The Chiefs hired Peter Erasmus, a Mtis, to interpret for them during the proceedings and his role became integral to both sides. Limits on the Treaty Power Harvard Law Review. Schools were to be established on reserves. 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. In another significant difference from Treaty 6, Treaty 7 states that the Crown would pay for teachers salaries instead of the maintenance of school buildings. 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. The treaty negotiations took days to complete at Fort Carlton. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Website Development Studio, Web Design by M.R. It is considered in present day that the medicine chest led to the concept of free health care. On 23 August, the chiefs and commissioners negotiated the terms of the treaty. [21], Sweet Grass often worked closely with the fellow Cree chief Big Bear. 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. Big Bear held out on signing an adhesion until 1882. . Like the earlier agreements this treaty called on the natives to surrender their aboriginal title to the lands they inhabited In return they were promised reserves education and farming supplies and the right to hunt trap and fish as well as annual cash payments. Amendments to the Indian Act in 1985 re-established Indian status to over 750 members of the band. 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. That is all.. Sweetgrass First Nation -- Web Design by M.R. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and Treaty 7? 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. per family of five. In the face of survival, the Cree started to assemble and meet with one another to discuss their approach to the government. Currently the band controls 20,354.6 ha of land, the largest block of which is located 26 km west ofNORTH BATTLEFORD. Treaties are the law of the land in the relationship between First Nations and the rest of Canada. 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. [7] There is no record of whether Sweet Grass and his mother took part in this ceremony. Medals, flags, and uniforms were presented as well as treaty payments. The treaty boundaries extend across central portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. + - This map is a work in progress. Make provision for us against years of starvation. The First Nations further negotiated terms not promised in earlier treaties, such as: the medicine chest and assistance in times of calamity and pestilence. Both of these issues became an extremely important topic discussed in treaty negotiations which Sweet Grass was heavily involved in. Harold Cardinal and Walter Hildebrand, Treaty Elders of Saskatchewan: Our Dream is that Our Peoples Will One Day Be Clearly Recognized As Nations (2000). 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. It remained to be seen whether it was a bad omen. Michael Asch, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada (2011). They wanted assurance of their spiritual and physical survival (Price 20). 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. [24] In 1870, there were hundreds of thousands, which provided an immense amount of resources for the Cree to a point where they were able to only take the choice parts of the Buffalo. 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. What was the outcome of Chief Sweetgrass signing Treaty 6? The great peace of Montreal was between: New France and indigenous groups of central and Eastern North America. These included rights that indigenous people could hunt and fish and had provisions on their land. You comment will be forwarded to the editor of this page. Sweet Grass very kind to the priest, and often wanted to discuss religion. Sweetgrass is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. "Big Bear, Ahtahkakoop, and Mistawasis were the most vocal leaders to stop the developments on their lands. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. [26] 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.. In another instance, Sweet Grass had invited the Blackfoot into his camp in an attempt to begin a long-standing peace with them. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? Eventually the Cree and Blackfoot negotiated peace and access to the Cypress hills." Death. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. Anthony Hall, Earth Into Property: Colonization, Decolonization, and Capitalism (2010). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The signing of Treaty 6 was not the only reason for conflict between the Cree and other prominent Indigenous tribes in the region. Different tribes of the Cree held their own stories and traditions passed down orally through the generations. [15] This figure held no real identity and did not appear to anyone in visions or contact. [38] The language used to refer to indigenous people who elected to not settle on reserves also did not help ease tensions. Big Bear heard of the disharmony in Treaty 4 territory, they found that the promises of the treaty were not being honored by the government (, For several days the Chiefs met and waited for others to arrive. Using this discontent, Chief Wandering Spirit gathered support and began to purses more aggressive policies towards settlers. At the time when Sweet Grass was Chief, The Canadian government had pictured what the Indigenous communities were and never changed them. [2] Due to this, Sweet Grass was not Cree and was Crow. By 1870 Canada was made up of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This is our land, not a piece of pemmican to be cut off and given in little pieces. In 1870 Sweetgrass allowed himself to be baptized and was given the name Abraham.[28]. In the west, Ruperts land was owned by the Hudsons Bay Company and the North West Territories was owned by the British Crown. Trending. Edmonton was founded in Treaty No 6 territory and Treaty No 6 Recognition Day recognizes Edmonton's connection with the First peoples of this land. It is ours and we will take what we want.. Why is there no mention as an important key change the Accou. 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. What was the outcome of Chief Sweet Grass signing treaties six? One of the requests that Sweet Grass made to the government was to teach the Cree better farming techniques. Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Website Design by M.R. Erasmus and the other two translators translated to the people the terms of the treaty one more time. Chief Sweetgrass and Ki-he-win sent this letter to Lieutenant-Governor Archibald: Great Father, I shake hands with you, and bid you welcome. A representative from Chief Beardys group suggested they rent the land while others suggested they refuse the Treaty altogether. This was met with approval from the people. 