(. During one hunt Sweetgrass's horse was unable to remain calm, which was affecting the hunting of buffalo. The First Nations knew that treaties were being negotiated to the east of them and wanted to speak with the government about their future (Miller, Ray and Tough 135). The iconography on the commemorative medals for Treaty 6 symbolizes: A.Two sovereign nations making peace and sharing the land forever B.The equality of all peoples under God C.The transfer of land and resources for material goods D.The dominance of the British Crown in negotiations and afterward A 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. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. However, Big Bear was found guilty of treason-felony by judge Hugh Richardson. John A. Macdonald did not want to go to war with the First Nations as the Americans were in the south to attain lands. This propelled him to work with the Canadian and eventually sign Treaty Six. Thank you for helping us make the university website better. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and 7? He worked with other chiefs and bands to participate in raids with enemy tribes. 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 (, For several days the Chiefs met and waited for others to arrive. 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 covered 117 articles, including the establishment of a code of law and form of government between the five nations. The Indigenous peoples retained the right to pursue hunting, trapping and fishing on reserve lands. With diseases and famine rampant in the Cree community, they were more receptive to new religious ideas. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The treaty negotiations took days to complete at Fort Carlton. [50] The primary goal of the raid was to get supplies, but it after some pushback from the settlers it quickly became violent. We want you to stop the Americans from coming to trade on our lands, and giving firewater, ammunition, and arms to our enemies the Blackfeet. Just before the Treaty party left Fort Pitt, 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, Thirteen years later in 1889, the Lac La Ronge and Montreal Lake Bands adhered to Treaty Six which expanded the territory of Treaty Six. They were unaware of the negotiations at Fort Carlton and thought they would not be coming for another month or so. Under the leadership of Young Sweet Grass, the band began to fall apart due to internal conflict. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. 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 (, Chief James Seenum, a Woods Cree leader from Whitefish Lake requested a larger territory for his reserve, but he was denied (. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Morris reassured the First Nations that their way of life and survival would not be disturbed and guaranteed well into the future. 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. In another significant difference from Treaty 6, Treaty 7 states that the Crown would pay for teachers salaries instead of the maintenance of school buildings. [3] There is no record of his father. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Sweet Grass converted to Christianity in 1870, [25] being baptized into Catholicism with the name Abraham. In 150 we had entered into the Robinson Huron Treaty to protect. Dempsey argues that if Mistahimaskwa had been present at the negotiations, the treaty commissioners would have likely had a more difficult time acquiring Indigenous approval of Treaty 6. Gov. Box 147 Gallivan, Saskatchewan S0M 0X0. [9] Children did not spend much time with their parents growing up, rather with their grandparents. (Ray, Miller and Tough 133). [22] The attempted raid went wrong as Sweet Grass and Big Bear nearly stumbled upon Blackfoot main camp. On September 9, the Chiefs and Headmen signed their approval to accept Treaty 6. 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. [5][44] His brother believed that they had given too much to the government in the treaty. 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. 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). Issues arise from the mixed interpretations of the Treaty by both the Indigenous groups and the Government. Its used to categorize all Indigenous Peoples from across Canada as one big homogenized group. The Chiefs asked that firewater (alcohol) not be sold to them and be banned from their reserves. The aim of peace and friendship treaties (1725-1779) to stabilize trade and relations. Newcomers would receive a peaceful co-existence with First Nations people, access to lands for settlement, farming, railways, and future industrial development. Currently the band controls 20,573.80 hectares of land, the largest block of which is located 26 kms west of North Battleford. Following 1876, Big Bear became principal Chief of the Crees on the western plains as many disillusioned Cree joined his expanding tribe. It is considered in present day that the medicine chest led to the concept of free health care. [5] This was met with chants of Sweet Grass, which would eventually become his name as a Chief in 1870. Children typically lived a carefree and adventurous childhood. 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. According to international law, a treaty: Is a legally binding agreement outlining the rights and duties of its signatures. As Europeans began to set up colonies in North America, missionaries went among the indigenous people to spread their religion. The pipe stem was presented to the Governor and Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem. 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. They had sent a war party to a Blackfoot camp and killed 18 Blackfeet in addition to stealing horses. 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. 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. They still controlled the territory and to trade their land for an uncertain future would be an admission of defeat (Stonechild and Waiser 16). When Sweet Grass became Chief, his tribe had already been in an uneasy peace with the Blackfoot (Milloy 1988, 111). Website Development Studio. The perpetrators of the massacre would be apprehended and tried for murder and hung in 1885.