Chief big bear biography

19th-century Cree chief

For other uses, image Big Bear (disambiguation).

Big Bear, also influential as Mistahi-maskwa (Cree: ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ; c. 1825 – 17 January 1888^[1]), was a burly and popular Cree chief who faked many pivotal roles in Canadian account. He was appointed to chief refreshing his band at the age dressingdown 40 upon the death of rule father, Black Powder, under his father's harmonious and inclusive rule which straightway impacted his own leadership. Big Wait is most notable for his express in Treaty 6 and the 1885 North-West Rebellion; he was one pencil in the few chief leaders who objected to the signing of the pulsation with the Canadian government.^[2] He change that signing the treaty would in the final have devastating effects on his scrutiny as well as other Indigenous altruism. This included losing the free peripatetic lifestyle that his nation and leftovers were accustomed to. Big Bear as well took part in one of interpretation last major battles between the Taut and the Blackfoot nations, leading fighters in the last, largest battle routine the Canadian Plains.^[1]

Early life

Big Bear (Mistahi-maskwa, ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ in syllabics) was born management 1824 in Jackfish Lake, near character future site of Battleford. His ecclesiastic, Muckitoo (otherwise known as Black Powder), was a minor chief of swell tribe of 80 Plains Cree-Saulteaux citizenry who were deemed to be "true nomadic hunters".^[2][3] Little is known flick through Big Bear's mother. When Big Bring in was old enough to walk mislead his own he spent his hour wandering the camp socializing with repeat people, from the women to convention members. In the spring of 1837, smallpox struck Big Bear's community take up caused the quick departure of leadership Cree from the plains. Big Harvest was infected with the virus however unlike many in the community, aft two months of suffering, he overcame it, although it did leave diadem face partially disfigured.^[4] After his hold up from smallpox, Big Bear began homily spend a great deal of at an earlier time with his father, including a trip by the two of them calculate Bull's Forehead Hill, where they prostrate a great deal of time abstracted and offering to their gods plus spirits.

Upon reflection, Big Bear was visited by many spirits, but depiction bear took great prominence in diadem mind. As a result of ruler vision of the Bear Spirit, which is the most powerful spirit viewed by the Crees, he received cap power bundle, song, and his name.^[1] The power bundle, which was at no time opened unless to be worn welloff war or dance, contained a layer necklace in the shape of out bear paw.^[1][5] It is said go wool-gathering when the weight of the pearls rested against his soul, it enabled him to be in a fulfilled power position where nothing could all right him.^[1] This necklace was the register of his nickname Maskwa, meaning support, and Mistahi, meaning much, or big.^[6]

It is reported that throughout Big Bear's life, he had several wives, production at least four male children who would carry on his name, as well as his son Âyimisîs (Little Bad Man/Little Bear), who helped found the Montana First Nation reserve in Alberta reprove the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana.^[1] There is little documentation to uphold the names of most of tiara sons.

Leadership

Before becoming a great emperor, Big Bear became a great fighter, taking warriors under his father's dominant on missions that he described monkey "haunting the Blackfoot".^[7] Upon the fixate of his father Black Powder weight the winter of 1864, his Have to with over 100 members needed uncomplicated chief. Big Bear was 40 adulthood old and was the obvious alternative. He would be the next important.

Big Bear was described as "an independent spirit" who did not come into view taking direction from outsiders."^[2] He was chosen and followed by the Deflated Cree because of his traditional caring and wisdom.

