what was the outcome of chief sweetgrass signing treaty 6

They continued to deliberate for the next two days. As a well respected Cree leader during a time of strife, Sweet Grass attempted to lead his people as best as he could. The Governor interpreted this to mean that the Chiefs wanted to be fed everyday, but to the Chiefs, this meant that in times of starvation and they could not feed themselves that the government would assist them with rations when needed. [42] The result of this was more hostility from his people who had harassed Sweet Grass's Blackfoot guests. He attempted to take Sweet Grasss pistol and it accidentally discharged, resulting in his death. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. 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). For almost two centuries the Cree, Assiniboine, and Saulteaux held a monopoly over European trade goods and weaponry in the western interior. They believed that the land was sacred. Many Chiefs anticipated the arrival of the Queens treaty commissioners. The First Nations were a proud and strong people but were facing an uncertain future. Historians have divided them into six geographical groups: Woodland First Nations, who occupy forested areas of eastern Canada; Iroquoian First Nations (also known as the Haudenosaunee) in the fertile southern part of the country; Plains First Nations in the Prairies; Plateau First Nations, who live throughout Canadas . A chief needed to be an active leader both in peace and war. [4] Warriors consistently taunted him due to his stature within the village. On 9 September, Weekaskookwasayin addressed the people, arguing that the treaty terms would help preserve and protect their livelihood. 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. 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. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). 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). Even more important, the Chiefs felt that the Treaties would impose European values on the Cree. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. 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). These issues, coupled with the opinion of lieutenant governor of Manitoba and the North-West Territories, Alexander Morris that treaties were effective ways to gain access to, and develop, lands in the West the government finally agreed to negotiate a treaty with the Plains Cree and neighbouring Indigenous peoples. . Treaty 6 Today It aims to protect treaty rights, support Indigenous self-government and assist in the socio-cultural, political, economic and spiritual advancement of their people. How did Treaty 6 affect the First Nations? He reminded them that the buffalo were disappearing and that they would have to learn to farm to feed themselves. Its territory is located 35 kilometers west of Battleford. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. Four days later, Morris met with the Duck Lake band. 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. [8] Sweet Grass childhood most likely went against this Cree norm because of his Mother's capture. In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. 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. (Stonechild and Waiser 15). Make provision for us against years of starvation. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Mistahimaskwa was not the only chief who initially refused to sign the treaty. The same day, the chiefs and headmen of the Fort Pitt bands (including Cree, Chipewyan [Ojibwe] and Assiniboine peoples) signed Treaty 6. In the summer of 1875, messengers from the Canadian government came to Cree territory to inform them that the government would be coming to negotiate a Treaty with them the following summer of 1876. On January 11, 1877, Sweet Grass had an argument with his brother after the signing of treaty six. It is the unique collective right to use of, and jurisdiction over, ancestral territory and is separate from the rights of non-Aboriginal Canadian citizens under common law. Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. How Canada fulfilled its obligations was critical and it appeared to the First Nations that they made a mistake in surrendering their lands and way of life to become farmers. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? During discussions, Gov. Treaty making (as evidence by the Wampum belts) demonstrates that indigenous people felt. (, 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. As Europeans began to set up colonies in North America, missionaries went among the indigenous people to spread their religion. How long does it take to become a CNA in Tennessee? 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. The Treaty party left Fort Pitt and made their way back to Fort Garry. [5] This was met with chants of Sweet Grass, which would eventually become his name as a Chief in 1870. They believed that their people would suffer if they did not negotiate a treaty with the federal government. Interpreter, Peter Erasmus, now employed with the government and travelling with the Treaty party translated the terms of the Treaty signed. 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. 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. 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. It covered 117 articles, including the establishment of a code of law and form of government between the five nations. What was the Indigenous perspective of treaty 6. agreement between sovereign nations. Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote was chief from 1876 to 1883: but he was deposed in 1884 and Young Sweet Grass became chief. 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. To cede land (the act of cession) is to give up or surrender the authority to control and own that land. [3] Moreover, Big Bear was part Ojibwa which meant both chiefs were not completely Cree. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? 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. State delegations met for the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Sweetgrass Nation was settled into the land West of the township Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1884. He was sentenced to three years at Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba and converted to Christianity during imprisonment. 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. Treaties were signed with First Nations in Canada between 1871 and 1921. [4] His tribe was presented with a collection of grass dipped in the blood of the man he had killed. 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. 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. This became one of many classic misinterpretations of the Treaty process as viewed in history. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. You comment will be forwarded to the editor of this page. Although there was much dissension from a number of First Nations, it was Ahtahkakoop and Mistawasis whoasked the representatives of the Crown what they could offer the people if they did not agree to Treaty. Situated near the North Saskatchewan River, Fort Carleton was a trading post between 1810 and 1885, and the first site for Treaty 6 negotiations. Big Bear was adamant in his request to the government to create laws to regulate the hunting of the buffalo. per family of five. 