[51]. [2] Approaching the pasture, he hid in a bush and as a man advanced towards him, he took out his bow, killed and scalped him; proceeding to raid the pasture to return forty horses to his tribe. Other Nations held them in fear(Stonechild and Waiser 5). In Canada, Aboriginal title describes the rights of Indigenous peoples to land based on long-standing land use and occupancy. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Mistawasis further said, The prairies have not been darkened by the blood of our white brothers in our time, let this always be so. This might be because he thought it was obvious that signing the treaty relinquished Indigenous title to the land, or because he did not think that he and his translators could convey the message to them clearly. Treaty making (as evidence by the Wampum belts) demonstrates that indigenous people felt. (Stonechild and Waiser 26), Mista Muskwa (Big Bear) monument on the Poundmaker Cree NationPhoto Credit: Deanne Kasokeo. One of the requests that Sweet Grass made to the government was to teach the Cree better farming techniques. The legacy of Treaty 6 continues to affect the Cree till the modern day. How Canada fulfilled its obligations was critical and it appeared to the First Nations that they made a mistake in surrendering their lands and way of life to become farmers. [32] This type of thinking immediately damaged Indigenous communities as they were self-governing cultures that evolved much like any other. Mtis observer and translator, Peter Erasmus noted that Morris was shaken by the incident. [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). In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (, Gov. 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. Sharing land alongside Europeans c. Legal ownership over all territories d. Hunting rightscross out Expert Answer Answer - Option B - Sharing land alongside Europeans Explanation :- Treaty 6 was related to distribution of land for benefits of European and extended it towards the West. [29] The result of this factionalism was the revival of conflict between Sweet Grass's tribe and the Blackfeet. Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. Due to missionaries moving into the interior, there was more significant pressure to convert to European religions, which many Cree did. On 9 September, Weekaskookwasayin addressed the people, arguing that the treaty terms would help preserve and protect their livelihood. He said that the land set aside for their reserves would be held in trust by the Queen, one square mile for every family of five. Poundmaker, a Councilor from Red Pheasants band, stood up and protested, This is our land, not a piece of pemmican to be cut off and given in little pieces. If you cant come yourself, send someone in your place. Sweet Grass during the signing of the treaty was one of the most well-regarded plains Cree chiefs and was given a position of importance during negotiations. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. [3] Big Bear admired Sweet Grass for his bravery and guidance that he would often receive from his spiritual helper. If the chief remained silent, the murderer was usually executed by the victim's relatives. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. In the years of 1872 to 1875 there was pressure on the Canadian government from the First Nations in the prairies to address treaties. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Released early due to a health breakdown, Big Bear sought sanctuary amongst the remnants of his tribe of the Poundmakers and Little Pine Reserve. [10], The Cree were located in the plains of Canada. 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 was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? The event was organized to commemorate the signing of Treaty No. (Christensen 234), Once everyone was assembled at the Council tent, the pipe stem ceremony began with all the Chiefs, headmen, singers, and drummers. We had a great starvation the past winter, and the smallpox took away many of our people, the old, young, and children. Some were away, including Cree chief Mistahimaskwa (Big Bear). [22] Although it is not impossible, it is highly unlikely that the Cree escaped from their entrapment with as few casualties as they claimed. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. Treaty 6 encompasses 17 First Nations in central Alberta including the Dene Sulin, Cree, Nakota Sioux and Saulteaux peoples. Are Siksika Blackfoot? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. [7] The Shaman's decision would be based on a character or incident that they saw in their vision. Website Development Studio. This is our land, not a piece of pemmican to be cut off and given in little pieces. [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. This is unlikely, especially considering there is no specific mention of this in the commissioners notes and because this concept would have been completely foreign to the Plains Indigenous peoples, who had a different understanding of land ownership than the commissioners (see Indigenous Territory). Treaty 6 was signed by the commissioners and the head chiefs of the Carlton bands on 23 August 1876. Sweet Grass was born with the name Okimasis, which translates to He-who-has-no-name, and Little Chief, which was related to his small size. Crf. An example of this would be when Sweet Grass and Big Bear assembled 18 Cree warriors that attempted to raid Blackfoot hunting territory. The Treaty of Waitangi Claudia Orange Google Books. [54] There was limited understanding on the level of Canadian settlement that was going to happen, and limited knowledge on how indigenous people would be restricted from the land. Is Edmonton on Treaty 6 land? I want all my brother Sweetgrass asks. On January 11, 1877, Sweet Grass had an argument with his brother after the signing of treaty six. Linguistic and cultural differences likely resulted in a misinterpretation of the treaty terms. They still controlled the territory and to trade their land for an uncertain future would be an admission of defeat (, 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. John A. Macdonald envisioned the west as a grain producing region full of European immigrants (Dodson 17). Chief James Seenum, a Woods Cree leader from Whitefish Lake requested a larger territory for his reserve, but he was denied (Stonechild and Waiser 24). The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated onTreaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. Why is there no mention as an important key change the Accou. In the face of survival, the Cree started to assemble and meet with one another to discuss their approach to the government. 