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). Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. What were the main terms of Treaty 6? 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. 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. 6 between the Plains, Wood Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, and Dene people and the Crown at Fort Carlton on August 23, 1876. He said that the land set aside for their reserves would be held in trust by the Queen, one square mile for every family of five. Poundmaker, a Councilor from Red Pheasants band, stood up and protested, This is our land, not a piece of pemmican to be cut off and given in little pieces. Other Nations held them in fear(Stonechild and Waiser 5). Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on . He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass); he was unable to hold the band together, which began to splinter. All nations kept the rights to use the land for hunting. A picture of Sweet Grass is in the archives of the Glenbow Museum. Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. John A. Macdonald had to protect the west from American expansion after they bought Alaska in 1867 (Natural Resources Canada). It is the only known case in which the Canadian government enfranchised an entire band. State delegations met for the Constitutional Convention in 1787. [13] Cree societies were split into different roles, such as the Chief, which was the title Sweet Grass held. He also agreed to give agricultural implements. Not all Plains Cree would sign the treaty at first, and many would become disillusioned after signing. (Stonechild and Waiser 26) Living Sky School Division 509 Pioneer Avenue North Battleford, SK S9A 4A5 Canada office@lskysd.ca 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 . (Stonechild and Waiser 26), Mista Muskwa (Big Bear) monument on the Poundmaker Cree NationPhoto Credit: Deanne Kasokeo. Buffalo hunting and fur trading were a vital part of Cree survival. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and Treaty 7? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Chief Sweetgrass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians but was killed about six months later. The Cree made it clear that they would not tolerate any trespassers on their lands. The ceremony ended with dancing, drums, and singing of the men and women in the background (. Treaties were signed with First Nations in Canada between 1871 and 1921. 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). [7] The Shaman's decision would be based on a character or incident that they saw in their vision. 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. In August 1876, among the first to arrive at Fort Carlton were Chiefs Ahatahkakoop, Mistawasis and their followers (, Gov. [14], Cree religion believed in a single powerful creator which they based their ideology and ceremonies on. The pipe stem was presented to the Governor and Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem. In Canada, Aboriginal title describes the rights of Indigenous peoples to land based on long-standing land use and occupancy. [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 rest of the Cree assembled there three days later. 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. 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). Sweet Grass understood the sacrifices that needed to be made for the bettering of the band. They were unaware of the negotiations at Fort Carlton and thought they would not be coming for another month or so. . Who negotiated Treaty 6? On 9 September, Weekaskookwasayin addressed the people, arguing that the treaty terms would help preserve and protect their livelihood. [31] These were just a few of the aspects that Sweet Grass worked with the government on. 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. Those who did began to move onto the reserve land and being affected by the agreements made in the treaty. Young men would attach themselves to a hunter or warrior that they admired and followed or shadowed them in performing tasks. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (Dodson 14). Throughout the 19th century, it appeared as though the federal government of Canada, situated in Ottawa, worked very hard to increase the dependency that aboriginal people had on it. 6 First Nations. [32] 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. This would lead high mortality rates within the community. [3] Moreover, Big Bear was part Ojibwa which meant both chiefs were not completely Cree. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. There were many subsequent adhesions to the treaty by . Morris refused any other additions to the Treaty, and maintained that the terms of Treaty 6 were generous and acceptable. A chief needed to be an active leader both in peace and war. Christie, the officer in charge of the Hudsons Bay Company for the Saskatchewan District. [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. So they were not present during the negotiations. [41] Some of the Plains Cree simply could not accept peace with the Blackfoot. [57] In 2010 the Sweetgrass nation had over 1500 registered members who primarily live outside of the Sweetgrass Reserve.[55]. 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. 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. Interpreter, Peter Erasmus, now employed with the government and travelling with the Treaty party translated the terms of the Treaty signed. 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. [3] Sweet Grass and Big Bear had formed a war party for this exact purpose as stated previously. Sweet Grass himself killed a Blackfoot Chief who had been using a hollow tree as a shield by shooting through it and piercing his heart. (Ray, Miller, and Tough 143). 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. Even more important, the Chiefs felt that the Treaties would impose European values on the Cree. Mistahimaskwa was frustrated and surprised that the other chiefs had not waited for him to return before concluding the negotiations. The next day, well armed Peigans entered the battle and defeated the Cree, approximately 200-400 Crees died in the battle. 