big Bear was forced by starvation to adhere to Treaty 6 in 1882 and settled into the Frog Lake area. "Big Bear, Ahtahkakoop, and Mistawasis were the most vocal leaders to stop the developments on their lands. Schools were to be established on reserves. Afterward, there were many First Nations who were upset because of a lack of consultation with them during the negotiations. The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. The Queens representative, Alexander Morris, dressed in a cocked hat, blue uniform with gold braid and lace, was accompanied by the North West Mounted Police and treaty commissioners William J. Christie and James McKay. The disagreement on Treaty 6 stems from three major issues; language barriers, verbal agreements made during the negotiation, and the rights for chiefs to sign the agreement. Morris then explained to the group that the Crown would create reserves for their people and would assist them in farming initiatives, without interfer[ing] with their present mode of living. Morris never explicitly discussed the concept of land cession. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Like the earlier agreements this treaty called on the natives to surrender their aboriginal title to the lands they inhabited In return they were promised reserves education and farming supplies and the right to hunt trap and fish as well as annual cash payments. They were mostly Woods Cree and Dene and had not been influenced by Christianity and farming as the others who signed Treaty at Fort Carlton (Stonechild and Waiser 22). Big Bear and others seen the presents as traps, something to soften them up before negotiations." 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. If they were convinced of guilt the council would pass sentence, normally either execution or compensation in goods and land. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Chiefs asked that firewater (alcohol) not be sold to them and be banned from their reserves. Big Bear heard of the disharmony in Treaty 4 territory, they found that the promises of the treaty were not being honored by the government (Dodson 20). 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. Gov. Who signed treaty 11? The City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations co-hosted the first Treaty No. It does not store any personal data. They agreed with much of what was being said, however, they wanted to ensure their survival, and that the Great Queen Mother would look after them. During this time Lacombe would become familiar with the Cree language and the culture, even writing a Cree dictionary in 1874. On the Sweetgrass reserve, the mortality rates would grow after 1885 to 185 per every 1000 people on the reserve. [17] After death, the soul would wonder the earth for four days, and then would travel to the land of the dead, which was believed to be in the Milky Way. Other members of the negotiating team included treaty commissioners William Joseph Christie (an HBC officer) and. Treaty 6 was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibwa leaders on 23 August 1876 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, and on 9 September 1876 at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Siksika (Blackfoot) is the language of Siksika Nation. The next biggest problem comes from a lack of follow through on verbal agreements. 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. They had sent a war party to a Blackfoot camp and killed 18 Blackfeet in addition to stealing horses. The Government of Canada held Big Bear responsible, convicted him of treason-felony, and sentenced him to three years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary. Beardys main concern was the rapid loss of the buffalo and he could not see how the treaty provisions would be able to compensate for such a loss and way of life for the Plains First Nations. [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. We want cattle, tools, agricultural implements, and assistance in everything when we come to settle- our country is no longer able to support us. As stated previously, part of what the Cree wanted to be reflected by the terms of Treaty 6 was an end to the factionalism that had pitted the younger members of the Cree community against the older Indigenous Leadership. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (Stonechild and Waiser 5). 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. Much reserve land was lost to dishonest deals by the Indian agents. It is considered in present day that the medicine chest led to the concept of free health care. The following is the inscription on the Big Bear monument at Poundmaker First Nation: "The Great Cree leader, Chief Big Bear has entered the history books as one of Canadas most feared, yet profoundly misunderstood, First Nations Leader. [3] Upon reporting his sighting back to the others, they decide to kill the man and steal his horses. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. They felt the treaty did not do enough to protect the Cree 'way of life' and forced assimilation into European culture and 'way of life'. In 1881, there was only a couple hundred Buffalo left within the plains. In the summer of 1875, messengers from the Canadian government came to Cree territory to inform them that the government would be coming to negotiate a Treaty with them the following summer of 1876. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). [4] His name, Sweet Grass was inspired by an audacious feat that he attempted as a youth. Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. 