During his life, Mistahi-maskwa (Big Bear) was one of the most important chiefs of the 19th century. He pushed for peace, and for the prosperity of his people. Despite this, he spent his last years imprisoned for treason. This is his story. 🧵 1/11 - ThreadSky

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social • 22 hours ago

During his life, Mistahi-maskwa (Big Bear) was one of the most important chiefs of the 19th century.
He pushed for peace, and for the prosperity of his people.
Despite this, he spent his last years imprisoned for treason.
This is his story.

🧵 1/11

Comments

thelaur.bsky.social•9 hours ago

All of the Liberal talk of reconciliation and respect for First Nations Treaty Rights was empty words. Bill C-5 received Royal Assent today. Drill Baby, Drill!!!! 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•22 hours ago

Mistahi-maskwa was born around 1825 near Jackfish Lake, Rupert's Land. He was the son of Muckitoo, a minor chief of 80 Cree people. As a child, Mistahi-maskwa was known for wandering the camp and socializing with people. When he was 13, he survived a smallpox outbreak.

🧵 2/11

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•22 hours ago

He often ventured out with his father. One day he was visited by a bear spirit. As a result of his vision, he received a power bundle, song and his name. The power bundle could only be opened in war or dance and was shaped like a bear paw.

🧵 3/11

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•22 hours ago

Upon the death of his father in 1864, Mistahi-maskwa became chief of 100 people.
On Oct. 25, 1870, he fought with the Cree against the Blackfoot at the Battle of Belly River in present-day Lethbridge. It was a terrible defeat for the Cree.

🧵 4/11

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•22 hours ago

During the 1870s, the First Nations of the Prairies were pressured to sign treaties with the Crown that ceded their territory. Mistahi-maskwa resisted signing as he did not believe the promises from the government would be kept.

🧵 5/11

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•22 hours ago

Mistahi-maskwa tried to warn other chiefs to no avail. Government officials like John McDougall attempted to discredit him and stated he was an outsider who had no say. This was not the case as Mistahi-maskwa was born on the prairies.

🧵 6/11

cdnhistoryehx.bsky.social•22 hours ago

Mistahi-maskwa was finally forced to sign the treaty in 1882 as his people were starving and needed rations.
For years he resisted settling on a reserve until the government forced him to when they cut off rations to his people.

🧵 7/11

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply