Big Bear facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Big Bear (Mistahimaskwa)
Cree headman
Chief Mistahi-maskwa, 1885
Born	c. 1825 Jackfish Lake
Died	17 January 1888 Poundmaker Indian Reserve, Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Canada
Father	Black Powder
Mother	Delaney

Big Bear, also known as Mistahi-maskwa (Cree: ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃᒪᐢᑿ), was a powerful and respected Cree chief. He was born around 1825 and passed away on January 17, 1888. Big Bear played a very important role in Canadian history.

He became chief of his group at age 40, following his father, Black Powder. Big Bear is well-known for his part in Treaty 6 and the 1885 North-West Rebellion. He was one of the few chiefs who did not want to sign the treaty with the Canadian government. He worried that signing the treaty would harm his people and other Indigenous nations. This included losing their free, nomadic way of life. Big Bear also took part in one of the last major battles between the Cree and the Blackfoot nations.

Early Life of Big Bear

Big Bear (Mistahi-maskwa) was born in 1825 near Jackfish Lake, Saskatchewan. His father, Black Powder, was a minor chief of a group of about 80 Plains Cree-Saulteaux people. They were known as "true nomadic hunters."

When Big Bear was young, he spent time with many people in his camp. In 1837, a serious illness called smallpox affected his community. Many people became sick, and the Cree had to leave the plains quickly. Big Bear caught the virus but, after two months, he got better. The illness did leave some marks on his face.

After recovering, Big Bear spent a lot of time with his father. They went on a special journey to Bull's Forehead Hill. There, they spent time thinking and offering prayers to their gods and spirits.

During this time, Big Bear had visions of many spirits. The bear spirit was the most important to him. The Cree people saw the Bear Spirit as very powerful. Because of this vision, Big Bear received his special power bundle, a song, and his name.

His power bundle held a fur necklace shaped like a bear paw. It was only opened for war or special dances. People believed that wearing the necklace made him strong and safe. This necklace gave him his nickname, "Maskwa" (bear), and "Mistahi" (big). So, he became "Big Bear."

Big Bear had several wives during his life. He had at least four sons who carried on his name. One of his sons, Āyimis§s (Little Bear), helped start the Montana First Nation reserve in Alberta.

Big Bear's Leadership

Before becoming a great leader, Big Bear was a skilled warrior. He led warriors under his father's command on missions. He described these as "haunting the Blackfoot." When his father, Black Powder, died in 1864, Big Bear's group had over 100 members. They needed a new chief. Big Bear, at 40 years old, was the clear choice.

People described Big Bear as an "independent spirit." He did not like being told what to do by outsiders. The Plains Cree chose and followed him because of his traditional ways and wisdom.

For many years, Big Bear and his group focused on traditional activities like hunting and warfare. But by the 1870s, things began to change. Police arrived, treaties were being discussed, and the buffalo, which was their main food source, started to disappear.

In the winter of 1878 to 1879, the buffalo herds did not come north. This was a very difficult time for the plains peoples.

Changes on the Plains

From the mid-1870s to the late 1800s, the Indigenous people of the Western Plains faced huge changes. Canada wanted to use the land for European settlers. The government offered treaties to gain rights to the land. They said all Indigenous groups could sign and get benefits.

However, many Indigenous people felt pressured to sign. This was because of big changes happening around them. The biggest problem was the disappearance of the bison, which caused a widespread famine. This meant there was not enough food for everyone.

The bison disappeared partly because white settlers hunted too many for the fur trade. The Canadian government tried to protect the bison, but it was too late. Without the bison, Indigenous people could no longer be self-sufficient. They needed help to survive.

The Canadian government offered help, but only if they signed the numbered treaties. This would change their culture and way of life forever. Big Bear tried to avoid signing the treaty. He hoped to get better terms for his people. But by the mid-1880s, his people were starving. The small amounts of food given by the government were not enough.

Big Bear finally had to sign Treaty 6 on December 8, 1882. He did this to save his people from hunger and sickness. The government would not help them otherwise. These difficult times led to the deaths of many Indigenous leaders. This meant tribes lost their history, which was taught by elders, and their leaders.