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? [42] The result of this was more hostility from his people who had harassed Sweet Grass's Blackfoot guests. Even more important, the Chiefs felt that the Treaties would impose European values on the Cree. His goal was to spread the Roman Catholic faith to the Western parts of Canada. 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. (Christensen 270). Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. Sweet Grass himself killed a Blackfoot Chief who had been using a hollow tree as a shield by shooting through it and piercing his heart. In the years of 1872 to 1875 there was pressure on the Canadian government from the First Nations in the prairies to address treaties. Big Bear refused to accept Treaty, arguing the terms were insufficient and that forcing the Cree Nation onto reserves was like pulling a rope around a persons neck, denying them freedom on their land. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Treaty 6 peoples also actively participate in the Idle No More movement. What benefits did the Newcomers receive through Treaty Six? [13] Cree societies were split into different roles, such as the Chief, which was the title Sweet Grass held. Wandering Spirit stayed in power for the duration of the uprising while Big Bear counselled for peace and protecting the white prisoners. He raised the stem to the heavens, then slowly turned to the north, south, east, and west - presenting the stem at each point. [29] Sweet Grass hope to work with the federal government was challenged by other prominent Cree leaders. The Plains Cree were not always the victims of this conflict. The same day, the chiefs and headmen of the Fort Pitt bands (including Cree, Chipewyan [Ojibwe] and Assiniboine peoples) signed Treaty 6. Sweet Grass through both policy and action would have a lasting impact on the Plains Cree. The specific word used was stragglers which gave the impression that the government did not see these people as any more than falling behind in Canada's idealized picture of what life of Indigenous people would be. It was due to both Lacombe's understanding of Cree culture and the growing desperation of the Cree, he would be able to convert many of the Cree to the Roman Catholic faith. 1282 101 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z8. His mother was kidnapped during a war with the Cree from a tribe, which was located around Missouri. 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. Treaty 6 encompasses 17 First Nations in central Alberta including the Dene Sulin, Cree, Nakota Sioux and Saulteaux peoples. What Treaty 6 peoples are close to Edmonton? (Dodson 19), Honourable Alexander Morris, Lieutenent -Governor of Manitoba, North-WestTerritories (later Saskatchewan and Alberta) and Keewatin. There were also village elders and warriors. In order to attract the governments attention, in July 1875, the Cree stopped members of the Geological Survey in North Saskatchewan from moving any farther through their territory. A chief needed to be an active leader both in peace and war. Interpreter, Peter Erasmus, now employed with the government and travelling with the Treaty party translated the terms of the Treaty signed. Fearing starvation and unrest, many of the initially hesitant chiefs signed adhesions to the treaty in the years to come, including Minahikosis (who signed in July 1879) and Mistahimaskwa (who signed on 8 December 1882 at Fort Walsh). John A. Macdonald had to protect the west from American expansion after they bought Alaska in 1867 (Natural Resources Canada). While a chief, Sweet Grass noticed the starvation and economic hardship the Cree were facing. Chief Mistawasis and Chief Ahtahkakoop represented the Carlton Cree. [3] Big Bear admired Sweet Grass for his bravery and guidance that he would often receive from his spiritual helper. Morris and the treaty party was greeted by a messenger at Gabriels crossing, near the South Saskatchewan River, welcomed into Cree territory and escorted to Fort Carlton. Alexander Morris spoke to those present, promising to offer the same terms as at Fort Carlton. Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. to the signing of a treaty had strong cultural and spiritual significance. Issues arise from the mixed interpretations of the Treaty by both the Indigenous groups and the Government. Chief Sweetgrass and Ki-he-win sent this letter to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald: Great Father, I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. . Draft that endured throughout its provisions requiring domestic legal obligations on us law on behalf, led russia to executive to a window. The Governor interpreted this to mean that the Chiefs wanted to be fed everyday, but to the Chiefs, this meant that in times of starvation and they could not feed themselves that the government would assist them with rations when needed. Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. Treaties were signed with First Nations in Canada between 1871 and 1921. Big Bear held out on signing an adhesion until 1882. . But the Canadian government insisted that its grudging distribution of rations was a matter of favour, not a treaty obligation. By signing an adhesion to a treaty, Indigenous peoples who could not attend or were not initially included in treaty negotiations were able to enter into the terms of that treaty. . Different tribes of the Cree held their own stories and traditions passed down orally through the generations. Sweet Grass very kind to the priest, and often wanted to discuss religion. The treaty negotiations took days to complete at Fort Carlton. [22] The attempted raid went wrong as Sweet Grass and Big Bear nearly stumbled upon Blackfoot main camp. While the signing of the treaty can be seen as selling away indigenous