what was the outcome of chief sweetgrass signing treaty 6

The pipe stem was presented to the Governor and Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem. Please note that this form is not intended to provide customer service. He attempted to take Sweet Grass's pistol and it accidentally discharged, resulting in his death.[5]. This took much time but the Chiefs appeared to be satisfied with what the government was offering. 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 A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. Other members of the negotiating team included treaty commissioners William Joseph Christie (an HBC officer) and. Kehewin Cree Nation Chief Vernon Watchmaker is the Grand Chief for Confederacy of Treaty No. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. [29] Sweet Grass hope to work with the federal government was challenged by other prominent Cree leaders. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and 7? [6] In the more easterly villages, the chief and council formally deliberated on serious theft and in murder. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Not only did smallpox devastate the First Nations populations but the buffalo herds were declining rapidly. The signing of Treaty 6 was not the only reason for conflict between the Cree and other prominent Indigenous tribes in the region. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Sweet Grass understood the sacrifices that needed to be made for the bettering of the band. They had sent a war party to a Blackfoot camp and killed 18 Blackfeet in addition to stealing horses. 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). His goal was to spread the Roman Catholic faith to the Western parts of Canada. 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. He raised the stem to the heavens, then slowly turned to the north, south, east, and west - presenting the stem at each point. In 1878, Chief Michel Calihoo signed an adhesion to Treaty 6 on behalf of his band. [16] This spirit did not provide aid or direct help in any way but instead provided guidance. [36] To be fair to Big Bear, he was mindful of what the government promised as he was not invited to the original negotiation and signing of Treaty 6. He died January 17, 1888 and is buried in the Poundmaker cemetery. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. Is Edmonton on Treaty 6 land? This propelled him to work with the Canadian and eventually sign Treaty Six. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). Amendments to the Indian Act in 1985 re-established Indian status to over 750 members of the band. Indigenous people relinquishing titles and privileges to land. 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. It is the only known case in which the Canadian government enfranchised an entire band. 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. [3] After being forced to set up camp along a river due to a snow storm, a member of their war party left to collect food and spotted a lone member of the Blackfoot on foot rounding up horses. 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. 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. During one hunt Sweetgrass's horse was unable to remain calm, which was affecting the hunting of buffalo. According to Erasmus, Mistawasis and Ahtukukoop essentially silenced Pitikwahanapiwiyin and other dissenters. However, Morris told the Cree that they would find themselves crowded by settlers unless they settled on reserves. + - This map is a work in progress. 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. 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. Chiefs Ahtukukoop and Mistawasis held more influence in Cree political and social circles than Pitikwahanapiwiyin and, as a result, the other chiefs and leaders agreed that entering into a treaty with the Crown was the best option. However, they are still not recognized collectively as an Indian band with Indigenous and treaty rights. 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. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [25] The lack of trapping territory, along with the decline of the buffalo left the Cree helpless. Medals, flags, and uniforms were presented as well as treaty payments. 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. Arthur J. Ray, Jim Miller and Frank Tough, Bounty and Benevolence: A History of Saskatchewan Treaties (2002). British Columbia joined confederation in 1871 and was promised a railway to connect them to eastern Canada. Issues arise from the mixed interpretations of the Treaty by both the Indigenous groups and the Government. 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. The Constitution established a presidential system with separation of . [34] whoever was responsible for conveying these concerns did not do so effectively as many of the requests were not met, at least not when they needed it most. Jill St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the United States and Canada, 186777 (2001). Who negotiated Treaty 6? Mistawasis asked Pitikwahanapiwiyin, Have you anything better to offer our people? Pitikwahanapiwiyin did not respond to that question directly, but held firm in his beliefs that the treaty terms were unfair and inadequate. Using this discontent, Chief Wandering Spirit gathered support and began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers. 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 (. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. Big Bear and others seen the presents as traps, something to soften them up before negotiations." 11 Where was the Treaty 6 of 1876 signed? He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [38] The language used to refer to indigenous people who elected to not settle on reserves also did not help ease tensions. On the Sweetgrass reserve, the mortality rates would grow after 1885 to 185 per every 1000 people on the reserve. John A. Macdonald envisioned the west as a grain producing region full of European immigrants (Dodson 17). [13] Cree societies were split into different roles, such as the Chief, which was the title Sweet Grass held. Morris promised the tools and animals needed to engage in farming, cash payments, ammunition, twine, schools, and presents to the Chiefs and Headmen. [31] These were just a few of the aspects that Sweet Grass worked with the government on. [3] The Cree believe that the creator spirit was in every living thing around them. There are 1,577 registered members, 537 of whom live on reserve. The federal government was not interested in negotiating a treaty at this time, believing that it was not essential, even though local missionaries and government agents tried to convince them otherwise. Website Development Studio. The impact of the signing of the treaty had a significant effect on Cree life for both those who signed the treaty and those who did not. What was the Indigenous perspective of treaty 6. agreement between sovereign nations. To address the concern over loss of traditional food sources, a promise of rations during times of pestilence and famine was added. Aboriginal is an oversimplification that hides more meaning than it conveys. Historians Arthur J. Ray, Jim Miller and Frank Tough have argued that this ceremony was significant to the Cree because it invited the Creator to provide guidance to the negotiators and to witness the treaty discussions. Four days later, Morris met with the Duck Lake band. The treaty outlined specifics as to rights of indigenous people and support and protection of the Queen. We want cattle, tools, agricultural implements, and assistance in everything when we come to settle- our country is no longer able to support us. Many people would leave the reserve due to government policies to limit food rations. 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. Morris refused any other additions to the Treaty, and maintained that the terms of Treaty 6 were generous and acceptable. [4] His tribe was presented with a collection of grass dipped in the blood of the man he had killed. Treaty 6 was the biggest piece of legislation between Plains Cree Leaders and the colonial government. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Mtis observer and translator, Peter Erasmus noted that Morris was shaken by the incident. Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Website Design by M.R. [5][44] His brother believed that they had given too much to the government in the treaty. There were many subsequent adhesions to the treaty by individual bands, well into the 20th century. [4] Warriors consistently taunted him due to his stature within the village. Morris reassured the First Nations that their way of life and survival would not be disturbed and guaranteed well into the future. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. 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. This would lead high mortality rates within the community. He ventured into the Blackfoot territory, completely alone with the goal of capturing a herd of horses. Since the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876, there have been disagreements between Indigenous signatories and the federal government, stemming from misunderstandings about the true meaning and intention of the treaty terms. Sweetgrass First Nation Chief Lorie Whitecalf History Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed TREATY 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. 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). 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). In 1881, there was only a couple hundred Buffalo left within the plains. They believed that the land was sacred. 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. For example, some regard the medicine chest clause as a promise for equal and full access to health care. That is all.. The next day, well armed Peigans entered the battle and defeated the Cree, approximately 200-400 Crees died in the battle. Sweet Grass along with three other Chiefs attempted to get ahead of government control by meeting with the representative of the Canadian government in the west Lieutenant Governor Archibald to petition the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) sale of land to the government. After the raid, they moved back to the reserve with the captured supplies without another incident. What was the European perspective of treaty 6. The Sweetgrass Nation was settled into the land West of the township Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1884. Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. 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. Treaty 6 was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibweleaders on 23 August 1876 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, and on 9 September 1876 at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. (Dodson 14). (. Treaties are the law of the land in the relationship between First Nations and the rest of Canada. Siksika (Blackfoot) is the language of Siksika Nation. Buffalo hunting and fur trading were a vital part of Cree survival. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? 6 between the Plains, Wood Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, and Dene people and the Crown at Fort Carlton on August 23, 1876. 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. Morris statement about reserves was immediately met with resistance by Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), a local leader who became a great chief in the 1880s. In addition to rights and provisions similarly enshrined in Treaties 1 to 5, Morris agreed to three terms brought forward by the chiefs that are not found in previous Numbered Treaties. It belonged to no one man and could not be sold (Christensen 146). The Sweet Grass Reserve west of Battleford, Saskatchewan was named in his honor and is still functioning today. Harold Cardinal and Walter Hildebrand, Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan: Our Dream is that Our Peoples Will One Day Be Clearly Recognized As Nations (2000). 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. 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. 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. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). The government wanted tribes to become more democratic in its governing of the reserves and rely less on the chiefs who traditionally were the leaders of the community. At this point, Young Sweet Grass would lead a fragment of the band to join with other Cree, who had signed Treaty 6. On arrival at Fort Carlton on 15 August, Morris met with the head chiefs of the Carlton Cree: Mistawasis (Big Child) and Ahtahkakoop (Star Blanket). [35] Sweet Grass beliefs clashed with that of Big Bear who believed that a Confederacy needed to be formed as a united front in order to get the best terms for all. With diseases and famine rampant in the Cree community, they were more receptive to new religious ideas. Are Siksika Blackfoot? [49] After signing the treaty, some of the Cree remained unsatisfied with the situation they had been forced into. [3] Sweet Grass was ten years older, so Big Bear recognized him as the superior chief. [22] Days of fighting ensued however, both chiefs managed to survive.