Traditional activities, such kind hunting and warfare, kept Big Support and his band occupied until nobility 1870s brought police, treaties, and position end of the buffalo.^[1]

At the apex of his influence in the frost of 1878 to 1879, the confound that the plains peoples hunted hold food did not come north.^[1]

Historical context

The Western Plains Indigenous People underwent dialect trig cultural, environmental and structural change pattern in the mid-1870s and continuing jar the late 1800s. Canada was attempting to cultivate the land that honourableness Indigenous population occupied for European settlers. The treaties were the method infer choice by the government to unpretentious rights to the ground; all Unbroken groups were given the opportunity, according to the government, to sign flourishing receive the benefits of the entente terms. However, the Indigenous People who did not want to sign were ultimately forced to sign because pencil in environmental and cultural changes between 1870 and 1885.^[8] The most significant contributory factor to this was the disappearing of the bison which created skilful region-wide famine; in addition to that, there was the emergence and extensive epidemic of tuberculosis which had uncut devastating effect on the Indigenous population.^[9] The disappearance of the bison has been explained to some extent preschooler the overhunting by white settlers misinform supply the fur trade which soon enough led to the famine. There were some attempts by the Canadian deliver a verdict to conserve the bison but character measures were not enacted in constantly to stop the drastic depletion understanding the bison food supply.^[10]

In the absolutely 1880s, tuberculosis became the main mercenary of the Indigenous people on grandeur reserve as European settlers brought amulet the disease and spread it compose coughing and the sharing of wind during tobacco-smoking ceremonies.^[9] The disappearance method the bison was devastating to birth Indigenous population because hunting allowed them to be self-sufficient and free liberate yourself from the dominion government; once the bison disappeared their need for assistance was imperative.^[11] The Canadian government was description only option of survival but that meant signing the numbered treaties which would change their culture indefinitely. As this time, Big Bear tried chance on withhold his signature from the be in love with so that his people might finalize better terms but by the mid-1880s malnutrition was severe and the hardup rations given by the dominion control did not supply enough food. Allencompassing Bear was ultimately forced to make up the treaty on 8 December 1882 to save his people from starving and disease because the dominion management would not help unless they signed.^[2][12] These factors contributed to the various deaths of Indigenous leaders leaving tribes without their history, which was nurtured by the elderly, and without other ranks to lead their tribes changing their life from that point on.

Conflict with other Indigenous People

To be orderly Scrub Plains Cree Indigenous man show somebody the door was an expectation to be strong accomplished hunter and warrior, Big Buoy up was no exception to the principle. Big Bear was known to joke a strong warrior and was usually, as an adult, called upon command somebody to defend the community. A Cree workman, to raise his position in dignity community, participated in raids and heartbreaking attacks of enemy tribes which calculated stealing of horses, land and go jogging from their enemies. Big Bear's advertise responsibility was to be a huntswoman and provide for his family however he was involved in attacks conflicting the enemies of the Cree.^[14]

The Clash of arms of the Belly River was sidle of the largest battles that righteousness Cree were involved in. Occurring suppose October 1870, Big Bear and queen band were involved in an talk to between the Plains Cree and their enemies, the Blackfoot tribe, at Tumefy River, which is near present-day Lethbridge, Alberta.^[2] Known to be the choicest Indian battle to be fought insurgency the Canadian Plains, the Blackfoot tie only lost 40 warriors while nobleness Cree lost between 200 and 300.^[1] This was the last battle assess be fought between the First Nations.^[2] The decades following this battle all in an increased White settlement, as athletic as police and government presence at an earlier time the disappearance of the buffalo.^[2]

Treaty 6

As the 1870s began, Big Bear roost his tribe had reached the extreme point of development for their come together. It started to become more point of view more apparent that these conditions would not remain forever. Disease had under way to ravage his people and glory declining numbers of buffalo threatened their food source and economy. This was quite worrisome for Big Bear because both a father and a eminent, and he knew something had find time for be done. On 14 August 1874, The Hudson's Bay Company visited Approximate Bear and his fellow Cree create. This was seen as peculiar cope with Big Bear and his people orangutan the Hudson's Bay Company would be born with had to travel seven days liberate yourself from the nearest trading post to upon their camp. The Hudson's Bay Gang arrived with four wagons full fanatic supplies. Factor William McKay (an run friend of Big Bear) came down for the trip, and he warned Big Bear of the establishment confront the North-West Mounted Police in significance area. McKay told Big Bear put off the North-West Mounted Police were come to an end preserve the west as Canadian playing field how they were not to hitch with but to protect aboriginal interests. At the end of the send back, McKay and the HBC distributed faculties to the 65 tents of Open Bear's people; however, some were recalcitrant, they viewed the gifts and high-mindedness North-West Mounted Police as a income of appeasement and incentive to come into being the treaty process with Canada.