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. Sweet Grass or Wikaskokiseyin was born in a Cree Camp in the area near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. It does not store any personal data. Aboriginal has been an umbrella term used by Canadians and Canadian institutions for convenience. [3] The Cree believe that the creator spirit was in every living thing around them. The Constitution of the United States was drafted and ratified, and it came into force on March 4, 1789. How did Treaty 6 affect the First Nations? The disagreement on Treaty 6 stems from three major issues; language barriers, verbal agreements made during the negotiation, and the rights for chiefs to sign the agreement. [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. British Columbia joined confederation in 1871 and was promised a railway to connect them to eastern Canada. The City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations co-hosted the first Treaty No. Chief Sweet Grass (Weekaskookwasayin) signed Treaty 6 on September 9, 1876, with the Fort Pitt Indians, but was killed about six months later. The father of the child would ask Cree Shamans with spiritual powers to help with the naming process. 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. We Send these words by our Master Mr.Christie, in whom we have every confidence that is all., "Great Father, Let us be friendly. 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. As the treaty process never included women in the discussion it ignored an important cultural pressure. Morris reassured the First Nations that their way of life and survival would not be disturbed and guaranteed well into the future. As Europeans began to set up colonies in North America, missionaries went among the indigenous people to spread their religion. 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. As a well respected Cree leader during a time of strife, Sweet Grass attempted to lead his people as best as he could. What was the Indigenous perspective of treaty 6. agreement between sovereign nations. . 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). When they arrived at the council tent they hoisted the union jack - the flag of Britain. Indigenous people relinquishing titles and privileges to land. Mtis observer and translator, Peter Erasmus noted that Morris was shaken by the incident. 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. 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. Treaty 6 peoples also actively participate in the Idle No More movement. 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. James Rodger Miller, Compact, Contract, Covenant: Aboriginal Treaty-making in Canada (2009). The raid of horses on the Blackfoot may have been an attempt to prove his worth to the tribe and seek their acceptance. Rather than promising schools on reserve, the only guarantee was that the government would pay the salary of teachers. January 2020Sweetgrass First Nation is pleased to announce our updated website. 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. The Plains Cree were not always the victims of this conflict. Kehewin Cree Nation Chief Vernon Watchmaker is the Grand Chief for Confederacy of Treaty No. 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. 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. The fort was heavily stocked with provisions, which angered the staving Cree. Prime Minister John A. Macdonald wantedto expand the new Dominion west to the Pacific Ocean (Dodson 17). This treaty was called the Great Law of Peace of the People of the Longhouse and predates the year 1450. He was succeeded by his son, Apseenes (Young Sweet Grass). Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. The group would then move to capture Fort Pit. [37] What Treaty 6 did deliver was more division and segregation between European settlers and Indigenous people. 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 (Tobias 191). Treaty 6 was signed by Crown representatives and Cree, Assiniboine and Ojibwa leaders on 23 August 1876 at Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, and on 9 September 1876 at Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan. (Mtis fur trader and politician), as well as translators, assistants and NWMP escorts. 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. [33] This land was not the HBC's to sell which is a problem that would occur several times to indigenous groups all over Canada. What is the difference between Treaty 6 and 7? A messenger was sent for Sweetgrass, but it is unknown why Big Bear and Little Pine didnt receive the message. Born about 1825 to the Cree/Ojibwa Chief Black Powder, Big Bear assumed power while still a young man after demonstrating his spiritual power and leadership qualities. Issues arise from the mixed interpretations of the Treaty by both the Indigenous groups and the Government. [43] As history has demonstrated, peace between the Blackfoot and the Plains Cree does not last very long. With guns and horses acquired through trade they had driven the Blackfoot and Gros Ventres to the west and south, occupying the rich buffalo-hunting lands of the prairie parkland. Morris knew that he was offering more than the government would have wanted, but he felt it necessary to finalize the deal. (Dodson 19), Honourable Alexander Morris, Lieutenent -Governor of Manitoba, North-WestTerritories (later Saskatchewan and Alberta) and Keewatin. Once the amendments were made to the treaty text, negotiations came to a close. to the signing of a treaty had strong cultural and spiritual significance. This became one of many classic misinterpretations of the Treaty process as viewed in history. [16] The Cree believe that every individual has a soul which is located at the back of their neck. 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. The Indigenous leaders then held council for the rest of the day. As stated previously, part of what the Cree wanted to be reflected by the terms of Treaty 6 was an end to the factionalism that had pitted the younger members of the Cree community against the older Indigenous Leadership. 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. They believed that their people would suffer if they did not negotiate a treaty with the federal 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. 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. 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. 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. Big Bear was adamant in his request to the government to create laws to regulate the hunting of the buffalo. After explaining the treaty terms, the Duck Lake chiefs and headmen also signed the treaty. The pipe stem was presented to the Governor and Treaty Commissioners where they stroked the stem. According to the notes of the commissions secretary, M.G. 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.