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). (, A few months after the Pitt meeting, Chief Sweetgrass was shot and killed by accident with the gun presented to him as a treaty gift, at the hands of his best friend. Later that year, Sweet Grass was converted to Roman Catholicism by Father Albert Lacombe and was baptized with the Christian name Abraham. 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. The Chiefs that were present waited for other Chiefs and their followers to arrive, but Big Bear, Sweetgrass, and Little Pine were hunting on the prairies at the time. Sweet Grass was one of the Chiefs who was more willing to work with them. When the North-West broke out in 1885, Wandering Spirit, a war Chief took over Frog Lake and most of the white inhabitants were killed. In 1878, Chief Michel Calihoo signed an adhesion to Treaty 6 on behalf of his band. Treaty 6 was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibwe leaders on 23 August 1876 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, and on 9 September 1876 at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. His goal was to spread the Roman Catholic faith to the Western parts of Canada. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. + - This map is a work in progress. The reserve was established as part of Treaty 6 when Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876. Just before the Treaty party left Fort Pitt, Big Bear arrived and asked to speak with Morris. State delegations met for the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The City of Edmonton acknowledges the traditional land on which we reside, is in Treaty Six Territory. Treaty 6 was signed in 1876. Sweet Grass very kind to the priest, and often wanted to discuss religion. He raised the stem to the heavens, then slowly turned to the north, south, east, and west - presenting the stem at each point. It aims to protect treaty rights, support Indigenous self-government and assist in the socio-cultural, political, economic and spiritual advancement of their people. He worked with other chiefs and bands to participate in raids with enemy tribes. [33] They also wanted the government to be held accountable for the depleted food supplies within the indigenous territories. With encroaching settlers and other indigenous groups, the dwindling of traditional hunting,[45] and disease rampant,[46] Sweet Grass and his band of Cree were desperate for support. Throughout the 19th century, it appeared as though the federal government of Canada, situated in Ottawa, worked very hard to increase the dependency that aboriginal people had on it. [7] From this moment on, a special bond was formed between the child and whoever named them. The Sweetgrass First Nation is a Cree First Nation in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Canada. One of the main questions is whether the signatories truly understood the concept of land cession. Signed in 1876, Treaty 6 was the agreement between the government of Canada and the Indigenous people living in parts of modern-day Saskatchewan and Alberta. Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. Because of these important disagreements with treaty they would refuse to sign and did all they could to protect what was left of the buffalo herds(Dodson 22). The government had two interpreters; Reverend McKay, who knew Swampy Cree and Saulteaux, and Peter Ballenden, who was a good interpreter in small groups but did not do so well in large group settings. Erasmus and the other two translators translated to the people the terms of the treaty one more time. Popular. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Chief Weekaskookwasayin (Sweet Grass) permitted Morris to explain those terms to the congregation. Not all Plains Cree would sign the treaty at first, and many would become disillusioned after signing. 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. 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. In Morris address he described the governments genuine concern for the welfare of their Indian brothers and sisters and asked them to take his words with much thought and to look to the future, what I will promise, and what I believe and hope you will take, is to last as long as the sun shines and yonder rivers flow. (Stonechild and Waiser 15). 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). Trending. However, the Cree had a process to which they named their children. Chief Sweetgrass and Ki-he-win sent this letter to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald: Great Father, I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like 3 periods of Arctic settlement, Innovations of Dorset and Thule Culture, Characteristics of Thule Culture and more. [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]. Anthony Hall, Earth Into Property: Colonization, Decolonization, and Capitalism (2010). [53] Many of the Cree who participated in the treaty were unable to understand legal English. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Four days later, Morris met with the Duck Lake band. In Morris address he described the governments genuine concern for the welfare of their Indian brothers and sisters and asked them to take his words with much thought and to look to the future, what I will promise, and what I believe and hope you will take, is to last as long as the sun shines and yonder rivers flow. (, During discussions, Gov. Included would be a medicine chest kept at the Indian Agents homes for the use of the First Nations but at the discretion of the Indian Agent. [37] What Treaty 6 did deliver was more division and segregation between European settlers and Indigenous people. This made the Plains Cree very nervous and they confronted the surveyors and warned them to stop what they were doing because the government had not met with them to discuss their concerns. [56] The tactic of withholding food from reserves will be used by the Canadian government to force cooperation. [41] Some of the Plains Cree simply could not accept peace with the Blackfoot. Both of these issues became an extremely important topic discussed in treaty negotiations which Sweet Grass was heavily involved in. per family of five. [13] Cree societies were split into different roles, such as the Chief, which was the title Sweet Grass held. (Ray, Miller, and Tough 143). Although, the Chiefs were waiting for the government for some years now to address them, they were still uneasy of what the future held for their people as they were about to embark on a new way of living. There typically was a large number of warriors within a band and these men held extremely high prestige. Chief Sweetgrass, a well respected leader was chosen to be the spokesman for the meeting with Christie (Christensen 148). The Constitution established a presidential system with separation of . Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is ours and we will take what we want. There was strong approval that came from the people and the Governor was visibly shaken (, The First Nations were a proud and strong people but were facing an uncertain future. We heard our lands were sold and we did not like it; we don't want to sell our lands; it is our property, and no one has the right to sell them. 6 First Nations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The tragedy is that the remnants of Big Bears tribe continue to be scattered across Montana, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. 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 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 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. However, he was too late; the treaty had already been signed. Treaty 7 was signed in 1877. 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. The First Nations were a proud and strong people but were facing an uncertain future. [15] However, this almighty creator appeared to individuals through various sprits such as the bear and horse. 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. There were also village elders and warriors. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. It is ours and we will take what we want. The Cree resoundingly approved of Pitikwahanapiwiyins statements, waving their hands and cheering. 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. The band had instead sent a messenger to attend the negotiations. James Rodger Miller, Compact, Contract, Covenant: Aboriginal Treaty-making in Canada (2009). Although Treaty 6 was significant in advancing the settlement of the lands, First Nations faced difficult times ahead and the promises of Treaty were never fully realized to present day. It was a tough decision to make. Are catch-up contributions subject to ADP testing. 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. Once the amendments were made to the treaty text, negotiations came to a close. Sweetgrass is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. Treaty 6 peoples also actively participate in the Idle No More movement. At this point Erasmus was asked to translate for both sides, with the Chiefs supporting him. [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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. The buffalo was the plains First Nations livelihood: their source of food, shelter, clothing, and trading goods. Chief Mistawasis and Chief Ahtahkakoop represented the Carlton Cree. Big Bear resisted signing of the treaty, hoping that he could hold out for a better deal with the Canadian government. However, Morris told the Cree that they would find themselves crowded by settlers unless they settled on reserves. The Plains Cree were not always the victims of this conflict. 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 ceremony ended with dancing, drums, and singing of the men and women in the background (. Interpreter, Peter Erasmus, now employed with the government and travelling with the Treaty party translated the terms of the Treaty signed. [21], Sweet Grass often worked closely with the fellow Cree chief Big Bear. 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. During this time Lacombe would become familiar with the Cree language and the culture, even writing a Cree dictionary in 1874. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). When Sweet Grass died in 1877 his son was left to hold together the Band who followed his father. He was sentenced to three years at Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba and converted to Christianity during imprisonment. 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. Morris agreed to hear Big Bear out, but the course of the Treaty proceedings with the other First Nations had already concluded and this put Big Bear in a difficult position to be able to negotiate any further. [7] This ceremony generally took place when the child reached the age of one. 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. 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. On 27 July 1876, Morris left for Fort Carlton to negotiate a treaty with the Plains Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan. 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. It is the only known case in which the Canadian government enfranchised an entire band. The manager of the HBC post at Fort Carlton, Lawrence Clarke, wrote to government officials that same summer, alerting them that the Cree had also threatened to turn back telegraph workers who were trying to construct a line from Winnipeg to Edmonton. 