rights, it did bring much-needed medication and food to the Cree who had insufficient options. Big Bear resisted signing of the treaty, hoping that he could hold out for a better deal with the Canadian government. [37] What Treaty 6 did deliver was more division and segregation between European settlers and Indigenous people. Michael Asch, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada (2011). It was required to distinguish themselves during a war, as a provider, and as a generous giver to gain this position. Released early due to a health breakdown, Big Bear sought sanctuary amongst the remnants of his tribe of the Poundmakers and Little Pine Reserve. However, this likely happened because he was born in a Cree Camp. Big Bear was adamant in his request to the government to create laws to regulate the hunting of the buffalo. Other members of the negotiating team included treaty commissioners William Joseph Christie (an HBC officer) and James McKay (Mtis fur trader and politician), as well as translators, assistants and NWMP escorts. All nations kept the rights to use the land for hunting. Morris did not understand that Chief Beardy and the Willow Cree declined to negotiate Treaty because it did not follow Beardy's vision, not because of the treaty itself. Chief Weekaskookwasayin (Sweet Grass) permitted Morris to explain those terms to the congregation. (. Our young men are foolish, it may not last long. Sweetgrass is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. When Canada acquired the lands of the Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) in 1869 (see Ruperts Land), the Plains Indigenous peoples of present-day central Saskatchewan, including the Cree, Ojibweand Assiniboine, became concerned about the federal governments intentions with this land and with the Indigenous peoples who lived on it. The First Nations assembled near the Chiefs tents, to the sound of beating drums and the discharge of small arms, singing, dancing, and loud speaking going on at the same time, as told by A.G. Jackes secretary to the Treaty Commisoner. At the beginning of 1870, buffalo were plentiful within the plains. To address the concern over loss of traditional food sources, a promise of rations during times of pestilence and famine was added. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? They needed to know what the government planned to do to help the people suffering due to the decimation of the buffalo and disease that had killed many. [15] This figure held no real identity and did not appear to anyone in visions or contact. Using this discontent, Chief Wandering Spirit gathered support and began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers. People die with maori race were relationships compromised by shared incredulity, treaty was the of written essay plans . Many chiefs signed adhesions to Treaty 6 in the years after 1876, seeing it as the only viable option to protect their people and provide a better life for them. 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. He attempted to take Sweet Grass's pistol and it accidentally discharged, resulting in his death.[5]. Limits on the Treaty Power Harvard Law Review. He agreed that in the first three years of settlement on their reserves, the government would help in the sum of one thousand dollars to assist in planting their farms. 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3EjLPW2uw. 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. 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. Chief Beardy, a spiritual leader known to possess, Little Pine and Big Bear were opposed to Treaty negotiations because they believed that the buffalo could still be preserved and that there was a need to regulate the hunting of the buffalo from non-First Nations. Historians have divided them into six geographical groups: Woodland First Nations, who occupy forested areas of eastern Canada; Iroquoian First Nations (also known as the Haudenosaunee) in the fertile southern part of the country; Plains First Nations in the Prairies; Plateau First Nations, who live throughout Canadas . He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). Just before the Treaty party left Fort Pitt, Big Bear arrived and asked to speak with Morris. Sweet Grass or Wikaskokiseyin was born in a Cree Camp in the area near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? 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. He ventured into the Blackfoot territory, completely alone with the goal of capturing a herd of horses. Buffalo hunting and fur trading were a vital part of Cree survival. 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 father of the child would ask Cree Shamans with spiritual powers to help with the naming process. In the end, Chief Beardy agreed with the terms of the Treaty and signed it. For a time there was discussion regarding Erasmus words, but then Sweetgrass stood up to say, Mistawasis and Ahtahkakoop I consider far wiser than I am; therefore if they have accepted this treaty for their people after many days of talk and careful thought, then I am prepared to accept for my people. The other Chiefs agreed with him and they were ready to meet with Morris to accept the Treaty. Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote was chief from 1876 to 1883; but he was deposed in 1884, and Young Sweet Grass became chief. 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. The amount of power wielded by Cree chiefs varied from person to person. Land title refers to specific rights to a territory. The Sweetgrass First Nation is a Cree First Nation in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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