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. Limits on the Treaty Power Harvard Law Review. 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 Buffalo hunting and fur trading were a vital part of Cree survival. Are catch-up contributions subject to ADP testing. There were a lot of doubts and heavy conversations among the First Nations, they were not convinced that this new way of life would be able to sustain them into the future. [12] The name Cree represents a general ethnic group, however, there are several different tribes based on region and dialect. What were the main terms of Treaty 6? Cree Tribes would move according to their migration habits. The event was organized to commemorate the signing of Treaty No. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. 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. However, over-trapping forced tribes to move west to find suitable forest areas. His brother believed that they had given too much to the government in the treaty. 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. "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. [3] Sweet Grass was ten years older, so Big Bear recognized him as the superior chief. , Saskatchewan, and on 9 September 1876 at, , Saskatchewan. They created an iron alliance that enabled them to expand across the northern plains. Michael Asch, On Being Here to Stay: Treaties and Aboriginal Rights in Canada (2014). Families had the ability to break away from their current band and join another elsewhere. Sweet Grass or Wikaskokiseyin was born in a Cree Camp in the area near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. [2] Due to this, Sweet Grass was not Cree and was Crow. Later that year, Sweet Grass was converted to Roman Catholicism by Father Albert Lacombe and was baptized with the Christian name Abraham. [18] Chiefs within Cree society were chosen by the consent of the band. First Nations started hearing rumors that their lands were being sold without their consent. While the convention was initially held to modify the existing Articles of Confederation, the eventual consensus was the drafting of a new constitution. 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. Young men would attach themselves to a hunter or warrior that they admired and followed or shadowed them in performing tasks. Much reserve land was lost to dishonest deals by the Indian agents. On 23 August, the chiefs and commissioners negotiated the terms of the treaty. [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. 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. (Stonechild and Waiser 26) Living Sky School Division 509 Pioneer Avenue North Battleford, SK S9A 4A5 Canada [email protected] This is our land, not a piece of pemmican to be cut off and given in little pieces. The band was to serve as a model for group Indigenous enfranchisement. He also agreed to give agricultural implements. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. Big Bear and others seen the presents as traps, something to soften them up before negotiations." 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. Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. Indigenous people relinquishing titles and privileges to land. 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). The Chiefs asked that firewater (alcohol) not be sold to them and be banned from their reserves. When Treaty 6 was negotiated in 1876 between the Cree Nation and the Dominion of Canada on behalf of the British Crown, Big Bear was not summoned by Canada and arrived after the Treaty was concluded. The Government of Canada held Big Bear responsible, convicted him of treason-felony, and sentenced him to three years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary. By 1870 chief Sweet Grass would begin to become more integrated into Canadian society. We want you to stop the Americans from coming to trade on our lands, and giving firewater, ammunition, and arms to our enemies the Blackfeet. They believed that the land was sacred. On the Sweetgrass reserve, the mortality rates would grow after 1885 to 185 per every 1000 people on the reserve. Mistawasis further said, The prairies have not been darkened by the blood of our white brothers in our time, let this always be so. [7] There is no record of whether Sweet Grass and his mother took part in this ceremony. Created in 1993, the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations represents the various band governments of Treaty 6. [57] In 2010 the Sweetgrass nation had over 1500 registered members who primarily live outside of the Sweetgrass Reserve.[55]. Are Siksika Blackfoot? 1282 101 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z8. The perpetrators of the massacre would be apprehended and tried for murder and hung in 1885.[51]. Some of the Chiefs and their people were hunting on the prairies and the ones that were present wanted to wait for the others while a message was sent for them to attend the meeting. 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. Alexander Morris spoke to those present, promising to offer the same terms as at Fort Carlton. 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. [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. 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. Treaty 7 was signed in 1877. Until recent memory, the Plains Cree were masters of their territory, which included much of present-day central Saskatchewan and Alberta. [16] The Cree believe that every individual has a soul which is located at the back of their neck. What was chief mistawasis Role in Treaty 6? He resented the notion completely how could the government give them land that they already possessed? 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. 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. 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. Arthur J. Ray, Jim Miller and Frank Tough, Bounty and Benevolence: A History of Saskatchewan Treaties (2002). Chief Sweetgrass and Ki-he-win sent this letter to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald: Great Father, I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. This was met with approval from the people. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. What Treaty 6 peoples are close to Edmonton? 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. Settled into the land west of the treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day central and... Deliberate for the Constitutional Convention in 1787 went among the indigenous people felt of cession ) is to up. Chief in 1870 hostility from his people who had harassed Sweet Grass became chief could the government would the. Tough, Bounty and Benevolence: a history of Saskatchewan Treaties ( 2002 ) not negotiate a with! Resulting in his death begin to become a CNA in Tennessee and travelling with the.. 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