The Chiefs that were present waited for other Chiefs and their followers to arrive, but Big Bear, Sweetgrass, and Little Pine were hunting on the prairies at the time. 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. At this point, Young Sweet Grass would lead a fragment of the band to join with other Cree, who had signed Treaty 6. Big Bear held out on signing an adhesion until 1882. . People die with maori race were relationships compromised by shared incredulity, treaty was the of written essay plans . 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. 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 (Stonechild and Waiser 22). He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [10], The Cree were located in the plains of Canada. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). George McDougall and North West Mounted Police (NWMP) Inspector Crozier brought presents to give to the Cree, but Big Bear refused them, telling them they did not want presents until the treaties were finalized. 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. The manager of the HBC post at Fort Carlton, Lawrence Clarke, wrote to government officials that same summer, alerting them that the Cree had also threatened to turn back telegraph workers who were trying to construct a line from Winnipeg to Edmonton. Just before the Treaty party left Fort Pitt, Big Bear arrived and asked to speak with Morris. (Christensen 270). Please have a look around. What was the Indigenous perspective of treaty 6. agreement between sovereign nations. Not only did smallpox devastate the First Nations populations but the buffalo herds were declining rapidly. In the face of survival, the Cree started to assemble and meet with one another to discuss their approach to the government. That is all.. A few months after the Pitt meeting, Chief Sweetgrass was shot and killed by accident with the gun presented to him as a treaty gift, at the hands of his best friend. While the convention was initially held to modify the existing Articles of Confederation, the eventual consensus was the drafting of a new constitution. Morris would not agree to meet anywhere other than the planned meeting place at the Fort. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. 3 What happened when Chief Sweetgrass signed Treaty 6? Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on . [3] Upon reporting his sighting back to the others, they decide to kill the man and steal his horses. First Nations started hearing rumors that their lands were being sold without their consent. 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 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. 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. (, 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. The same significant ceremony of the pipe stem opened the meeting with the participants on September 7, 1876. Schools were to be established on reserves. What Treaty 6 peoples are close to Edmonton? [30] Another was that the government should stop supplying weapons to the Blackfeet who were his tribe's enemy. 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. 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). This became one of many classic misinterpretations of the Treaty process as viewed in history. [2] Due to this, Sweet Grass was not Cree and was Crow. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (, Gov. One of the requests that Sweet Grass made to the government was to teach the Cree better farming techniques. The Plains Cree were not always the victims of this conflict. The ceremony ended with dancing, drums, and singing of the men and women in the background (Christensen 235). 6 Recognition Day to commemorate the signing of the treaty in 1876. [41] Some of the Plains Cree simply could not accept peace with the Blackfoot. Signed in 1876, Treaty 6 was the agreement between the government of Canada and the Indigenous people living in parts of modern-day Saskatchewan and Alberta. However, he was too late; the treaty had already been signed. It is the only known case in which the Canadian government enfranchised an entire band. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Indian Association of Alberta and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations conducted reports that outlined elders views on the treaty and on the concept of land cession. Big Bear was adamant in his request to the government to create laws to regulate the hunting of the buffalo. When Treaty 6 was put forward by the Canadian government in 1876, Sweetgrass was profoundly influential in bringing the Plains Cree into the agreement. Following 1876, Big Bear became principal Chief of the Crees on the western plains as many disillusioned Cree joined his expanding tribe. However, Morris told the Cree that they would find themselves crowded by settlers unless they settled on reserves. 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. 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. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? 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. If you cant come yourself, send someone in your place. With diseases and famine rampant in the Cree community, they were more receptive to new religious ideas. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. [3] Sweet Grass was ten years older, so Big Bear recognized him as the superior chief. The next biggest problem comes from a lack of follow through on verbal agreements. 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. 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. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. 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. 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. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and Treaty 7? Website Development Studio. Draft that endured throughout its provisions requiring domestic legal obligations on us law on behalf, led russia to executive to a window. In 1860, a member of the Plains Cree had killed a Blackfoot chief, which had sparked a war against them. He was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. [20] It was not uncommon for there to be more than one chief who would have various levels of prestige. Treaty 6 peoples also actively participate in the Idle No More movement. In Canada, Aboriginal title describes the rights of Indigenous peoples to land based on long-standing land use and occupancy. Sweet Grass believed that working alongside the government was one of the only solutions to the daily hardship the Cree were faced with. When Sweet Grass died in 1877 his son was left to hold together the Band who followed his father. 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. [6], Due to the fact that Sweet Grass' Mother was captured by a Cree tribe, it is unknown if she partook in the established birthing and naming traditions. [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. Sweetgrass is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. There are 1,577 registered members, 537 of whom live on reserve. There was much discussion around the term of calamity and pestilence. "The Blackfoot and the Cree were fighting to gain control of the Cypress Hills boundaries and in the fall of 1870 there was a battle between them called the Battle of Belly River. Big Bear and Little Pine led the Crees and attacked a Blood First Nations camp. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. [21], Sweet Grass often worked closely with the fellow Cree chief Big Bear. Morris addressed the crowd reassuring them that the Queen would look after them and the next two days were spent considering the words of Morris speaking on behalf of the Crown. Are catch-up contributions subject to ADP testing. Michael Asch, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada (2011). Aboriginal has been an umbrella term used by Canadians and Canadian institutions for convenience. He related that the First Nations Chiefs wanted to know if it was true that their lands were being sold. He attempted to take Sweet Grasss pistol and it accidentally discharged, resulting in his death. British Columbia joined confederation in 1871 and was promised a railway to connect them to eastern Canada. Released early due to a health breakdown, Big Bear sought sanctuary amongst the remnants of his tribe of the Poundmakers and Little Pine Reserve. Trending. 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. 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. Treaty 45 and Treaty 72 The SON are signatories to various. Welcome to Archive of European Integration - Archive of European . Limits on the Treaty Power Harvard Law Review. James Rodger Miller, Compact, Contract, Covenant: Aboriginal Treaty-making in Canada (2009). The Michel Callihoo band continues to lobby the federal government for these rights (see Rights of Indigenous Peoples). A picture of Sweet Grass is in the archives of the Glenbow Museum. [2] Approaching the pasture, he hid in a bush and as a man advanced towards him, he took out his bow, killed and scalped him; proceeding to raid the pasture to return forty horses to his tribe. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The Queens representative, Alexander Morris, dressed in a cocked hat, blue uniform with gold braid and lace, was accompanied by the North West Mounted Police and treaty commissioners William J. Christie and James McKay. Chief Weekaskookwasayin (Sweet Grass) permitted Morris to explain those terms to the congregation. On January 11, 1877, Sweet Grass had an argument with his brother after the signing of treaty six. John A. Macdonald envisioned the west as a grain producing region full of European immigrants (Dodson 17). You comment will be forwarded to the editor of this page. 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. Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. While the following is not a definitive list, adhesions were signed by Indigenous bands at: Fort Edmonton (August 1877); Blackfoot Crossing (September 1877); Carlton and Battleford (AugustSeptember 1878); Fort Walsh (July 1879 and December 1882) and Montreal Lake (1889). Crf. The band was to serve as a model for group Indigenous enfranchisement. [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]. January 2020Sweetgrass First Nation is pleased to announce our updated website. Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. Currently the band controls 20,573.80 hectares of land, the largest block of which is located 26 kms west of North Battleford. (Dedicated this 16thday of July 1993 by the Cree Nation)". 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. When they arrived at the council tent they hoisted the union jack - the flag of Britain. Treaty 6 was the biggest piece of legislation between Plains Cree Leaders and the colonial government. The days of bison hunting were coming to an end, and the Cree needed help adjusting to new modes of life; the treaty provided them with that opportunity. per family of five. "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. Sweet Grass converted to Christianity in 1870, [25] being baptized into Catholicism with the name Abraham. Treaty 6 was signed by the commissioners and the head chiefs of the Carlton bands on 23 August 1876. The Crown also promised Treaty 6 signatories the establishment of schools on reserve land and a medicine chest, which is interpreted to mean universal health care. There are 1,577 registered members, 537 of whom live on reserve. Why was Treaty 6 so important? What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? Sweet Grass through both policy and action would have a lasting impact on the Plains Cree. Website Development Studio. A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay & wood and maintained gardens & livestock. 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). 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). A reserve was surveyed west of Battleford in 1884 for the melded band members, who sold hay and wood, and maintained gardens and livestock. Newcomers would receive a peaceful co-existence with First Nations people, access to lands for settlement, farming, railways, and future industrial development. How did Treaty 6 affect the First Nations? In exchange for Indigenous title to their land (, ), Treaty 6 provided: an annual cash payment of $25 per chief; $15 per headman and $5 for all other band members; a one-time cash payment of $12 for each band member; and reserve lands in the amount of one mile. ) 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). The reserve was established as part of Treaty 6 when Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). Governor Morris stated that there would be strong laws enforced through the North West Mounted Police. Those who did began to move onto the reserve land and being affected by the agreements made in the treaty. During discussions, Gov. 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. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. What happened when Chief Sweetgrass signed Treaty 6? [25] The lack of trapping territory, along with the decline of the buffalo left the Cree helpless. 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. As Europeans began to set up colonies in North America, missionaries went among the indigenous people to spread their religion. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). He worked with other chiefs and bands to participate in raids with enemy tribes. Cree Tribes would move according to their migration habits. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated onTreaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. Treaty 6 encompasses 17 First Nations in central Alberta including the Dene Sulin, Cree, Nakota Sioux and Saulteaux peoples. At the time when Sweet Grass was Chief, The Canadian government had pictured what the Indigenous communities were and never changed them. On January 11, 1877, Sweet Grass had an argument with his brother after the signing of treaty six. When Canada acquired the lands of the Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) in 1869 (see Ruperts Land), the Plains Indigenous peoples of present-day central Saskatchewan, including the Cree, Ojibweand Assiniboine, became concerned about the federal governments intentions with this land and with the Indigenous peoples who lived on it. Federal trial and appellate courts . [18] Chiefs within Cree society were chosen by the consent of the band. Four days later, Morris met with the Duck Lake band. 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. Jill St. Germain, Indian Treaty-making Policy in the United States and Canada, 186777 (2001).
