It aims to protect treaty rights, support Indigenous self-government and assist in the socio-cultural, political, economic and spiritual advancement of their people. In the face of survival, the Cree started to assemble and meet with one another to discuss their approach to the government. 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. 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. To address the concern over loss of traditional food sources, a promise of rations during times of pestilence and famine was added. In 1860, a member of the Plains Cree had killed a Blackfoot chief, which had sparked a war against them. [55] Young Sweet Grass would eventually become chief and would name the new group the Sweetgrass First Nation in honour of his father. Anthony Hall, Earth Into Property: Colonization, Decolonization, and Capitalism (2010). Using this discontent, Chief Wandering Spirit gathered support and began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers. Limits on the Treaty Power Harvard Law Review. 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. Gov. His brother believed that they had given too much to the government in the treaty. (Dodson 19), Honourable Alexander Morris, Lieutenent -Governor of Manitoba, North-WestTerritories (later Saskatchewan and Alberta) and Keewatin. 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. Big Bear held out on signing an adhesion until 1882. . We want cattle, tools, agricultural implements, and assistance in everything when we come to settle- our country is no longer able to support us. 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 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. [17], The position of chief within the Cree varied from tribe to tribe and each had varying levels of authority over the band. The treaty also provided twine and ammunition at a value of $1,500 per year, and agricultural implements, such as gardening tools, livestock, horses and wagons. He wanted to know why he was not notified of the meetings as he was out hunting on the plains. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. (Mtis fur trader and politician), as well as translators, assistants and NWMP escorts. Are catch-up contributions subject to ADP testing. Thank you for helping us make the university website better. Medals, flags, and uniforms were presented as well as treaty payments. The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. The City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations co-hosted the first Treaty No. 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. [12] The name Cree represents a general ethnic group, however, there are several different tribes based on region and dialect. 6 First Nations. [7] The Shaman's decision would be based on a character or incident that they saw in their vision. Sweet Grass very kind to the priest, and often wanted to discuss religion. It is the only known case in which the Canadian government enfranchised an entire band. While it sometimes would go to the eldest son of the previous chief, an incompetent man would not be given the position. This took much time but the Chiefs appeared to be satisfied with what the government was offering. Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. [2] Due to this, Sweet Grass was not Cree and was Crow. [24] In 1870, there were hundreds of thousands, which provided an immense amount of resources for the Cree to a point where they were able to only take the choice parts of the Buffalo. The 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. 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. By this time, the only known buffalo herds left were located in the Cypress Hills. 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. He worked with other chiefs and bands to participate in raids with enemy tribes. [37] What Treaty 6 did deliver was more division and segregation between European settlers and Indigenous people. This treaty was called the Great Law of Peace of the People of the Longhouse and predates the year 1450. 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. Historian Hugh Dempsey argues that Weekaskookwasayins acceptance of the treaty was likely influenced by Mistawasis and Ahtukuoops decision to sign Treaty 6, rather than a close reading of the treaty terms. They believed that the land was sacred. Adhesions continued into the 20th century, with the bands of Rocky Mountain House (May 1944 and 1950), Witchekan Lake (November 1950) and Cochin (August 1954 and May 1956). Sweetgrass is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. The negotiations began at a traditional camping area the Crees called pehonanik or the waiting place, located a mile and half from the Fort (Stonechild and Waiser 12). The treaty negotiations took days to complete at Fort Carlton. 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. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on . How did Treaty 6 affect the First Nations? 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. [3] Sweet Grass and Big Bear had formed a war party for this exact purpose as stated previously. [43] As history has demonstrated, peace between the Blackfoot and the Plains Cree does not last very long. Released early due to a health breakdown, Big Bear sought sanctuary amongst the remnants of his tribe of the Poundmakers and Little Pine Reserve. They believed that the land was sacred. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. Website Design by M.R. The reserve was established as part of Treaty 6 when Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876. First Nations had practiced their own governance and other systems for thousands of years. Our young men are foolish, it may not last long. 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. Newcomers would receive a peaceful co-existence with First Nations people, access to lands for settlement, farming, railways, and future industrial development. Sweet Grass believed that working alongside the government was one of the only solutions to the daily hardship the Cree were faced with. That is all.. On September 9, the Chiefs and Headmen signed their approval to accept Treaty 6. 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. Trending. 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. Sweet Grass himself converted to Catholicism in 1870, following a general shift of Cree towards Christianity. They were unaware of the negotiations at Fort Carlton and thought they would not be coming for another month or so. Buffalo hunting and fur trading were a vital part of Cree survival. Schools were to be established on reserves. [24] However, as European settlers came to the plains, that number dwindled significantly. Chief Minahikosis (Little Pine) and other Cree leaders of the Saskatchewan District were also opposed to the terms, arguing that the treaty provided little protections for their people. The next biggest problem comes from a lack of follow through on verbal agreements. Are Siksika Blackfoot? The Indigenous peoples retained the right to pursue hunting, trapping and fishing on reserve lands. Commemorate the historic ties between the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the City of Edmonton. 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. He worked with other chiefs and bands to participate in raids with enemy tribes. [15] However, this almighty creator appeared to individuals through various sprits such as the bear and horse. 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. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. There was much discussion around the term of calamity and pestilence. They still controlled the territory and to trade their land for an uncertain future would be an admission of defeat (Stonechild and Waiser 16). 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. Arthur J. Ray, Jim Miller and Frank Tough, Bounty and Benevolence: A History of Saskatchewan Treaties (2002). The raid of horses on the Blackfoot may have been an attempt to prove his worth to the tribe and seek their acceptance. It is ours and we will take what we want. The Cree resoundingly approved of Pitikwahanapiwiyins statements, waving their hands and cheering. By 1870 chief Sweet Grass would begin to become more integrated into Canadian society. 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