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. In Cree culture, verbal agreements hold the same amount weight as any other agreements. Its territory is located 35 kilometers west of Battleford. 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. We want cattle, tools, agricultural implements, and assistance in everything when we come to settle- our country is no longer able to support us. [3] Both Chiefs would work together in multiple raids on the Blackfoot. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed. [26] In 1852 the priest Father Lacombe moved to the Red River Colony with plans to live with the Metis and Cree. Families had the ability to break away from their current band and join another elsewhere. Charter prohibiting the use of force except in self defense. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. A chief needed to be an active leader both in peace and war. In exchange for Indigenous title to their land (see Indigenous Territory), Treaty 6 provided: an annual cash payment of $25 per chief; $15 per headman and $5 for all other band members; a one-time cash payment of $12 for each band member; and reserve lands in the amount of one mile2 (about 2.5 km2) per family of five. Chief Sweetgrass, a well respected leader was chosen to be the spokesman for the meeting with Christie (, In the years of 1872 to 1875 there was pressure on the Canadian government from the First Nations in the prairies to address treaties. Included would be a medicine chest kept at the Indian Agents homes for the use of the First Nations but at the discretion of the Indian Agent. The Sweet Grass Reserve west of Battleford, Saskatchewan was named in his honor and is still functioning today. To address the concern over loss of traditional food sources, a promise of rations during times of pestilence and famine was added. 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 Sweetgrass Nation was settled into the land West of the township Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1884. Death. They were also concerned about starvation due to the diminishing supply of bison and other large game on which their economy depended. 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. This became one of many classic misinterpretations of the Treaty process as viewed in history. 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.. 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. In another instance, Sweet Grass had invited the Blackfoot into his camp in an attempt to begin a long-standing peace with them. His mother was kidnapped during a war with the Cree from a tribe, which was located around Missouri. Why was Treaty 6 so important? 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. 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. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). 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 Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signedTREATY 6on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3EjLPW2uw. [22] Days of fighting ensued however, both chiefs managed to survive.[23]. In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. [47] This would be Sweetgrass's last significant influence on his people, as he would die shortly after signing 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. [24] However, as European settlers came to the plains, that number dwindled significantly. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay & wood and maintained gardens & livestock. [16] An individual acquired a spiritual helper after they appeared to them in a vision. For almost two centuries the Cree, Assiniboine, and Saulteaux held a monopoly over European trade goods and weaponry in the western interior. During discussions, Gov. In exchange for Indigenous title to their land (, ), Treaty 6 provided: an annual cash payment of $25 per chief; $15 per headman and $5 for all other band members; a one-time cash payment of $12 for each band member; and reserve lands in the amount of one mile. ) Amendments to the Indian Act in 1985 re-established Indian status to over 750 members of the band. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Morris would not agree to meet anywhere other than the planned meeting place at the Fort. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. University of SaskatchewanDisclaimer|Privacy|Accessibility, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Big Island Lake First Nation (Joseph Big Head), Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation (Lac la Hache), Indian Policy and the Early Reserve Period, Island Lake Band (Ministikwan Indian Reserve), Mosquito, Grizzly Bears Head, Lean Man First Nations, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Young Chipeewayan First Nation (Stony Knoll). By the early 1870s, the plains First Nations were suffering. When Mistahimaskwa returned to Fort Pitt, he brought discouraging news with him from the Indigenous peoples on the prairies who had already signed Treaties 1 to 5: the treaties had not amounted to everything that the people had hoped. In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. Chief Beardy then refused to be part of the negotiations at Fort Carlton and Morris understood this would be a problem to the Treaty process for the Willow Cree(Stonechild and Waiser 11). [55] In the years after settlement, the Sweetgrass reserve would continue to be affected by famine and disease. We invite you to come and see us and to speak with us. Dickieson, Mistahimaskwa referred to the treaty as a dreaded rope to be about my neck. Mistahimaskwa was not referring to a literal hanging (which is what some government officials had believed), but to the loss of his and his peoples freedom, and Indigenous loss of control over land and resources. In another significant difference from Treaty 6, Treaty 7 states that the Crown would pay for teachers salaries instead of the maintenance of school buildings. 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