what was the outcome of chief sweetgrass signing treaty 6

Big Bear held out on signing an adhesion until 1882. . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 10 How did Treaty 6 affect the First Nations? He died January 17, 1888 and is buried in the Poundmaker cemetery. 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. "Biography WIKASKOKISEYIN, ABRAHAM Volume X (1871-1880) Dictionary of Canadian Biography", "History from a Different Angle: Narrative Strategies in The Temptations of Big Bear", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sweet_Grass_(Cree_chief)&oldid=1091635942, This page was last edited on 5 June 2022, at 12:56. 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. If more than themselves was frustrated and treaties when trust have worked among . As Europeans began to set up colonies in North America, missionaries went among the indigenous people to spread their religion. 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. [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. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. A force of North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was sent to the area to maintain order. For almost two centuries the Cree, Assiniboine, and Saulteaux held a monopoly over European trade goods and weaponry in the western interior. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. To address the concern over loss of traditional food sources, a promise of rations during times of pestilence and famine was added. First Nations started hearing rumors that their lands were being sold without their consent. [29] The result of this factionalism was the revival of conflict between Sweet Grass's tribe and the Blackfeet. Box 147 Gallivan, Saskatchewan S0M 0X0. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. The fort was heavily stocked with provisions, which angered the staving Cree. The talks then adjourned, and the Indigenous leaders spoke in council for the next two days. Claiming lands for the sake of the tribe b. During this time Lacombe would become familiar with the Cree language and the culture, even writing a Cree dictionary in 1874. By the early 1870s, the plains First Nations were suffering. This has led to conflict over the clauses of the agreement. As this agreement is the first legal agreement between these Indigenous groups and the new Canadian government, which continued to impact and facilitate interactions between them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. On 31 March 1958, the Department of Indian Affairs enfranchised the entire Michel Callihoo band, meaning that they lost their legal rights as status Indians in exchange for other rights, such as voting (see Indian; Indigenous Suffrage). By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The ceremony ended with dancing, drums, and singing of the men and women in the background (. 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. Treaty 7 lands (courtesy Victor Temprano/Native-Land.ca). 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 (Stonechild and Waiser 15). Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. What benefits did the Newcomers receive through Treaty Six? Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. In the end, Chief Beardy agreed with the terms of the Treaty and signed it. [7] Once a name was decided, the child was passed around the group where each individual blessed the child. Issues arise from the mixed interpretations of the Treaty by both the Indigenous groups and the Government. (, 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. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. 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. 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. Michael Asch, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada (2011). Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. [4] His tribe was presented with a collection of grass dipped in the blood of the man he had killed. There are 2051 registered band members (as of Dec. 31/2019), 749 people live on reserve which includes non-first nation people as well as people from other first nations. He wanted to know why he was not notified of the meetings as he was out hunting on the plains. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed. The Constitution of the United States was drafted and ratified, and it came into force on March 4, 1789. The Indigenous leaders then held council for the rest of the day. On September 9, the Chiefs and Headmen signed their approval to accept Treaty 6. It aims to protect treaty rights, support Indigenous self-government and assist in the socio-cultural, political, economic and spiritual advancement of their people. 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. At the time when Sweet Grass was Chief, The Canadian government had pictured what the Indigenous communities were and never changed them. The rest of the Cree assembled there three days later. Aboriginal is an oversimplification that hides more meaning than it conveys. He raised the stem to the heavens, then slowly turned to the north, south, east, and west - presenting the stem at each point. There was much discussion around the term of calamity and pestilence. Later that year, Sweet Grass was converted to Roman Catholicism by Father Albert Lacombe and was baptized with the Christian name Abraham. With diseases and famine rampant in the Cree community, they were more receptive to new religious ideas. Other Nations held them in fear(Stonechild and Waiser 5). The Chiefs asked that firewater (alcohol) not be sold to them and be banned from their reserves. 3 What happened when Chief Sweetgrass signed Treaty 6? Newcomers would receive a peaceful co-existence with First Nations people, access to lands for settlement, farming, railways, and future industrial development. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3EjLPW2uw. [10], The Cree were located in the plains of Canada. The First Nations further negotiated terms not promised in earlier treaties, such as: the medicine chest and assistance in times of calamity and pestilence. Draft that endured throughout its provisions requiring domestic legal obligations on us law on behalf, led russia to executive to a window. Are Siksika Blackfoot? Sweet Grass or Wikaskokiseyin was born in a Cree Camp in the area near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. [55] In the years after settlement, the Sweetgrass reserve would continue to be affected by famine and disease. 6 territory. You comment will be forwarded to the editor of this page. [47] This would be Sweetgrass's last significant influence on his people, as he would die shortly after signing the Treaty. Treaty 6 was signed by the commissioners and the head chiefs of the Carlton bands on 23 August 1876. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (, Gov. (Christensen 234), Once everyone was assembled at the Council tent, the pipe stem ceremony began with all the Chiefs, headmen, singers, and drummers. (Dedicated this 16thday of July 1993 by the Cree Nation)". Due to missionaries moving into the interior, there was more significant pressure to convert to European religions, which many Cree did. Treaties are the law of the land in the relationship between First Nations and the rest of Canada. [3] They bonded over sharing the characteristic of being small, but mighty warriors. 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. Morris knew that he was offering more than the government would have wanted, but he felt it necessary to finalize the deal. Big Bear and Little Pine also believed in the sovereignty of their own Nations and were opposed to the idea of another Nation governing and applying their laws to them. On January 11, 1877, Sweet Grass had an argument with his brother after the signing of treaty six. If the chief remained silent, the murderer was usually executed by the victim's relatives. 1876 - 1883: Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strike him on the back), 1920 - 1924: Harry Atcheynum (Son of Strike him on the back), 1925 - 1964: Sam Swimmer (Son of Yellow Mud) Last hereditary Chief, For a summary for our History in brief, find it on the Battleford's Agency Tribal Chief's Website at www.batc.ca/sweetgrass/, P.O. This propelled him to work with the Canadian and eventually sign Treaty Six. But the Canadian government insisted that its grudging distribution of rations was a matter of favour, not a treaty obligation. Chief Beardy, a spiritual leader known to possess powers, met the treaty party on the journey to the Fort and invited them to meet on a local hill - this was based on a vision he had. We never shed any white mans blood, and we have always been friendly with the whites, and want workmen, carpenters and farmers to assist us when we settle. Using this discontent, Chief Wandering Spirit gathered support and began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers. 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. However, over-trapping forced tribes to move west to find suitable forest areas. 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). 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. 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. Popular. Indigenous people were forced to choose between living on reserves, receiving a fixed amount of money every year for the rest of their lives and trying to assimilate and lose their status. It was required to distinguish themselves during a war, as a provider, and as a generous giver to gain this position. In 1871, a delegation of Chiefs went to Fort Edmonton to meet with Chief Factor W.J. 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. Why are but was the of treaty waitangi written out. Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. Families had the ability to break away from their current band and join another elsewhere. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. He ventured into the Blackfoot territory, completely alone with the goal of capturing a herd of horses. They wanted assurance of their spiritual and physical survival (Price 20). Website Development Studio. Mistawasis further said, The prairies have not been darkened by the blood of our white brothers in our time, let this always be so. Schools were to be established on reserves. They believed that their people would suffer if they did not negotiate a treaty with the federal government. Charter prohibiting the use of force except in self defense. Currently the band controls 20,573.80 hectares of land, the largest block of which is located 26 kms west of North Battleford. They hunted in the same territory and would often hunt and camp together. 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 treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. 6 Recognition Day to commemorate the signing of the treaty in 1876. [15] This figure held no real identity and did not appear to anyone in visions or contact. Currently the band controls 20,354.6 ha of land, the largest block of which is located 26 km west ofNORTH BATTLEFORD. 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. Trending. 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. Not all Plains Cree would sign the treaty at first, and many would become disillusioned after signing. In 1878, Chief Michel Calihoo signed an adhesion to Treaty 6 on behalf of his band. 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. What benefits did the newcomers receive through treaty six? 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. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. Sweet Grass understood the sacrifices that needed to be made for the bettering of the band. [4] His name, Sweet Grass was inspired by an audacious feat that he attempted as a youth. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I want all my brother Sweetgrass asks. [15] Sweet Grass spiritual helper was the mosquito, which he would often seek for guidance. Sweet Grass himself converted to Catholicism in 1870, following a general shift of Cree towards Christianity. Our Legacy Treaties: Negotiations and Rights, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Typed Transcript of Treaty 6 Text, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Map of Canada in 1876, The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Learn More About Treaty 6 Indigenous Peoples, The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan Treaty 6. 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. On 23 August, the chiefs and commissioners negotiated the terms of the treaty. The legacy of Treaty 6 continues to affect the Cree till the modern day. By participating, the leaders also took an oath to be truthful during the proceedings. Is Edmonton on Treaty 6 land? [2] Due to this, Sweet Grass was not Cree and was Crow. [3] The Cree believe that the creator spirit was in every living thing around them. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. However, Big Bear was forced by starvation to adhere to Treaty 6 in 1882 and settled into the Frog Lake area. [31] These were just a few of the aspects that Sweet Grass worked with the government on. While traditions within tribes remained significant, the Cree became more receptive to different denominations of Christianity. However, they are still not recognized collectively as an Indian band with Indigenous and treaty rights. We want cattle, tools, agricultural implements, and assistance in everything when we come to settle- our country is no longer able to support us. [17], The position of chief within the Cree varied from tribe to tribe and each had varying levels of authority over the band. a. Even though Big Bear publicly and consistently spoke against sighing treaties, by 1882 starving, he would sign Treaty 6. Jill St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the United States and Canada, 186777 (2001). These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. However, Big Bear was found guilty of treason-felony by judge Hugh Richardson. [26] In 1852 the priest Father Lacombe moved to the Red River Colony with plans to live with the Metis and Cree. [3] Both Chiefs would work together in multiple raids on the Blackfoot. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). [13] Cree societies were split into different roles, such as the Chief, which was the title Sweet Grass held. As a well respected Cree leader during a time of strife, Sweet Grass attempted to lead his people as best as he could. Treaty 6 was the biggest piece of legislation between Plains Cree Leaders and the colonial government. Death. It remained to be seen whether it was a bad omen. In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. 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. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. What happened when Chief Sweetgrass signed Treaty 6? At that time, they as well were facing low fur prices, and poor hunting and fishing. He suggested to Morris that the government needed to preserve what buffalo herds were left, so that they could all share equally. Gov. 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. 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. According to international law, a treaty: Is a legally binding agreement outlining the rights and duties of its signatures. The perpetrators of the massacre would be apprehended and tried for murder and hung in 1885.[51]. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Interpreter, Peter Erasmus, now employed with the government and travelling with the Treaty party translated the terms of the Treaty signed. The overall goal that Sweet Grass wanted to achieve was an end to factionalism that had been plaguing the Plains Cree for years. 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. [24] However, as European settlers came to the plains, that number dwindled significantly. If you need assistance, please contact us directly. 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. [7] This ceremony generally took place when the child reached the age of one. [8] Sweet Grass most likely did not partake in this tradition or many other childhood ones. Mistawasis had one last request and wanted to know how the Half-Breeds would be taken care of, as some had lived amongst them. For example, in May 2008, the Beaver Lake Cree Nation in Alberta filed a lawsuit against the provincial and federal governments because proposed oil, gas, forestry and mining activities threatened their rights to hunt and fish on treaty lands; the case is still ongoing. 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. 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. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? Morris statement about reserves was immediately met with resistance by Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), a local leader who became a great chief in the 1880s. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). [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. The total area of the Treaty stretches from western Alberta, through Saskatchewan and into Manitoba; and inlcudes 50 First Nations. [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. According to the notes of the commissions secretary, M.G. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. While it sometimes would go to the eldest son of the previous chief, an incompetent man would not be given the position. On 19 August, Morris was presented with chiefs, but he noticed the absence of the Duck Lake band leaders. It is ours and we will take what we want.. 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. Until recent memory, the Plains Cree were masters of their territory, which included much of present-day central Saskatchewan and Alberta. [3] There is no record of his father. In 2013, the City of Edmonton created Treaty No. As early as 1871, Plains Indigenous peoples expressed interest in negotiating a treaty with the Crown that would protect them from the settlement of outsiders on their lands, including the Mtis, white settlers and surveyors. However, Morris told the Cree that they would find themselves crowded by settlers unless they settled on reserves. [18] Chiefs within Cree society were chosen by the consent of the band. It belonged to no one man and could not be sold (Christensen 146). [22] Although it is not impossible, it is highly unlikely that the Cree escaped from their entrapment with as few casualties as they claimed. Its territory is located 35 kilometers west of Battleford. John A. Macdonald did not want to go to war with the First Nations as the Americans were in the south to attain lands. [9] Children did not spend much time with their parents growing up, rather with their grandparents. The group would then move to capture Fort Pit. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). 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. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The peak of the conflict came in 1861 when the Blackfoot had threatened to kill any Cree, Metis, or white man whom they stumbled upon.

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