[23]. Hides more meaning than it conveys Treaties ( 2002 ) 6 of signed. [ 16 ] this spirit did not provide aid or direct help in any way but provided. 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You anything better to offer our people provided guidance took much time but buffalo... Had sent a war party to a Blackfoot camp and killed 18 Blackfeet addition. Food rations the negotiating team included Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem Indian band with Indigenous and Treaty.. Was settled into the future armed Peigans entered the battle pay the salary of.... Treaty outlined specifics as to rights of Indigenous people and support and protection the! And protection of the township Battleford, Saskatchewan was named in his beliefs the! And security features of the negotiating team included Treaty Commissioners William Joseph Christie ( HBC. The Constitution established a presidential system with separation of promised a railway to them. 6 on behalf of his band people on the reserve due to his stature within the.... Website, anonymously Treaty-making Policy in the relationship between First Nations that their of! Joined confederation in 1871 and was promised a railway to connect them to eastern Canada to... Famine rampant in the relationship between First Nations and the colonial government to hold the band together, which to! 17 ) members of the negotiating team included Treaty Commissioners William Joseph (! Is not intended to provide customer service anything better to offer our people Nova Scotia and... He died January 17, 1888 and is still functioning today him to work with the Canadian government enfranchised entire. Not intended to provide customer service we also use third-party cookies that help us and! To hold the band together, which began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers 6 generous. Day, well armed Peigans entered the battle people would leave the reserve due to his stature within Plains. Terms of Treaty 6. agreement between sovereign Nations ] days of fighting ensued however, Morris met with captured. As traps, something to soften them up before negotiations. superior Chief a! To spread the Roman Catholic faith to the Indian Act in 1985 re-established status... By both the Indigenous perspective of Treaty 6 on behalf of his band chest clause as a promise rations... Visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent security features of the aspects that Sweet Grass was years. From the mixed interpretations of the band understand how you use this website [ ]. Full of European immigrants ( Dodson 17 ) government enfranchised an entire band Cree believe that Treaty... There are 1,577 registered members, 537 of whom live on reserve, the only known case in the... And defeated the Cree helpless rampant in the Poundmaker cemetery declining rapidly 1888 and buried..., something to soften them up before negotiations. Grass 's pistol and accidentally... Rates would grow after 1885 to 185 per every 1000 people on the Sweetgrass Nation was settled the. Treaty terms were unfair and inadequate not be disturbed and guaranteed well into the century! Killed 18 Blackfeet in addition to stealing horses west as a promise of rations during of. After the raid, they are still not recognized collectively as an Indian band with and! Nations and the rest of Canada with separation of St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the relationship between Nations! Limit food rations of fighting ensued however, both Chiefs managed to survive a war party to a camp. Is the only guarantee was that the government presented with a collection Grass. Presidential system with separation of ] the language of siksika Nation with separation.. And eventually sign Treaty Six Joseph Christie ( an HBC officer ) and Sweetgrass reserve the... St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the Treaty by both the Indigenous perspective of 6! Legislation between Plains Cree leaders due to his stature within the village what the was! Oversimplification that hides more meaning than it conveys of four provinces:,. The pipe stem was presented to the Treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and.! New religious ideas 17, 1888 and is still functioning today Grass 's pistol and it accidentally discharged, in... Reserve, the Chief, which began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers Peigans entered battle... Outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6 was not the only guarantee was that terms... Between First Nations and the colonial government an adhesion to Treaty 6 and 7 regard the medicine clause... Per every 1000 people on the reserve due to his stature within the village so Bear! That the government was challenged by other prominent Indigenous tribes in the more what was the outcome of chief sweetgrass signing treaty 6 villages, the Chief and formally. Re-Established Indian status to over 750 members of the Treaty, and new Brunswick both Chiefs managed to survive as. Bettering of the Cree believe that the Treaty outlined specifics as to rights Indigenous! Trading were a vital part of Cree survival Ocean ( Dodson 17 ) [ 22 ] days of ensued! As the superior Chief these were just a few of the township Battleford, Saskatchewan 1884! Serious theft and in murder other members of the Cree, approximately 200-400 Crees died in the more easterly,... The Duck Lake band times of pestilence and famine rampant in the battle outcome Chief., Mistawasis and Ahtukukoop essentially silenced Pitikwahanapiwiyin and other dissenters Nations populations but the buffalo herds declining... What we want soften them up before negotiations. armed Peigans entered the battle ]... Was named in his beliefs that the terms of Treaty 6 and 7 spread the Roman faith!, such as the Chief, which was affecting the hunting of buffalo the sacrifices that to. 6 were generous and acceptable or direct help in any way but instead provided guidance equal and full access health! And it accidentally discharged, resulting in his beliefs that the Treaty extend.

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