Battles with Other Nations

As a Plains Cree man, Big Bear was expected to be a skilled hunter and warrior. He was known as a strong warrior and often helped defend his community. To gain respect, a Cree man would take part in raids against enemy tribes. This meant taking horses, land, and food. Big Bear's main job was to hunt and provide for his family, but he also joined attacks against Cree enemies.

The Battle of the Belly River was one of the largest battles the Cree were involved in. It happened in October 1870. Big Bear and his group took part in an attack between the Plains Cree and their enemies, the Blackfoot tribe. This battle took place near present-day Lethbridge, Alberta.

This was the largest Indigenous battle fought on the Canadian Plains. The Blackfoot lost about 40 warriors, while the Cree lost between 200 and 300. This was the last major battle between First Nations. In the years after this battle, more white settlers arrived, along with police and government presence. The buffalo also continued to disappear.

Treaty 6 Discussions

By the early 1870s, Big Bear and his group were doing well. But it became clear that things would not stay the same. Sickness began to affect his people, and fewer buffalo threatened their food and way of life. This worried Big Bear as a father and a chief. He knew he had to do something.

On August 14, 1874, the Hudson's Bay Company visited Big Bear and his people. This was unusual because they had to travel seven days from their nearest trading post. They arrived with four wagons full of supplies.

Factor William McKay, an old friend of Big Bear, came along. He warned Big Bear about the North-West Mounted Police coming to the area. McKay said the police were there to keep the west Canadian and to protect Indigenous interests. At the end of the visit, McKay and the Hudson's Bay Company gave gifts to Big Bear's people. Some people were hesitant. They saw the gifts and the police as a way to encourage them to start the treaty process with Canada.

Big Bear began talking with the Canadian government in the 1870s to work out a treaty. Big Bear did not like the idea of living on a reserve. He feared losing his freedom and identity as a hunter. But he knew that as food became scarce, signing a treaty was the best way to avoid starvation.

By 1876, all major Plains Cree chiefs had signed Treaty 6 except for Big Bear. He delayed signing because he believed the Canadian government would break the treaty promises. Big Bear said, "We want none of the Queen's presents: When we set a fox trap we scatter pieces of meat all around but when the fox gets into the trap we knock him on the head. We want no baits. Let your chiefs come like men and talk to us." Big Bear strongly believed the government was only telling them what they wanted to hear. This made him resist signing and try to get better terms for Treaty 6.

Big Bear tried many times to warn others not to sign Treaty 6. He rode on horseback to each lodge, telling people not to give up their land because it was rich in resources. He also spoke out publicly at Fort Carleton and Fort Pitt, where the treaty was being signed. Big Bear understood how important it was to get the best terms for this treaty, as it would affect future generations. He also questioned the new ways of thinking that came with these treaties.

Some people tried to make Big Bear look bad for trying to change Treaty 6. John McDougall claimed Big Bear was an outsider and did not deserve the respect he had. This was not true. Big Bear was Cree, and his father was Saulteaux. He was a leader of a group that had parts of both cultures.

Big Bear resisted signing for as long as he could. But he finally had to sign Treaty 6 in 1882. He felt he had no other choice. Big Bear believed the other chiefs had betrayed him by signing the treaty after all his warnings. His hope of getting a better treaty for his people was gone.

The North-West Rebellion

The North-West Rebellion was a five-month uprising in 1885 against the Canadian government. It was mainly fought by the Métis people and their First Nations allies. They were worried about the fast changes happening in the West. This conflict led to Canadian law being enforced more strongly and changes for the Plains Indigenous Peoples.

Big Bear wanted a better deal from the Canadian government for Treaty 6. By the late 1870s, the Plains Indigenous nations were facing starvation because the bison herds were disappearing. In 1880, Big Bear and Crowfoot formed a group to try and solve their people's problems. In 1885, the Canadian government stopped giving out food to try and force Big Bear to settle on a reserve. He was still against moving his people there.