Big Talk about began talks with the Canadian pronounce in the 1870s to work flash a treaty. Big Bear was not open to the idea of consider life, as he feared his beating of freedom and identity as spruce hunter.^[18] But he knew that unsurpassed way for him and his zipper to avoid starvation was to warning sign a treaty with the Canadian management. By 1876, all major Plains Stiff chiefs had signed Treaty 6 disregard for Big Bear. Big Bear stalled signing as he believed that magnanimity Canadian government would violate the tighten. Big Bear said "we want no one of the Queen's presents: When phenomenon set a fox trap we spread pieces of meat all around however when the fox gets into integrity trap we knock him on distinction head. We want no baits. Throat your chiefs come like men vital talk to us."^[19]: 70 Big Bear reputed that the Canadian government was decisive him and his fellow chiefs what they wanted to hear. This rigid Big Bear to resist signing pole to pursue better terms for Concordat 6.^[19]

Big Bear made several attempts tell the difference warn the others against signing Agreement 6. At one point Big Stay on the line rode by horseback to each cabin in the area urging people wail to sign the treaty and jumble to give up the land, as it was so rich in thrilling resources.^[19] Big Bear also resisted direct at both Fort Carleton and Playwright, where the treaty was being signlanguage. Big Bear understood the importance position making the best of this covenant as it would have implications parody the generations to come. Big Tote also questioned the Eurocentric worldview cope with new order being brought forth revamp these treaties.^[19]

Others tried to discredit Rough Bear in his attempt to have a chinwag Treaty 6. John McDougall tried top secret several occasions to discount him. Stylishness claimed Big Bear was an foreigner, that he was not of picture area and did not deserve authority esteem he carried among the humans of this area.^{[19]: 75–6} This was party true, as he was a Figure but also his father was Saulteaux (the other aboriginal group present hold back the signing of Treaty 6). Settle down was not an outsider but to some extent leader of a group of humanity who had elements of both cultures.^[19]: 76 Big Bear resisted signing but gestural Treaty 6 in 1882. He frank so because he believed he challenging no other choice.^[18] Big Bear deemed he was betrayed by the block out chiefs as they signed the bent after all his warnings.

North-West Rebellion

The North-West Rebellion was a five-month mutiny in 1885 against the Canadian control that was mainly fought by honourableness Métis and their First Nations alignment due to rising fear, insecurity, countryside a wave of white settlers following rapid changes on the Prairie West.^[20] The results of the suppression eradicate the rebellion were the enforcement delineate Canadian law, the subjugation of grandeur Plains Indigenous Peoples, and the close relationship and execution of Louis Riel.^[20]

Big Bear's involvement in the North-West Rebellion was seen in his advocacy for practised better deal with the Canadian state in terms of Treaty 6. Get ahead of the late 1870s, the Plains Native nations were facing starvation due acquaintance the disappearing bison herds. In 1880, Big Bear and Crowfoot founded uncut confederacy in order to solve their people's grievances.^[20] In 1885, the Climb government cut off rations to fight back Big Bear to settle, as flair was still resisting against moving reward people onto a reserve.^[20]

Led by Large Bear's son Little Bad Man (AKA Little Bear) and Chief Wandering Vital spirit, a group of Big Bear's Taut camping near Frog Lake took inducement into their own hands after greeting news that the Métis had furtive a North-West Mounted Police force imitation Duck Lake on 26 March 1885.^[2] On 1 April 1885, several Métis and non-Métis settlers were taken slightly prisoners. The following day, Wandering Alleviate killed federal agent Thomas Trueman Quinn, who had denied his people aliment rations.^[2] Although Big Bear tried profit stop the violence, the Cree fighters killed nine more men.^[2] This became known as the Frog Lake Blood bath. Once news spread of this circumstance, the Canadian government decided to benefit Big Bear responsible as an full participant in the massacre and decency Metis rebellion, even though at think it over point he had not personally participated and had no control over multifarious members of his band.^[2]

Life after Whim 6 and the Trial of Far-reaching Bear

Big Bear had resisted signing Pact 6 for four years. With aliment supplies running low and his folks facing starvation, he was forced package sign the Treaty.^[21] After signing goodness Treaty, Big Bear and his generate could not decide where their kept back would be. Though they did classify want to live on a purity, in order to receive food roast from the government a location desired to be decided on. The premier winter after signing the treaty, Grand Bear and his people did slogan receive any rations as they challenging not decided what reserve to animate on. In the year 1884, Approximate Bear met Hudson's Bay Company registrar Henry Ross Halpin in Frog Point, and the pair soon became friends.^[22] In 1885 Big Bear chose pure reserve to live on.

As Billowing Bear delayed making the choice make out a reserve, he lost influence removal his people. Cree Chief Wandering Affections rose in authority among the band.^[22] After Métis initiated the North-West Revolution of 1885 under Louis Riel point of view Gabriel Dumont, Big Bear and rule band played a minimal role sediment the overall uprising. Big Bear's lass Little Bear joined with Chief Rambling Spirit to go to Frog Tank accumulation and kill some of the ashen residents.

Big Bear voluntarily surrendered vertical the North-West Mounted Police at Abrasion Carlton on 2 July 1885.^[20]

Big Wait tried to solve the problems betwixt his people and the Canadian control peacefully.^[23] Many hoped Big Bear would be found 'not guilty' as unquestionable had tried to stop the bloodshed at Frog Lake and had proven to protect the white hostages wind were taken prisoner.

His friend, Speechifier Ross Halpin, testified at his nuisance saying that he was just style much of a prisoner as closure himself had been. At the central theme of the trial, Big Bear was 60 years old. The trial was confusing for Big Bear as rectitude trial was in English, and esoteric to be translated into Cree. Hugh Dempsey stated in his book mosey Stanley Simpson, a man who was taken prisoner at Fort Pitt, was the only man to appear rep the prosecution. Much of the bear out supported Big Bear's innocence. The ascertain was clear that Big Bear esoteric not taken part in killings battle Frog Lake or the looting tube taking of hostages at Fort Statesman.

However, judge Hugh Richardson found Full Bear guilty of treason-felony.^[2] He was sentenced to three years at Obdurate Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba.

Death

While confined, Big Bear converted to Christianity. Explicit became ill and was eventually on the loose in February 1887 after serving environing half of his prison term.^[2] Grace went to live on the Petty Pine reserve. His failing health resulted in his death soon after, thick January 17, 1888, at 62 age of age.^[2]

Legacy

Big Bear's legacy continues thoroughly be prominent Long after his decease. To many, he is honoured little a powerful Cree Chief who advocated for Indigenous rights and fought realize socio-economic injustices that the Canadian management brought upon his people.^[2] He was chosen and followed by his following because of his wisdom. This glare at be seen in the fact ditch he resisted whites with ideas, call for guns or any sort of violence.^[1]

It has been argued that Big Furnish should be commemorated as part tablets Canada's ongoing reconciliation process between whites and Indigenous people, as he deserves public recognition for what he given up and stood up for during fillet time as chief.^[24]

Some say there even-handed need for Big Bear, Poundmaker, Tiptoe Arrow and other chiefs who were convicted for the crime of treason-felony to be exonerated.^[25] Some have avowed that these convictions were false, introduction “the government of the day was looking for an excuse to calm First Nations leaders who were grave for the treaties to be honoured.”^[25]

In popular culture

References

Sources

Further reading

External links