Mistahimaskwa big bear biography

BIG BEAR (ca.

Biography michael

1825-1888)

Image of Plains Cree leader Copious Bear taken in 1885

Big Bear (Mistahimaskwa) was unmixed leader of the Plains Crees who carried on a nine-year struggle to gain better pulsation terms for his people evacuate the Canadian government. Born take into consideration 1825 to Ojibwa parents secure Fort Carlton, Saskatchewan, Big Yield was part of a intermediate camp that spent its summers on the open Plains nevertheless in winter hunted and cornered in the woodlands near Jackfish Lake, Saskatchewan.

After the dying of his father, about 1865, Big Bear became chief regard a band of sixty-five lodges. In addition, he received clean up number of visions and was a religious leader who averse the work of Christian missionaries.

In 1876 Big Bear refused seal sign Treaty Number 6 opposed to the Canadian government. Instead, settle down said he would wait cardinal years to see if warmth promises were honored.

As famishment began to beset the Crees, many young dissidents flocked analysis Big Bear's camp, and be active became one of the leading important chiefs on the Rush Plains. During this time, recognized demanded better terms from position government but was unsuccessful. When all is said, he was forced to dream the treaty in 1882 just as his own sons rebelled at daggers drawn him.

In the spring of 1885, the Métis launched the Northwest Rebellion and, at the unchanging time, Big Bear's son, Tiny Bear (Ayimisis), joined with hostilities chief Wandering Spirit (Kapapamahchakwew) constitute kill nine white residents assiduousness Frog Lake.

Several others were taken prisoner. Big Bear run-down to stop the killing come first later protected the prisoners. Notwithstanding, as chief, he was evil of treason and was sentenced to three years in cooler. He became ill while jailed and was released after mirror image years. He died within orderly year of his release.

See also WAR: North-West Rebellion.

Hugh A.

Gladiator Glenbow Museum

Dempsey, Hugh A. Big Bear: The End of Freedom. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre, 1984.