what was the outcome of chief sweetgrass signing treaty 6

For almost two centuries the Cree, Assiniboine, and Saulteaux held a monopoly over European trade goods and weaponry in the western interior. The same significant ceremony of the pipe stem opened the meeting with the participants on September 7, 1876. (Dodson 19), Honourable Alexander Morris, Lieutenent -Governor of Manitoba, North-WestTerritories (later Saskatchewan and Alberta) and Keewatin. In 1882, Young Sweet Grass and seventeen followers joined Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strikes him on the back), who had signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton on August 28, 1876. Morris and the treaty party was greeted by a messenger at Gabriels crossing, near the South Saskatchewan River, welcomed into Cree territory and escorted to Fort Carlton. 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. [21], Sweet Grass often worked closely with the fellow Cree chief Big Bear. [42] The result of this was more hostility from his people who had harassed Sweet Grass's Blackfoot guests. Following 1876, Big Bear became principal Chief of the Crees on the western plains as many disillusioned Cree joined his expanding tribe. He attempted to take Sweet Grass's pistol and it accidentally discharged, resulting in his death.[5]. Sweet Grass through both policy and action would have a lasting impact on the Plains Cree. 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. Not only did smallpox devastate the First Nations populations but the buffalo herds were declining rapidly. 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. 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. 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. 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. He also agreed to give agricultural implements. 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). An example of this would be when Sweet Grass and Big Bear assembled 18 Cree warriors that attempted to raid Blackfoot hunting territory. It was required to distinguish themselves during a war, as a provider, and as a generous giver to gain this position. They believed that the land was sacred. 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. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. They still controlled the territory and to trade their land for an uncertain future would be an admission of defeat (Stonechild and Waiser 16). 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. Even though Big Bear publicly and consistently spoke against sighing treaties, by 1882 starving, he would sign Treaty 6. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). 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. [27] During the 1860s he moved farther west and would come into contact with Sweet Grass and his band. 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. [16] The Cree believe that every individual has a soul which is located at the back of their neck. [5][44] His brother believed that they had given too much to the government in the treaty. Morris reassured the First Nations that their way of life and survival would not be disturbed and guaranteed well into the future. Four days later, Morris met with the Duck Lake band. However, they are still not recognized collectively as an Indian band with Indigenous and treaty rights. 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. He attempted to take Sweet Grasss pistol and it accidentally discharged, resulting in his death. The Indigenous peoples retained the right to pursue hunting, trapping and fishing on reserve lands. [40] Whenever a Cree war party was formed to go hunting in Blackfoot territory, caution had to be exercised, especially after the threat had been established. Created in 1993, the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations represents the various band governments of Treaty 6. 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. [20] It was not uncommon for there to be more than one chief who would have various levels of prestige. Make provision for us against years of starvation. While the signing of the treaty can be seen as selling away indigenous rights, it did bring much-needed medication and food to the Cree who had insufficient options. 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. [38] The language used to refer to indigenous people who elected to not settle on reserves also did not help ease tensions. Morris answered, some Half-breeds want to take lands at Red River and join the Indians here, but they cannot take with both handsthe small class of Half-Breeds who live as Indians and with the Indians, can be regarded as Indians by the Commissioners, who judge each case of its own merits. (Christensen 269) This meant that the Mtis people would not be included in Treaty 6 unless they were considered to be a part of the people living on the reserve land with First Nations. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and 7? On August 22, 1921, Chief Monfwi, representing all Tlicho, signed Treaty 11 with Canada. The treaty contained, with some variations, the standard written clauses of the earlier numbered treaties signed with First Nations: surrender of Indian land rights; provision of assistance in the transition to an agricultural economy; provision of reserves (in Treaty 6 the equivalent of one square mile per family of . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. [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. 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. It remained to be seen whether it was a bad omen. The next biggest problem comes from a lack of follow through on verbal agreements. The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. Morris knew that he was offering more than the government would have wanted, but he felt it necessary to finalize the deal. The same day, the chiefs and headmen of the Fort Pitt bands (including Cree, Chipewyan [Ojibwe] and Assiniboine peoples) signed Treaty 6. [43] As history has demonstrated, peace between the Blackfoot and the Plains Cree does not last very long. A messenger was sent for Sweetgrass, but it is unknown why Big Bear and Little Pine didnt receive the message. Treaty No. [39] The unpreparedness or perhaps unwillingness of the Canadian government to deal with the problems of indigenous peoples continued long after the signing of Treaty 6 but it was Sweet Grass firm belief that this was the best way to ensure that indigenous culture survived.[36]. His goal was to spread the Roman Catholic faith to the Western parts of Canada. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. [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. Many Chiefs anticipated the arrival of the Queens treaty commissioners. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. Morris then explained to the group that the Crown would create reserves for their people and would assist them in farming initiatives, without interfer[ing] with their present mode of living. Morris never explicitly discussed the concept of land cession. (Ray, Miller, and Tough 143). Land title refers to specific rights to a territory. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Michel Callihoo band continues to lobby the federal government for these rights (see Rights of Indigenous Peoples). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day, On 27 July 1876, Morris left for Fort Carlton to negotiate a treaty with the Plains Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan. After meeting with the First Nation Chiefs, Christie wrote a letter at their request and on their behalf to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald to state what the leaders were asking for and their concerns. Chief Sweetgrass and Ki-he-win sent this letter to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald: Great Father, I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. . 3 What happened when Chief Sweetgrass signed Treaty 6? After the raid, they moved back to the reserve with the captured supplies without another incident. January 2020Sweetgrass First Nation is pleased to announce our updated website. Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). In the end, Chief Beardy agreed with the terms of the Treaty and signed it. We invite you to come and see us and to speak with us. However, Big Bear was forced by starvation to adhere to Treaty 6 in 1882 and settled into the Frog Lake area. (Ray, Miller and Tough 133). In 1882, Young Sweet Grass and seventeen followers joined Wah-wee-kah-oo-tah-mah-hote (Strikes him on the back), who had signed Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton on August 28, 1876. I for one will take the hand that is offered. Ahtahkakoop supporting his fellow Chief and said, 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 (Stonechild and Waiser 17). 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). When Treaty 6 was put forward by the Canadian government in 1876, Sweetgrass was profoundly influential in bringing the Plains Cree into the agreement. Website Development Studio. 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. During this time Lacombe would become familiar with the Cree language and the culture, even writing a Cree dictionary in 1874. To address the concern over loss of traditional food sources, a promise of rations during times of pestilence and famine was added. The last day of the Treaty negotiations at Fort Carlton took place on August 23, 1876. However, over-trapping forced tribes to move west to find suitable forest areas. Chief Beardy then refused to be part of the negotiations at Fort Carlton and Morris understood this would be a problem to the Treaty process for the Willow Cree(Stonechild and Waiser 11). Website Design by M.R. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. The two messengers, Rev. 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. [26] In 1852 the priest Father Lacombe moved to the Red River Colony with plans to live with the Metis and Cree. [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. 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. One of the requests that Sweet Grass made to the government was to teach the Cree better farming techniques. They still controlled the territory and to trade their land for an uncertain future would be an admission of defeat (, 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. When the Metis under Louis Riel started the Northwest-Rebellion in 1885, Wandering Spirit would lead a group of Cree to raid the Frog Lake Settlement. Website Development Studio. It is the only known case in which the Canadian government enfranchised an entire band. [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. Jill St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the United States and Canada, 186777 (2001). [49] After signing the treaty, some of the Cree remained unsatisfied with the situation they had been forced into. 1 What was chief mistawasis Role in Treaty 6? The rest of the Cree assembled there three days later. Morris refused any other additions to the Treaty, and maintained that the terms of Treaty 6 were generous and acceptable. In addition, a medicine chest was to be stored at the house of the Indian agent on the reserves, and rations were to be awarded in times of famine and pestilence.. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on . 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. [1] The exact date and place of his birth is unrecorded. They needed to know what the government planned to do to help the people suffering due to the decimation of the buffalo and disease that had killed many. "Big Bear, Ahtahkakoop, and Mistawasis were the most vocal leaders to stop the developments on their lands. A force of North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was sent to the area to maintain order. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. In another instance, Sweet Grass had invited the Blackfoot into his camp in an attempt to begin a long-standing peace with them. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. While there was a Cree verbal translation, the Treaty was made in English. What happened when Chief Sweetgrass signed Treaty 6? On the Sweetgrass reserve, the mortality rates would grow after 1885 to 185 per every 1000 people on the reserve. Aboriginal is an oversimplification that hides more meaning than it conveys. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. In Cree culture, verbal agreements hold the same amount weight as any other agreements. 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 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. 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. 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. Mistahimaskwa was frustrated and surprised that the other chiefs had not waited for him to return before concluding the negotiations. 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). Rights ( see rights of Indigenous peoples ) through both policy and action would various! 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