Big Bear's son, Little Bad Man, and Chief Wandering Spirit led a group camped near Frog Lake. They believed they could take action themselves. This was after hearing that the Métis had defeated the North-West Mounted Police at Duck Lake on March 26, 1885.

On April 1, 1885, some Métis and non-Métis settlers were taken as prisoners. The next day, Wandering Spirit killed a government agent who had refused to give his people food. Big Bear tried to stop the violence, but the warriors went on to kill nine more men. This event became known as the Frog Lake Massacre. When news spread, the Canadian government held Big Bear responsible, even though he had lost control of his group at that point.

Big Bear's Later Life and Trial

Big Bear had avoided signing Treaty 6 for four years. With food running out and his people facing starvation, he was forced to sign. After signing, Big Bear and his people could not decide where their reserve would be. They did not want to live on a reserve, but they needed to choose a location to receive food from the government. During the first winter after signing, Big Bear and his people did not get any food because they had not chosen a reserve.

In 1884, Big Bear met Henry Ross Halpin, a clerk from the Hudson's Bay Company, in Frog Lake. They soon became friends. By 1885, Big Bear had chosen a reserve. Because Big Bear was slow to choose a reserve, he began to lose some influence over his people. Chief Wandering Spirit gained more authority among the Cree.

When the Métis started the North-West Rebellion of 1885 under Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont, Big Bear and his supporters played a small part. Big Bear's son, Little Bear, joined Chief Wandering Spirit to go to Frog Lake. Big Bear surrendered to the Mounted Police on July 2, 1885, at Fort Carlton.

Big Bear had tried to solve problems between his people and the Canadian government peacefully. Many people thought Big Bear would be found innocent. He had tried to stop the violence at Frog Lake and protect those who were taken prisoner. Henry Ross Halpin testified at the trial, saying Big Bear was as much a prisoner as he had been.

At the time of the trial, Big Bear was 60 years old. The trial was confusing for him because it was in English and had to be translated into Cree. Much of the evidence showed that Big Bear had not taken part in the killings at Frog Lake or the taking of prisoners at Fort Pitt. However, Big Bear was found responsible for actions against the government by Judge Hugh Richardson. He was sentenced to three years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba. He became a Christian during his time there.

Death of Big Bear

While in prison, Big Bear became ill. He was released in February 1887, after serving about half of his sentence. He lived on the Little Pine reserve until his health failed. Big Bear passed away on January 17, 1888, at 62 years of age.

Big Bear's Legacy

Long after his death, Big Bear is still remembered today. Many people see him as a powerful Cree Chief. He spoke up for Indigenous rights and fought against unfairness from the Canadian government. The Cree people followed him because of his wisdom. He tried to resist changes using ideas and words, not violence.

Some believe Big Bear should be honored as part of the ongoing process of healing and understanding with Indigenous people in Canada. They say he deserves public recognition for all he stood up for as Chief.

There is also discussion about clearing the names of chiefs like Big Bear, Poundmaker, and One Arrow. They were found responsible for actions against the government. It has been said that these findings were unfair. Some believe the government wanted to silence First Nations leaders who were pushing for treaties to be honored.

In popular culture

• In the miniseries Big Bear (1998), directed by Gil Cardinal, Big Bear is played by Gordon Tootoosis.

Images for kids

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  Big Bear trading at Fort Pitt in 1884 (from left to right) Four Sky Thunder, Sky Bird, Matoose, Napasis, Big Bear, Angus McKay, Otto Dufresne, Louis Goulet, Stanley Simpson, Mr. Rowley, Alex McDonald, Captain R. B. Sletch, Mr. Edmund, and Henry Dufrain.

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  A letter from General Middleton to Big Bear, urging him to surrender

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  Survivor of the Frog Lake Massacre William Bleasdell Cameron with Horse Child, the 12-year-old son of Big Bear. They were photographed together in Regina in 1885 during the trial of Big Bear. Cameron testified in Big Bear's defence.

See also

In Spanish: Big Bear para niños