(Ray, Miller, and Tough 143). [17], The position of chief within the Cree varied from tribe to tribe and each had varying levels of authority over the band. Sweet Grass converted to Christianity in 1870, [25] being baptized into Catholicism with the name Abraham. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. 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 became one of many classic misinterpretations of the Treaty process as viewed in history. When Sweet Grass was chief, the different bands of the Cree were loose in a wide-ranging areas and usually named for the territory in which they operated[13] It was not uncommon for different bands to hunt and perform rituals together as seen with Sweet Grass relationship with Big Bear. Recognize Edmonton sits within Treaty No. He was sentenced to three years at Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba and converted to Christianity during imprisonment. 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. Its territory is located 35 kilometers west of Battleford. 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. [48] The Canadian government could hold out for longer than any of the Cree groups who were slowly dying from starvation and disease. 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. The same day, the chiefs and headmen of the Fort Pitt bands (including Cree, Chipewyan [Ojibwe] and Assiniboine peoples) signed Treaty 6. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (, Gov. Sweetgrass is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. 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. Treaty 6 peoples have also protected their treaty rights through land claims and lawsuits. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and 7? Using this discontent, Chief Wandering Spirit gathered support and began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers. The amount of power wielded by Cree chiefs varied from person to person. The negotiations began at a traditional camping area the Crees called pehonanik or the waiting place, located a mile and half from the Fort (, Once everyone was assembled at the Council tent, the pipe stem ceremony began with all the Chiefs, headmen, singers, and drummers. 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. In 1870 Sweetgrass allowed himself to be baptized and was given the name Abraham.[28]. Treaty No. These agents were assigned to Indian reserves and bands and attempted to act as a liaison between the Government and First Nation communities. Other Nations held them in fear(Stonechild and Waiser 5). Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signedTREATY 6on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. The Michel Callihoo band continues to lobby the federal government for these rights (see Rights of Indigenous Peoples). [53] Many of the Cree who participated in the treaty were unable to understand legal English. On 9 September, Weekaskookwasayin addressed the people, arguing that the treaty terms would help preserve and protect their livelihood. Mistahimaskwa was frustrated and surprised that the other chiefs had not waited for him to return before concluding the negotiations. Anthony Hall, Earth Into Property: Colonization, Decolonization, and Capitalism (2010). This treaty was called the Great Law of Peace of the People of the Longhouse and predates the year 1450. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. The First Nations were a proud and strong people but were facing an uncertain future. They believed that their people would suffer if they did not negotiate a treaty with the federal government. Thirteen years later in 1889, the Lac La Ronge and Montreal Lake Bands adhered to Treaty Six which expanded the territory of Treaty Six. Sweet Grass had also requested that the government provide supplies as needed so that they may sustain themselves when traditional hunting was not an option. 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. The rest of the Cree assembled there three days later. There were many subsequent adhesions to the treaty by individual bands, well into the 20th century. According to the notes of the commissions secretary, M.G. They were also concerned about starvation due to the diminishing supply of bison and other large game on which their economy depended. [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. After the ceremony, Morris explained that the government sent him to Fort Carlton to create an agreement with the Cree that would endure as long as that sun shines and yonder river flows. In order to do so, however, he required all of the chiefs and community leaders in the area to be present. [24] However, as European settlers came to the plains, that number dwindled significantly. 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 related that the First Nations Chiefs wanted to know if it was true that their lands were being sold. Later that year, Sweet Grass was converted to Roman Catholicism by Father Albert Lacombe and was baptized with the Christian name Abraham. Charter prohibiting the use of force except in self defense. Jill St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the United States and Canada, 186777 (2001). (Ray, Miller and Tough 133). [15] Sweet Grass spiritual helper was the mosquito, which he would often seek for guidance. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. [15] However, this almighty creator appeared to individuals through various sprits such as the bear and horse. In the end, Chief Beardy agreed with the terms of the Treaty and signed it. [4] His name, Sweet Grass was inspired by an audacious feat that he attempted as a youth. (, 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. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). 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., Negotiating the Terms: Friday August 18, 1876, For several days the Chiefs met and waited for others to arrive. Treaties are the law of the land in the relationship between First Nations and the rest of Canada. 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. [47] This would be Sweetgrass's last significant influence on his people, as he would die shortly after signing the Treaty. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. 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. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). 6 territory. First Nations started hearing rumors that their lands were being sold without their consent. The ceremony ended with dancing, drums, and singing of the men and women in the background (Christensen 235). [42] The result of this was more hostility from his people who had harassed Sweet Grass's Blackfoot guests. On the Sweetgrass reserve, the mortality rates would grow after 1885 to 185 per every 1000 people on the reserve. Sweet Grass through both policy and action would have a lasting impact on the Plains Cree. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (Stonechild and Waiser 5). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Mtis observer and translator, Peter Erasmus noted that Morris was shaken by the incident. 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 believed that the land was sacred. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on . Big Bear resisted signing of the treaty, hoping that he could hold out for a better deal with the Canadian government. [26] Treaty 6 encompasses 17 First Nations in central Alberta including the Dene Sulin, Cree, Nakota Sioux and Saulteaux peoples. 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. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? 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). He suggested to Morris that the government needed to preserve what buffalo herds were left, so that they could all share equally. 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. 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. Currently the band controls 20,573.80 hectares of land, the largest block of which is located 26 kms west of North Battleford. He raised the stem to the heavens, then slowly turned to the north, south, east, and west - presenting the stem at each point. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. During discussions, Gov. They believed that the land was sacred. [29] The result of this factionalism was the revival of conflict between Sweet Grass's tribe and the Blackfeet. Just before the Treaty party left Fort Pitt, Big Bear arrived and asked to speak with Morris. [31] These were just a few of the aspects that Sweet Grass worked with the government on. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. [7] The Shaman's decision would be based on a character or incident that they saw in their vision. [1] The exact date and place of his birth is unrecorded. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. Arthur J. Ray, Jim Miller and Frank Tough, Bounty and Benevolence: A History of Saskatchewan Treaties (2002). 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. 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. [55] In the years after settlement, the Sweetgrass reserve would continue to be affected by famine and disease. Buffalo hunting and fur trading were a vital part of Cree survival. To the Canadian delegation, the only legally binding contracts were what was written into the treaty. The Government of Canada held Big Bear responsible, convicted him of treason-felony, and sentenced him to three years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary. 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. 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. 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. [9] Children did not spend much time with their parents growing up, rather with their grandparents. If you cant come yourself, send someone in your place. Treaty 6 was signed by the commissioners and the head chiefs of the Carlton bands on 23 August 1876. Why are but was the of treaty waitangi written out. In the face of survival, the Cree started to assemble and meet with one another to discuss their approach to the government. Indigenous peoples are subject to the same tax rules as any other resident in Canada unless their income is eligible for the tax exemption under section 87 of the Indian Act. 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. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay & wood and maintained gardens & livestock. The pipe stem was presented to the Governor and Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem. The City of Edmonton acknowledges the traditional land on which we reside, is in Treaty Six Territory. [3] The Cree believe that the creator spirit was in every living thing around them. There were also village elders and warriors. On 23 August, the chiefs and commissioners negotiated the terms of the treaty. John A. Macdonald did not want to go to war with the First Nations as the Americans were in the south to attain lands. The band was to serve as a model for group Indigenous enfranchisement. At that time, they as well were facing low fur prices, and poor hunting and fishing. The same significant ceremony of the pipe stem opened the meeting with the participants on September 7, 1876. Siksika (Blackfoot) is the language of Siksika Nation. (Stonechild and Waiser 26), Mista Muskwa (Big Bear) monument on the Poundmaker Cree NationPhoto Credit: Deanne Kasokeo. [50] The primary goal of the raid was to get supplies, but it after some pushback from the settlers it quickly became violent. He died January 17, 1888 and is buried in the Poundmaker cemetery. Chief Sweetgrass and Ki-he-win sent this letter to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald: Great Father, I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. Treaty 7 lands (courtesy Victor Temprano/Native-Land.ca). He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. By participating, the leaders also took an oath to be truthful during the proceedings. 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. Treaty 6 was the biggest piece of legislation between Plains Cree Leaders and the colonial government. 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. 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 (Stonechild and Waiser 22). In achieving this, the government had to get permission from the First Nations in the area to surrender their lands and in doing so had to negotiate a Treaty with them. Due to missionaries moving into the interior, there was more significant pressure to convert to European religions, which many Cree did. A force of North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was sent to the area to maintain order. The reserve was established as part of Treaty 6 when Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876. 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. [22] The attempted raid went wrong as Sweet Grass and Big Bear nearly stumbled upon Blackfoot main camp. 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. [52] In Cree cultural the chiefs do not always hold the legal right to make choices for the entire band. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. However, this likely happened because he was born in a Cree Camp. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. During this time Lacombe would become familiar with the Cree language and the culture, even writing a Cree dictionary in 1874. 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). 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.

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